This collectible edition of "The Art of War" presents Sun Tzu's timeless instructions regarding military strategy and managing conflict in two complete versions.
A modern introduction, tracing the origins of "The Art of War" and its historical and cultural importance, firmly grounds the reader in the context with which this oldest of military treatises has survived the ages, as well as contemporary examples of its continued use.The first part contains "The Art of War" in English, without notes or commentary. This allows the reader to understand the teachings of Sun Tzu, without the distraction of footnotes or excessive comments. This newly revised translation is succinct and very easy to read.
The second part contains the complete annotated translation by Lionel Giles, along with his definitive critical commentary and supplemental information from a broad range of sources. Written during the Victorian era, Giles' 1910 "Introduction" has also been included, containing the legend of Sun Tzu and The Army of Concubines.
Although written in the 6th century BCE, the teachings of Sun Tzu are still found today in the martial arts, legal doctrine, military schools, management seminars and pervasively throughout popular culture.
Book Reviews :
A True Collectible Edition, Not A Cheap Pocket Book by Paul Hasely
This is the third different edition of The Art of War I have purchased on Amazon. They say the third time is the charm, and in this case, I can't argue with that. The first volume I purchased was the cheap $3.99 version. They also say you get what you pay for. The book was so small, it could fit in my front pocket. The paper was so thin that if you exhale, it might shred. Needless to say, I returned it immediately.
The second book I purchased was the 6.99 edition. This was slightly better, but I found I could not concentrate on the teachings of Sun Tzu, because of the way the translation was presented. Additionally, the book also looked kind of cheap. I wasn't sure I wanted to have it in my library, even if I could get past the questionable presentation of the teachings of Sun Tzu. So, after a few days I returned the $6.99 edition to Amazon.
Upon receiving this edition, I knew immediately that it was more of what I was looking to have, both to read and to add to my library. It's a full-size paperback, not a teeny tiny stocking stuffer. The introduction was very modern, unlike the other 2 books, and it traced the impact this book has had over the centuries. It also contains 2 version of The Art of War, with and without footnotes, making it easy to pick how deep you want to go into the subject matter. I would definitely recommend shelling out a few extra bucks for something you can be proud to have in your library.
One of the most important military books in history by Michael Neulander
The Warring States period Warring States Period 475-221 BCE is a history of constant warfare, of alliances and counter-alliances, and of treaties made and broken. The nature of warfare evolved during the period. During the Warring States period, political stability was impossible to gain by adventurous military action. With the advent of swelling ranks of soldiers, protracted sieges, and an ever increasing drain on state treasuries, warfare became a serious matter for study.
Thus, the opening remark of "The Art Of War" states--without exaggeration--war had become the most serious business of the state, the key to survival or ruin. The author of this and other pithy aphorisms on how to successfully fight a war was Sun Tzu. Sun Tzu scholars place his writing "The Art of War" in the Warring States Period, based on the descriptions of warfare in the text. The book has received great exposure in the west starting in the eighteenth century after being translated by a French missionary. It has been reported that Napoleon studied the text and effectively put many of its teachings to good use. For the past 2,000 years, it has been the most important military treatise in all of Asia, even known by name with the common people. Chinese, Japanese, Korean, and Vietnamese military figures have studied it and employed its concepts to good effect. This is especially evident in the military tactics of 20th century revolutionaries like Mao Zedong and Ho Chi Minh.
The book is comprised of 13 chapters. The thesis of Sun's work is one should employ an army after a thorough analysis mandated by careful planning and the formulation of an overall strategy before embarking on a campaign. Sun emphasizes rational self-control, influenced by Daoist teachings throughout the book.
Chap 1-Laying Plans
18. All warfare is based on deception. 19. Hence, when able to attack, we must seem unable; when using our forces, we must seem inactive; when we are near, we must make the enemy believe we are far away; when far away, we must make him believe we are near.
Chap 6-Weak Points And Strong
8. Hence that general is skillful in attack whose opponent does not know what to defend; and he is skillful in defense whose opponent does not know what to attack.
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