Product Description

The ancient Chinese general Sun Tzu is universally recognized as the greatest military strategist in history, a master of warfare interpretation. This condensed version of his influential classic imparts the knowledge and skills to overcome every adversary in war, at the office, or in everyday life.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #92434 in Books
• Published on: 2003-06-27
• Original language: Mandarin Chinese
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Hardcover
• 128 pages

About the Author
A Chinese general in the middle of the first millenium BC, Sun Tzu wrote a series of essays comprising the first-known treatise on war and how to fight it. Europeans first heard about his writing and ideas just before the French Revolution in 1789 through a translation by Father J J M Amiot.

Customer Reviews

How to translate a legend
A student of Japanese culture, I have read several interpretations of the writings of Sun Tzu's art of war. This edition stands out from the rest, combining clarity with the beautifully crafted works of a genius. Divided into chapters detailing the different aspects of leadership, the book provides a translation of the original texts, and then provides a commentary explaining the meanings and interpretations of the source material.
The translation provides a vast range of philosophical material, much of which can still be applied today in business, politics, and living in general. The commentary does a good job of retaining the authenticity of the original wording, clearing up any complicated issues or wording used in the translation.
The book brings out the simple yet vital fundamentals of war, command, leadership, organisation, military tactics, discipline, along with a whole host of other elements any leader will find invaluable. A modern take on a legendary work.

interesting...
I am on a business and management course at university and have read many books on management and business (I mean alot). I bought this book based on its status as a book that has achieved mythological status in todays world and, wanted to see what the fuss was about.

And to be honest I was very interested by many of the things that are said. Having read as many business and management books as I have I can say that this book is higly relevant to todays modern management systems. Many of his lines sum up whole chapters of books I have read.

The difficulty is in finding where it fits, Ive read it through twice now and have discovered many more points that are still very valid and applicable in todays world.

One of the more obvious ones is: One of the five factors from which victory can be known, 'One whos upper and lower ranks have the same desires will be victorious'. This is a very brief way of speaking on a term some might know as 'Shared Vision', Senge anyone?

This is just the most obvious and there are many more take my word for it you have to be able to read between the lines though and understand some of what he says in a modern day context, as with other reviewers there are parts of it such as terrain tactics which may not be of use. The overall book however has many valid points and i'd recommend it to anyone, the business professional or just someone interested in the book for itself.

6 stars
Perhaps without meaning it, Tzu Sun not only wrote on warfare itself, but on survival and success in any human activity involving competition. Not an easy one in my opinion, but nevertheless a book worth reading once and then worth returning to it. Whatever your activity is, The Art Of War promises to be an enlighting book. A businesss indispensible.