About this title: Sun Tzu was one of the greatest army generals who ever lived. He wrote "The Art of War" in the fifth century BC and yet his words are still resoundingly relevant to our modern lives. His writings on aspects of warfare from the laying of plans to the tactics and psychology of manoeuvering an army, to the proper use of spies, resonate for us in today's world of cut-throat, ruthless business. With James Clavell's insightful foreword and notes, this classic is widely seen as a necessity on the bookshelf of military leaders and boardroom executives alike.
Note: This is a general synopsis. Each listing is described below.
Description: Very Good. 0340276045 Paperback, Condition: Very Good; this book is in very good condition with light curve to the spine / light reading creases to the covers. read more
Binding: Trade paperback
Publisher: Hodder & Stoughton, London
Date Published: 1988
ISBN-13:9780340276044ISBN:0340276045
Description: Very good. No dust jacket as issued. Cover has light wear, pages are unmarked, light tanning. Text in English, Chinese. 96p.; 22 cm. This translation originally published: 1981. read more
Binding: Trade Paperback
Publisher: Hodder & Stoughton, Great Britain
Date Published: 1993
ISBN-13:9780340276044ISBN:0340276045
Description: Good. * Good-Very Good Octavo, approx.81/4" Solid, tight paperback with some creasing to the covers and spine, white unmarked pages with a slight crease on top edge of the first few pages and previous owner's sticker inside front cover, but overall classified as good+ copy or better. We promptly attend to requests for more detailed description, scanned images, further information on this book's condition. read more
Binding: Paperback
Publisher: PENGUIN BOOKS LTD Country = UNITED KINGDOM
Date Published: 2008
ISBN-13:9780140455526ISBN:0140455523
Description: BRAND NEW PAPERBACK. 112 pages. States that throughout history, some books have changed the world. they have transformed the way we see ourselves and each other. they have inspired debate, dissent, war and revolution. this book presents works of the great thinkers, pioneers, radicals and visionaries whose ideas shook civilization and helped make us who we are. (Paperback) read more
Description: New. Early Warfare-General with a Foreword by Ralph James Clavell this is a new, concise edition of one of the earliest studies on the theory and practice of war. The principles expounded by Sun-Tzu have influenced military leaders from Napoleon to Mao Tse-tung, General Giap, Yamamoto and the German General Staff. In modern times, the book has become required reading on management and military courses. UL-131204. 102pp. read more
Description: Good. Book shows minor use. Cover and Binding have minimal wear and the pages have only minimal creases. A tradition of southern quality and service. All books guaranteed at the Atlanta Book Company. read more
Binding: Paperback
Publisher: Mobius
Date Published: 02/11/1981
ISBN-13:9780340276044ISBN:0340276045
Description: Used-Good. Book in good or better condition. Dispatched same day from warehouse. Please email with any questions for quick response. read more
Binding: Paperback
Publisher: Mobius
Date Published: 02/11/1981
ISBN-13:9780340276044ISBN:0340276045
Description: Used-Good. Book in good or better condition. Dispatched same day from warehouse. Please email with any questions for quick response. read more
Binding: Paperback
Publisher: Mobius
Date Published: 02/11/1981
ISBN-13:9780340276044ISBN:0340276045
Description: Used-Good. Book in good or better condition. Dispatched same day from warehouse. Please email with any questions for quick response. read more
Binding: Paperback
Publisher: Mobius
Date Published: 02/11/1981
ISBN-13:9780340276044ISBN:0340276045
Description: Used-Good. Book in good or better condition. Dispatched same day from warehouse. Please email with any questions for quick response. read more
Description: New. DISPATCHED FROM UNITED KINGDOM. NO EXPEDITED SHIPPING! Please note orders are confirmed immediately and may take 2-3 business days to ship. This processing time is in addition to the shipping time. Please allow 10-14 days for delivery. Brand new item. Order now. Selling online since 1995. Order with confidence. Code: G20091108082348D. 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."
"The title of this book has been raved by so many people, but which Art of War book did they read? The one I skimmed seemed interesting but not reader friendly. When the format turned into a dialogue then into a poetic-like framework, I found it difficult to follow and ascertain. The theories and techniques are valid and potent. Perhaps I'd appreciate it more if I deemed myself in some sitation of war in the lifestyle I'm living out. During the time I picked up this book, I was also watching a chinese movie called The Legend of Guan Gong. Coincidentally, the Art of War was preached and demonstrated throughout the movie. Though the book didn't impress me, the movie was brilliant in how it portrayed the concepts. The philosophy behind the Art of War is remarkable. The book, unfortunately, doesn't do it justice."
"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."
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