Chinese military strategy written during the sixth century BC by Sun Zi, and is considered to be one of the oldest definitive works on military strategies and tactics of its time.
The world's earliest military treatise covers principles of strategy, tactics, maneuvers, and other ever-relevant topics with applications to business, law, and sports. This gift edition features color illustrations of Asian art treasures.
The definitive translation of Sun-tzu's timeless classic of military strategy, Art of War Art of War is almost certainly the most famous study of strategy ever written and has had an extraordinary influence on the history of warfare. The principles Sun-tzu expounded were utilized brilliantly by such great Asian war leaders as Mao Tse-tung, Giap, and Yamamoto. First translated two hundred years ago by a French missionary, Sun-tzu's Art of War has been credited with influencing Napoleon, the German General Staff, and even the planning for Desert Storm. Many Japanese companies make this book required reading for their key executives. And increasingly, Western businesspeople and others are turning to the Art of War for inspiration and advice on how to succeed in competitive situations of all kinds. Unlike most editions of Sun-tzu currently available (many simply retreads of older, flawed translations), this superb translation makes use of the best available classical Chinese manuscripts, including the ancient "tomb text" version discovered by archaeologists at Linyi, China. Ralph Sawyer, an outstanding Western scholar of ancient Chinese warfare and a successful businessman in his own right, places this classic work of strategy in its proper historical context. Sawyer supplies a portrait of Sun-tzu's era and outlines several battles of the period that may have either influenced Sun-tzu or been conducted by him. While appreciative of the philosophical richness of the Art of War, this edition stresses Sun-tzu's practical origins and presents a translation that is both accurate and accessible.
The Art of War is almost certainly the most famous study of strategy ever written and has had an extraordinary influence on the history of warfare. The principles Sun-tzu expounded were utilized brilliantly by such great Asian war leaders as Mao Tse-tung.
Written in the 6th century BC, Sun Tzu’s The Art of War is still used as a book of military strategy today. Using a new translation by James Trapp, this bilingual edition of The Art of War lays the original Chinese text opposite the modern English translation.
Sun Tzŭ went on: When I say “Eyes front,” you must look straight ahead. When I say “Left turn,” you must face towards your left hand. When I say “Right turn,” you must face towards your right hand. When I say “About turn,” you must face right round towards the back. Again the girls assented. The words of command having been thus explained, he set up the halberds and battle-axes in order to begin the drill. Then, to the sound of drums, he gave the order “Right turn.” But the girls only burst out laughing. Sun Tzŭ said: If words of command are not clear and distinct, if orders are not thoroughly understood, then the general is to blame. So he started drilling them again, and this time gave the order “Left turn,” whereupon the girls once more burst into fits of laughter. Sun Tzŭ said: If words of command are not clear and distinct, if orders are not thoroughly understood, the general is to blame. But if his orders are clear, and the soldiers nevertheless disobey, then it is the fault of their officers. So saying, he ordered the leaders of the two companies to be beheaded. Now the King of Wu was watching the scene from the top of a raised pavilion; and when he saw that his favourite concubines were about to be executed, he was greatly alarmed and hurriedly sent down the following message: We are now quite satisfied as to our general’s ability to handle troops. If We are bereft of these two concubines, our meat and drink will lose their savour. It is our wish that they shall not be beheaded. Sun Tzŭ replied: Having once received His Majesty’s commission to be general of his forces, there are certain commands of His Majesty which, acting in that capacity, I am unable to accept. Accordingly, he had the two leaders beheaded, and straightway installed the pair next in order as leaders in their place. When this had been done, the drum was sounded for the drill once more; and the girls went through all the evolutions, turning to the right or to the left, marching ahead or wheeling back, kneeling or standing, with perfect accuracy and precision, not venturing to utter a sound. Then Sun Tzŭ sent a messenger to the King saying: Your soldiers, Sire, are now properly drilled and disciplined, and ready for Your Majesty’s inspection. They can be put to any use that their sovereign may desire; bid them go through fire and water, and they will not disobey. But the King replied: Let our general cease drilling and return to camp. As for us, We have no wish to come down and inspect the troops. Thereupon Sun Tzŭ said: The King is only fond of words, and cannot translate them into deeds. After that, Ho Lu saw that Sun Tzŭ was one who knew how to handle an army, and finally appointed him general. In the West, he defeated the Ch‘u State and forced his way into Ying, the capital; to the north, he put fear into the States of Ch‘i and Chin, and spread his fame abroad amongst the feudal princes. And Sun Tzŭ shared in the might of the King.
A stunning Penguin Classics Deluxe Edition of the world's most famous military treatise, by the award-winning translator of the Tao Te Ching and the I Ching For more than two thousand years, Sun-tzu's The Art of War has provided leaders with essential advice on battlefield tactics and management strategies. An elemental part of Chinese culture, it has also become a touchstone for the Western struggle for survival and success, whether in battle, in business, or in relationships. Now, in this crisp, accessible translation, eminent scholar John Minford brings this seminal work to life for today's readers. Capturing the literary quality of the work, Minford presents the core text in two formats: first, the unadorned ancient words of wisdom ascribed to Sun-tzu; then, the same text with extensive running commentary from the canon of traditional Chinese commentators. A lively, learned introduction and other valuable apparatus round out this authoritative volume. For more than seventy years, Penguin has been the leading publisher of classic literature in the English-speaking world. With more than 1,800 titles, Penguin Classics represents a global bookshelf of the best works throughout history and across genres and disciplines. Readers trust the series to provide authoritative texts enhanced by introductions and notes by distinguished scholars and contemporary authors, as well as up-to-date translations by award-winning translators.
This version of Sun Tzus the Art of War presents the complex and obscure original work in a multi-volume, user-friendly picture book form. While this version is more accessible, it still retains all the essential details and contents. the specific examples of battles used in this edition have been certified and chosen on the basis of historical facts, and in a way that conforms closely to the central ideas expressed in the Art of War.brSun Tzis the Art of War is Chinas oldest treatise extant on the principles of warfare. More than 2,500 years have passed since it was written, and yet with its comprehensiveness and depth of understanding in military philosophy, with its unique and intricate system of military theories, it has been the single most important book in assisting strategists of all kinds. Each page of this work consists of two half-page illustrations with detailed descriptions and captions, and each battle scenario is accompanied by troop movement maps.
This special edition presents this timeless classic in two forms. Section I contains the complete 13 chapters of Sun Tzu's masterpiece in Chinese together with the English translation of Lionel Giles without notes or commentary. Section II contains the complete translation by Lionel Giles including his extensive Introduction and the fully annotated text with explanatory notes and critical commentary.
The Art of War is the great classic in Chinese literature. It is studied by every high school student in China. The name in Chinese is It was studied and the advice followed by Chairman Mao. Ho Chi Minh translated the work for his Vietnamese officers to study. It is similar to and perhaps the inspiration for The Prince by Machiavelli. Because the United States military was defeated by generals who were reading this book, the Department of the Army has directed all units to maintain libraries within their respective headquarters for the continuing education of personnel in the art of war. Invading armies have often followed the principle of killing all the enemy men and capturing the women. The women are the spoils at war to be won in battle. The motivation for the men to kill other men is to get the women. However, the Art of War does not say that at all. It says that the most successful war is one in which the men of the enemy are turned and become your men. Nowhere in the Art of War is there any mention of the women or what happens to them, if captured.
The masterpiece of the sage Sun Tzu is a military treatise written in China more than 2500 years ago. He recognized that we live in a world of conflict, which could not be ignored or denied but had to be mastered and understood. Sun Tzu's profound wisdom is not limited to military applications - his aphorisms offer important advice for dealing with other realms of human conflict, such as the pyschological tensions of everyday life and the difficulties of any joint endeavour, including business ventures. Arranged into 13 chapters from Estimates to the Employment of Secret Agents, and enhanced by beautiful calligraphy, The Art of War is more relevant now than ever.
A collection of essential versions of the Art of War includes The Art of War, Mastering the Art of War, The Lost Art of War, and The Silver Sparrow Art of War, in a volume complemented by commentary by the author's successors. Reprint.
Guides and inspires readers to successfully navigate the dynamics of conflict in many areas of life, highlighting the core teachings of the Chinese treatise. Reissue.
Sun Tzu’s Art of War is the most famous, and the most thought-provoking, work of strategy ever written. The profound insights of this book have endured for over two thousand years, and they continue to reward careful study. The Military Methods of Sun Pin, the great-grandson of Sun Tzu, is a brilliant elaboration on his ancestor’s work, which has been lost for nearly two millennia. Presented here together for the first time are the greatest of the ancient Chinese classics of strategic thought: The Complete Art of War.The Sun family writings on strategy represent a unique contribution to our understanding of human affairs. By unveiling the complex, often unexpected, interrelationships of armies locked in battle, their wisdom reveals the enduring principles of success in the struggle of life itself.With a unique index to the essential principles of strategy, and Sawyer’s thoughtful chapter-by-chapter commentaries, The Complete Art of War is designed to guide the reader to new insights into the nature of human conflict and a greater understanding of every field of human activity, from playing the game of politics to building a successful marriage, from closing a deal to managing a large organization, and even from making war to making peace.
A delightfully illustrated version of Sunzi’s classic The Art of War by bestselling cartoonist C. C. Tsai C. C. Tsai is one of Asia's most popular cartoonists, and his editions of the Chinese classics have sold more than 40 million copies in over twenty languages. This volume presents Tsai's delightful graphic adaptation of Sunzi's Art of War, the most profound book on warfare and strategy ever written--a work that continues to be read as a handbook for success not just by military commanders but also by leaders in politics, business, and many other fields. Conceived by a Chinese warrior-philosopher some 2,500 years ago, The Art of War speaks to those aspiring to rise through the ranks and help build successful countries. How can that goal best be achieved, and what is the role of warfare, if any, in the process? What are the powers and limits of the general in command? How can you win without going to war? Sunzi's answers to these and other questions are brought to life as never before by Tsai's brilliant cartoons, which show Sunzi fighting on dangerous ground, launching a surprise attack, spying on his enemies, and much more. A marvelously rich introduction to a timeless classic, this book also features a foreword by Lawrence Freedman, one of the world's leading authorities on military strategy, which illuminates how The Art of War has influenced Western strategic thought. In addition, Sunzi's original Chinese text is artfully presented in narrow sidebars on each page, enriching the books for readers and students of Chinese without distracting from the self-contained English-language cartoons. The text is skillfully translated by Brian Bruya, who also provides an introduction.
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