The Art of War (Shambhala Classics) | 
| Author: Sun Tzu
Publisher: Dover Publications
Category: Book
List Price: $4.95
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Avg. Customer Rating:  257 reviews
Sales Rank: 1757
Media: Paperback
Number Of Items: 1
Pages: 96
Shipping Weight (lbs): 0.3
Dimensions (in): 8.5 x 5.5 x 0.3
ISBN: 0486425576
Dewey Decimal Number: 355.02
EAN: 9780486425573
ASIN: 0486425576
Publication Date: November 13, 2002
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Amazon.com
The Art of War is the Swiss army knife of military theory--pop out a different tool for any situation. Folded into this small package are compact views on resourcefulness, momentum, cunning, the profit motive, flexibility, integrity, secrecy, speed, positioning, surprise, deception, manipulation, responsibility, and practicality. Thomas Cleary's translation keeps the package tight, with crisp language and short sections. Commentaries from the Chinese tradition trail Sun-tzu's words, elaborating and picking up on puzzling lines. Take the solitary passage: "Do not eat food for their soldiers." Elsewhere, Sun-tzu has told us to plunder the enemy's stores, but now we're not supposed to eat the food? The Tang dynasty commentator Du Mu solves the puzzle nicely, "If the enemy suddenly abandons their food supplies, they should be tested first before eating, lest they be poisoned." Most passages, however, are the pinnacle of succinct clarity: "Lure them in with the prospect of gain, take them by confusion" or "Invincibility is in oneself, vulnerability is in the opponent." Sun-tzu's maxims are widely applicable beyond the military because they speak directly to the exigencies of survival. Your new tools will serve you well, but don't flaunt them. Remember Sun-tzu's advice: "Though effective, appear to be ineffective." --Brian Bruya
Product Description
Widely regarded as "The Oldest Military Treatise in the World," this landmark work covers principles of strategy, tactics, maneuvering, communication, and supplies; the use of terrain, fire, and the seasons of the year; the classification and utilization of spies; the treatment of soldiers, including captives, all have a modern ring to them.
Download Description
Sun Tzu's classic treatise on the art of warfare
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| Customer Reviews: Read 252 more reviews...
 Classic on the priciples of war May 4, 2008
This ancient classic of 13 chapters was written over 2,500 years ago by the legendary Chinese general Sun Tzu. It is a must have for military buffs that enjoy reading about the tactics of the most succesful generals. It is rumored that Napoleon used a French translation of the Art of War to his advantage while conquering most of Europe, and he lost when he broke its principles.
The principles that are with in this ancient text can also be used in games of strategy, business conflicts, and the day to day battles of life.
Here are ten principles to give you a sample of the wisdom found in its pages:
Supreme excellence consists in breaking the enemy's resistance with out fighting.
If you know the enemy and know yourself, you need not fear the result of a hundred battles.
Spies are the most important element in war, because upon them depends an army's ability to move.
All warfare is based on deception.
The general who wins a battle makes many calculations before the battle is fought.
There is no instance of a country having benefited from a prolonged war.
The clever combatant looks to the effect of combined energy, and does not require too much from individuals.
In war, the way is to avoid what is strong and to strike at what is weak.
When you surround an army, leave an outlet free. (So they can retreat).
Move not unless you see an advantage; use not your troops unless there is something to be gained, fight not unless the position is critical.
Taken as a whole this is a book of wisdom and principles on how to win. I rank it in my top ten books I have ever read. It is a must have for any home library. The is a very small book that is quick and easy to read.
great carry book May 3, 2008
the Shambhala pocket classics are perfect pocket sized books to take along with one on every day excursions. they provide immense inspiration every time.
 Now how is this book going to help me in the 21st century? March 17, 2008
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
My review title says it all. Yeah it's a good and even famous book. But how does this book apply to our current age? Should we pick a nice open field when meeting tough customers just to gain advantage on the terrain?
This book should be read without judgement. Just breathe in all wisdom the ancient Sun Tzu has given us. Don't expect instant knowledge, but read this book over and over again and you will get the clue.
Sun Tzu's writings hold a vast knowledge on tactics that still apply today, although we throw e-mails to each other instead of spears. You'll learn to recognize his tactics within your own situation. Use them how you seem fit. I even applied it on strategy games and it seemed to me I had an advantage with his knowledge. Even in business we can still 'pick the ground' although it could be a good restaurant instead of hills.
Does this book apply to the 21st century? Definitly!
Philosophy of Strategy - not tactics January 30, 2008
Understand this: Sun Tzu is not going to actually give you military theory here.
This is a book about principles, not tactics. "Strike when your enemy is weak", "It is possible to win the war and lose the kingdom" and other such bits of advice are scattered (and repeated) throughout.
If you're expecting advice on actually how to move your troops, you'll be disappointed. If you're wanting advice on the principles needed to actively construct a strategy to win - in war, business, or any situatino - then you've come to the right place.
Amazong book; Great translation January 7, 2008
0 out of 1 found this review helpful
A great book, for anyone who is interested in the art of strategy war combat. A great translation, some mildly confusing phrases, but easily rectified. Highly recommend this version.
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