I'd heard all about this book throughout the years. Some people have sworn by it, some people had written it off as 'over-rated'. I personally find this book inspiring, as like many others, I try and apply 'The Art of War' to my every day life. Is it some sort of spiritual or mental awakening? No, not at all. Do I plan on leading my life on by the words of Sun Tzu? Of course not. However, I will say that many of the sayings/verses within this book are very inspiring to me; through the words of a man who lived centuries ago on another continent, I can take his broad view of life and see my own more clearly.

A solid, inspirational read, but if you're a collector, go with the hard copy.

This short book takes a primer approach to being a general and leader in "war". I can't see how it would be an essential element of turning anyone into a successful general. You can learn most of the basic lessons presented by Sun Tzu by playing "war" or "cowboys & indians" in the mountains of Pennsylvania. If you had a deprived childhood (your Mom & Dad kept guns away from you and did not allow you to play "violent" childhood games), I recommend you read the book and pay attention to basic tactics and the value of planning and using all available resources. Because it is short and instructional it should be a quick read and worth your time (even if you read it only to satisfy your curiosity). I was a bit disappointed, given the hype of the book. The general repeats himself and often makes a big deal of the obvious. If you want to become the next General Macarthur or General Patton, make better use of your time and look elsewhere. If you think there is a need for another Napolean type, then maybe this would be a good start. If you are still curious, have the time, & a couple of bucks, buy it and read it.

I have saw Art of War for the first time in my firends house, it was a coniderably big book and the accounts in it were told by stories.
This book is more like a manual, i just has bullet points of wisdom, not the rich content of storytelling and parables..
That is not to say it isnt good, it like it.

So if you are looking for a nice short version and are looking simply for the heart of the matter, this is your book.

Had read it before. Good but as a pocket version it didn't have translation notes.

Don't waste your money on this. The translation is clumsy, the layout is horrible, and it isn't even the complete book. Buy Thomas Cleary's translation.