The Art of WarWritten in China more than 2,000 years ago, Sun Tzu's classic The Art of War is the first known study of the planning and conduct of military operations. These terse, aphoristic essays are unsurpassed in comprehensiveness and depth of understanding, examining not only battlefield maneuvers, but also relevant economic, political, and psychological factors. Indeed, the precepts outlined by Sun Tzu can be applied outside the realm of military theory. It is read avidly by Japanese businessmen and in fact was touted in the movie Wall Street as the corporate raider's bible. In addition to an excellent translation of Sun Tzu's text, Samuel Griffith also provides commentaries written by Chinese strategists, plus several thought-provoking essays on topics such as the influence of Sun Tzu on Mao Tse-tung and on Japanese military thought, the nature of warfare in Sun Tzu's time, and the life of Sun Tzu and other important commentators. Remarkable for its clear organization, lucid prose, and the acuity of its intellectual and moral insights, The Art of War is the definitive study of combat. |
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able advance advantage agents Amiot ancient army Art of War attack B. H. LIDDELL HART banners battle camp campaigns century B.C. Ch'in Ch'u Ch'üan Chang Yü Chao chariots cheng Chia Lin Chin China Chinese Chou commander commentators Confucian crossbow death death ground defeated defend Duke encamps enemy enemy's fight follow force Giles ground Ho-lü horses Hsün hundred Ibid Japanese King later Liang Lord Mao Tse-tung Marquis Wu asked matters means Mei Yao-ch'en Mencius military ministers morale mountains officers operations plans position punishments rear Red Army river rulers says scholars Shang Shang Yang Shih situation sovereign Spring and Autumn Ssu-ma Ssu-ma Ch'ien strategy strength Sun Pin Sun Tzu Sun Wu Sung superior sword T'ang T'ien tactics terrain Thirteen Chapters thousand Tokugawa Ieyasu translation Ts'ao Ts'ao Tu Mu Tzu-fan Tzu's verse victory Wang Hsi weapons Wu Ch'i replied Yen-hsi