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The Art of War Paperback – Bargain Price, February 11, 1994
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The definitive translation of Sun-tzu's timeless classic of military strategy, Art of War
Sun-tzu's Art of War is almost certainly the most famous study of strategy ever written. This treatise has been credited with influencing some of the most legendary military operations. Beyond the battlefield, people far and wide have long turned to Art of War for advice on how to succeed in various competitive situations, and companies around the world now make this book required reading for their executives.
In this translation, Chinese warfare scholar Ralph D. Sawyer places Art of War in its proper historical context, outlining several battles that Sun-tzu either conducted or that may have influenced him, and offers an edition that is uniquely accurate and accessible.
- Print length384 pages
- LanguageEnglish
- PublisherBasic Books
- Publication dateFebruary 11, 1994
- Grade level11 and up
- Reading age13 years and up
- Dimensions5.38 x 0.94 x 8.25 inches
- ISBN-10081331951X
- ISBN-13978-0813319513
- Lexile measure1550L
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Treat the captured soldiers well in order to nurture them [for our use]. This is referred to as ‘conquering the enemy and growing stronger.’Highlighted by 200 Kindle readers
No country has ever profited from protracted warfare.27 Those who do not thoroughly comprehend the dangers inherent in employing the army are incapable of truly knowing the potential advantages of military actions.Highlighted by 168 Kindle readers
From the Publisher
Editorial Reviews
From Publishers Weekly
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Review
―Robert L. O'Connell, author of Fierce Patriot
"I am convinced that this translation...will prove to be the definitive edition for many years to come."
―Robin D.S. Yates, McGill University
"Fills a serious gap for anyone interested in the history of ancient warfare...a fascinating book."―Arther Ferrill, author of The Origins of War
About the Author
Product details
- Publisher : Basic Books; Copyright 1994 edition (February 11, 1994)
- Language : English
- Paperback : 384 pages
- ISBN-10 : 081331951X
- ISBN-13 : 978-0813319513
- Reading age : 13 years and up
- Lexile measure : 1550L
- Grade level : 11 and up
- Item Weight : 2.31 pounds
- Dimensions : 5.38 x 0.94 x 8.25 inches
- Best Sellers Rank: #29,688 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #9 in Strategy & Competition
- #46 in Military Strategy History (Books)
- #85 in Crime & Criminal Biographies
- Customer Reviews:
About the authors

Sun Tzu is thought to have been a military general and adviser to the king of the southern Chinese state of Wu during the sixth century BCE. Although some modern scholars have called his authorship into doubt, the world's most influential and enduring treatise on military strategy, The Art of War, bears his name.
Sun Tzu fue un general, estratega militar y filósofo de la antigua China. El nombre por el que lo conocemos es en realidad un título honorífico que significa «Maestro Sun». Su nombre de nacimiento era Sun Wu y fuera de su familia era conocido por su nombre de cortesía, Changqing. Tradicionalmente se le considera el autor de El arte de la guerra, un influyente tratado sobre estrategia militar. Sun Tzu ha tenido un impacto significativo en la historia y culturas china y asiática, tanto por escribir El arte de la guerra como por ser una figura histórica legendaria.
Históricamente se le sitúa en el período de las Primaveras y Otoños de China (722-481 a. C.) como general militar al servicio del rey Helü de Wu, que vivió c. 544-496 a. C. Los estudiosos modernos aceptan su lugar histórico al situar la creación de El arte de la guerra en el período de los Reinos Combatientes (476-221 a. C.) con base en las descripciones militares del texto y a la similitud de su prosa con la de otros trabajos creados a comienzos de la etapa de los Reinos Combatientes.
La Editorial Alvi Books le dedicó, como tributo y reconocimiento, este espacio en Amazon en 2017.

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Learn more how customers reviews work on AmazonCustomers say
Customers find the book interesting and educational. They appreciate the insightful and applicable lessons it provides about history and Asian culture. The translated text is easy to understand and well-translated. Readers find the information useful for strategic knowledge and tactical employment. Overall, they describe the book as an excellent resource for strategy and life lessons.
AI-generated from the text of customer reviews
Customers find the book engaging and educational. They say it's a great read for anyone interested in military history, leadership, or management. The book provides valuable insights and is considered a classic on the art of war.
"Good book" Read more
"...Good choice for anyone even if you are not into management that much." Read more
"Great book especially for the price however quality can use improvement" Read more
"The Art of War is by far THE best strategy book ever written. We live by religion. We calculate by math. We fight by The Art of War...." Read more
Customers find the book insightful and useful for those interested in history and Asian culture. They appreciate the valuable information about The Art of War and its development. The additional background provides a good context and is considered a useful tool in strategy education and tactical employment.
"...The rest of the book contains historical background information, introductions, and extensive notes...." Read more
"...This is an informed study and translation of the text. If you are looking for the short version, look elsewhere." Read more
"...It worked. It’s insightful, and has lessons applicable to real life. The whole translation section is lengthy for no good reason, but gives good story" Read more
"...Well this 74 yr old went into history heaven. I learned so much about Ancient China, it's dynesties, social culture,customs,inventions,art and much..." Read more
Customers find the translation interesting and easy to read. They appreciate the detailed explanations, introductions, and extensive notes. The book is comprehensive, but printed in a small font.
"...This is an informed study and translation of the text. If you are looking for the short version, look elsewhere." Read more
"...War. Business. Personal life. I say that this translation is decent because Ralph Sawyer's The Complete Art of War by Sun Tzu and Sun Pin..." Read more
"The part that's the actual text is amazing, and some of the additional background is informative...." Read more
"...On the other hand, Sawyer's text isn't particularly well written; the readability is only passable...." Read more
Customers find the book helpful for strategic knowledge and tactical employment. They say it's a required textbook for cybersecurity degrees, and a reference manual. The strategy applies to every interaction between one or more people in life, business, and tactical employment. Readers also mention it's great for planning neighborhood protection.
"...It is well worth the read. The strategy applies to every intrface between one or more people in life, business or warfare. Simply genius." Read more
"...useful tool in strategy education and tactical employment...." Read more
"...sure if every version of this book is like this, but the introduction is half the book. The author goes through and explains EVERY detail...." Read more
"Purchased this book for my husband. It is a required textbook for his cybersecurity degree. He states it is easy to read and is well organized." Read more
Customers find this book useful for learning about war strategies and life lessons. They say it's the real Art of War translated into English, providing a wealth of information.
"Happy with the used copy of Art of War :) Thank you!" Read more
"you do not have to be a militant man or a business man the Art of War is an excellent book that provides a wealth of information for those..." Read more
"This is the real Art of War book translated. Haven't had a chance to read it yet, as is just came in today...." Read more
"A elegant book for strategy and life lessons." Read more
Customers appreciate the book's sturdiness. They say it arrived in good condition and was delivered on time.
"Great condition!" Read more
"It arrived within the expected time and was in excellent condition as well as a great price; no more can be desired." Read more
"Perfect condition..." Read more
"Perfect condition. Fast ship..." Read more
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Top reviews from the United States
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- Reviewed in the United States on February 1, 2024My son asked for this book. It was so easy to purchase and have delivered in time for Christmas.
- Reviewed in the United States on January 14, 2024If you just want the basic version of the book, get a shorter less expensive version but if you want every comment and footnote possible to really understand this book, get this one.
- Reviewed in the United States on December 17, 2023Good book
- Reviewed in the United States on January 13, 2024Ralph Sawyer's book contains a tremendous amount of information about The Art of War. About 20% of the book is Sawyer's translation of Sun Tzu's theories (The Art of War). My quick take is that Sawyer's translation is excellent. The rest of the book contains historical background information, introductions, and extensive notes.
The translated text is interesting and easy to read (which is why I give Sawyer high marks for the translation. On the plus side, Sawyer provides a tremendous amount of detailed information. On the other hand, Sawyer's text isn't particularly well written; the readability is only passable.
More importantly, Sawyer deserves credit for the extensive notes (which contain an amazing amount of additional information) and a thorough bibliography.
- Reviewed in the United States on September 22, 2020Please look up the Sawyer version before buying so you know what to expect--I saw several bad reviews and complaints about the extra historical reference information included in this book, which was the reason I bought it. This is an informed study and translation of the text. If you are looking for the short version, look elsewhere.
- Reviewed in the United States on March 17, 2021Bought it to maybe learn how to play Warzone better, given the title and all. It worked. It’s insightful, and has lessons applicable to real life. The whole translation section is lengthy for no good reason, but gives good story
- Reviewed in the United States on September 13, 2012Fantastic fare for a history buff. I just happened to hear about this book through a management student. Checking it out on amazon I decided to get it because I like "history". Well this 74 yr old went into history heaven. I learned so much about Ancient China, it's dynesties, social culture,customs,inventions,art and much more. Spending hours on my pc looking up these things I learned a lot - never to late - and enjoyed myself even more. Sun Tzu also surprised me with sayings one can find in the Book of Proverbs ! Good choice for anyone even if you are not into management that much.
- Reviewed in the United States on February 1, 2023Take what helps you and leave the rest
Top reviews from other countries
Amazon CustomerReviewed in Canada on October 29, 20235.0 out of 5 stars Classic
A must read
Amazon CustomerReviewed in India on October 3, 20242.0 out of 5 stars Not suited for today's time ...
Not my cup of tea. Though good for those who want to study wars. Outdated. Cannot be totally dependent on these tactics in today's time...
Rafael FerreiraReviewed in Spain on November 14, 20215.0 out of 5 stars Liked it very much
Introduction is very detailed (almost too detailed) but once you get past that the book becomes very very interesting.
ChrisReviewed in the United Kingdom on January 17, 20205.0 out of 5 stars Historical and management
Great book, old but useful.
Bear NguReviewed in Australia on August 19, 20245.0 out of 5 stars "In the midst of chaos, there is opportunity"
"Victorious warriors win first and then go to war, while defeated warriors go to war first and then seek to win"












