Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #401701 in Books
• Published on: 2002-11-28
• Original language: Mandarin Chinese
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 96 pages

Synopsis
Widely regarded as "The Oldest Military Treatise in the World," this compact little book, written more than 2,500 years ago, today retains much of its original authoritative merit. American officers during World War II read it closely. The Japanese army studied the work for decades, and many twentieth-century Chinese officers are said to have known the book by heart. Maintaining that All warfare is based on deception" and that "in war...let your great object be victory, not lengthy campaigns," the author adds: "That general is skillful in attack whose opponent does not know what to defend; and he is skillful in defence whose opponent does not know what to attack." Principles of strategy, tactics, manoeuvring, communication, and supplies; the use of terrain, fire, and the seasons of the year; the classification and utilisation of spies; the treatment of soldiers, including captives, all have a modern ring to them. The author even provides rules for the "blitzkrieg," prefacing them with the words that "rapidity is the essence of war."

Still a valuable guide to the conduct of war, this volume will be indispensable to military students and of interest to all those fascinated by military history.

Customer Reviews

Timeless wisdom spoiled by lack lustre editorial commentary
I very much enjoyed Sun Tzu's timeless pearls of wisdom though I wouldn't agree that they are a panacea for all the ills of business and/or personal life. However, I was more disappointed with Cleary's editorial commentary of the translated text. I often found him simply reiterating the text, albeit in a more verbose and gramatically correct form. He seemed to presume ignorance on the part of the reader. Less Cleary more Sun Tzu.

EXCELLENCE OF SUN TZU - THE ART OF WAR
The art of war by Sun Tzu really is a book of excellence. This book forewarded by B.H. Liddell Hart really helps you to unterstand the chapters written by Sun Tzu, the well structured introduction gives examples of the chapters in action. Also, the comments of other legends given in the chapters are helpful, in that it gives a deep understanding of the words of Sun Tzu. The book is inspiring, the wise words of Sun Tzu implies to everyday situations, in that it enforces logical thinking of methods of solving everyday problems. This book is definatly one for purchase, to sharpen up your mind, or "sharpen your blades" as Sun Tzu states.

Compact but concise
The author did an amazing job of cramming the complete Art of War of General Sun-Tzu, in this little book. I have read several versions and have to say this book is worth the money and is defiantly worth a read. I especially enjoyed the section on the tar tars.

Final words, this book is really worth its money.