This Special Edition of The Art of War by Sun Tzu presents this timeless classic in two forms:
Section I contains the complete thirteen chapters of Sun Tzu's masterpiece in Chinese together with the English translation of Lionel Giles without notes or commentary. This presentation avoids the objection that commentary tends to clutter and obscure the clarity of thought of the ancient military genius.
Section II contains the complete translation by Lionel Giles including his extensive introduction and the fully annotated text with explanatory notes and critical commentary. His ...
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Note: This is a general synopsis. Each listing is described below.
Description: New. Orders placed after Dec. 7 cannot be guaranteed delivery before Christmas. GREAT BUY. Brand New From US Distributor. WE ARE A 5 STAR SELLER with OVER 3, 500, 000 BOOKS SOLD. read more
Edition: Special
Binding: Hardcover
Publisher: El Paso Norte Press
Date Published: 2007-06-22
ISBN-13:9781934255124ISBN:1934255122
Description: Very good. Very minimal damage to the cover (no holes or tears, only minimal scuff marks), in some instances dust jackets are not included, no missing pages, minimal to no highlighting/under. read more
Binding: Hardcover
Publisher: www. bnpublishing. com
Date Published: 2007
ISBN-13:9789562912518ISBN:9562912515
Description: New. BRAND NEW and ready for dispatch. Delivery normally within 4/7 days. Our reputation is built on our Speedy Delivery Service and our Customer Service Team. read more
Binding: Laminated Boards
Publisher: El Paso Norte Press, El Paso, Texas, U.S.A.
Date Published: 2005
ISBN-13:9781934255124ISBN:1934255122
Description: * Very Good-Fine. No Jacket. *Medium Octavo-230mm (9") tall. Special Edition. Hard cover, an entirely healthy, crisp, clean and tightly bound copy, in a near fine condition throughout, except for a bump on the outer edge, which has caused several pages to crease. Scanned images, detailed description, promtly supplied on request. Section 1 contains the complete 13 chapters in Chinese, together with English translation without commentary. Section 2 contains the complete and authoritative ... read more
Description: New. PLEASE NOTE: All books are promptly imported from the UK using DHL or Royal Mail international mail WITH TRACKING NUMBER. Print on demand title. D elivery is typically 8-12 working days. Please do not select expedited shipping. Professional and reliable bookseller (est.1987). read more
Description: New. PLEASE NOTE: All books are promptly shipped from our UK warehouse using Royal Mail or DHL. International Priority mail for non-UK deliveries. Print on demand title. Delivery is typically 7-10 working days for UK delivery. Heavier or more expensive books are shipped with a TRACKING NUMBER. Professional and reliable bookseller (est.1987). read more
"I have to admit that I have not read any other translation/edition from this classic. In any case, both this translated work and introductory essay from Mr Griffith are both superb. This is important, as a set of "quotes" it might be really hard to read without proper introduction, poor translation or poor foreknowledge on the subject. It is a 2500 years book, in Chinese, so pay attention to the translator.
Also, the Annexes are quite interesting, too.
My feeling is that this translation is quite closer to the original objectives and intention. It seems to me that Mr Griffith's military background is clearly put on the translation so to bring a new point of view beyond the usual translation from other renown sinologist. This is quite a nice feature, because it brings light to Sun Tzu verses that might be kept obscure otherwise. Also, it makes it more amiable.
Probably this fact makes the difference between this and other editions/translations.
Therefore, this 5 star goes for both the disputed Chinese author and the translator.
As for the content itself, surely one can wonder how such simple compilation of common-sense can be regarded as a master work. To answer this, one should ask another question: how is that along 2500 years we have been and are suffering from misery, pain and distress due to ill-lead governments and wars of carnage. And how many more we should expect from the future...
I think that many people miss the point that for Sun Tzu the war is a really bad thing to happen. It causes pain and misery to the people and may bring ruin to the state. It is a serious thing to consider, so the superb general is that who wins without actually fighting. It is not a 'militaristic' book. It is just common-sense applied to something nasty, but unavoidable: war."
"This was not the translation I actually read, but I could not find the one I did -- from Shambala Press. I have read this book probably 13 or 14 times -- by far the most times I have ever revisited a book -- with the exception of perhaps Calvin and Hobbes comic strips. At one time, I was making a point to read it once a month. Basically, it is ancient Chinese strategy for how to conduct warfare -- but the true message of the book, I believe, is in seeking a way to peace. There are volumes of wisdom here -- and in many ways it is perhaps my all time favorite book. While it is largely a manual written for generals of armies long ago, its lessons have parallels in all facets of our day to day life: to our interactions with others, to business, to negotiations, to politics, to poker (especially!). Just writing this all down makes me want to read it again. I will never be without this book close at hand."
"The Art of War is a classic book, read by countless people around the world. It's lessons have universal application, not only to military tactics, but to business, leadership, and, ultimately, life. Sun Tzu's genius is complemented by examples of battles throughout history that are specific to his lessons. The teachings of this book could spell success in life for those who use them correctly.
The style of this book is mainly instructional. The lessons are divided up into sections that are in order in they way Sun Tzu felt the topics needed to be considered before a war. While the lessons were inteneded to be military tutorial, the wording allows for easy translation into infinite aspects of life. If any are hard to understand, this confusion is cleared up by the examples that use each tactic.
To those who are in a position a of leadership, read this book. The lessons will not only give you information on how to be successful, but also supply you with the confidence to lead. Anyone that likes philosphy of any kind, like me, will enjoy this book as well."
"The Art of War is full of simple comments. Obvious comments perhaps but sometimes the obvious needs pointing out. Some bits are too obvious and down-right daft though - for example, the tips on which ground is good for fighting on.
I can see how and why this is used in terms of business as well as war. It would take some stretch of the imagination to consider it helpful to every day life though. The first few pages maybe include some basic tips. As it goes on, it gets a little boring, too obvious and I found myself skipping over bits.
It is interesting to read in terms of history and especially military history. I was also intrigued to read it to find out what all the fuss was about. I'm glad I've read it. I'm not sure I would recommend it. The people who should read it are those who already want to read it or are intrigued by it. Those who don't care wouldn't want to read it and wouldn't enjoy it.
Some points and quotes - be them obvious or not
"All war is based on deception"
The more calculations you make, the more you prepare, the more likely you are to win.
When you have exhausted everything, others will take advantage of your spent state.
"although we have heard of stupid haste in war, cleverness has never been associated with long delays"
Winning with ease is better than just winning.
"an army may march great distances without distress, if it marches through countries where the enemy is not".
If you hear humbled words, they will advance. If they use violent language they will retreat.
"He will win who knows when to fight and when not to fight. He will win who knows how to handle both superior and inferior forces He will win whose army is animated by the same spirit throughout all its ranks. He will win who, prepared himself, waits to take the enemy unprepared. He will win who has military capacity and is not interfered with by the sovereign.""
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