The knowledge contained within the original thirteen chapters of Sun Tzu has continued to fascinate users for hundreds of years primarily because it can be applied to a multitude of challenges that every human being must face on a daily basis. Whether these challenges pertain to business, sports, or life in general, applying the teachings of Sun Tzu will strengthen one's ability to emerge victorious and gain a better understanding of how to prepare for future trials.

I currently own five versions of The Art of War. Some are collegiate versions that contain historical and factual information accompanied by a translation and insight, while others are designed to be more recreational. This version, translated by Lionel Giles, is my favorite of the recreational versions, as it is light and enjoyable, yet contains the general fundamentals of the original text.

The book is divided into two "forms" or sections. The first contains in Chinese the original (doubtful) thirteen chapters along with an English translation, which allows the reader to formulate their own insights into the readings. The second also contains a translation, but is accompanied by Giles' insight, which is in agreement (more or less) with most others that I've read and is very well written.

I for one appreciate the multiple forms because they allow the book to be read in various ways. For instance, a
new reader can use these sections to gain familiarity with the writings, while more familiar readers can appreciate the writings without the PhD dissertation. Either way, any reader can enjoy this book.

The Warring States period Warring States Period 475-221 BCE is a history of constant warfare, of alliances and counter-alliances, and of treaties made and broken. The nature of warfare evolved during the period. During the Warring States period, political stability was impossible to gain by adventurous military action. With the advent of swelling ranks of soldiers, protracted sieges, and an ever increasing drain on state treasuries, warfare became a serious matter for study.

Thus, the opening remark of "The Art Of War" states--without exaggeration--war had become the most serious business of the state, the key to survival or ruin. The author of this and other pithy aphorisms on how to successfully fight a war was Sun Tzu. Sun Tzu scholars place his writing "The Art of War" in the Warring States Period, based on the descriptions of warfare in the text. The book has received great exposure in the west starting in the eighteenth century after being translated by a French missionary. It has been reported that Napoleon studied the text and effectively put many of its teachings to good use. For the past 2,000 years, it has been the most important military treatise in all of Asia, even known by name with the common people. Chinese, Japanese, Korean, and Vietnamese military figures have studied it and employed its concepts to good effect. This is especially evident in the military tactics of 20th century revolutionaries like Mao Zedong and Ho Chi Minh.

The book is comprised of 13 chapters. The thesis of Sun's work is one should employ an army after a thorough analysis mandated by careful planning and the formulation of an overall strategy before embarking on a campaign. Sun emphasizes rational self-control, influenced by Daoist teachings throughout the book.

Chap 1-Laying Plans
18. All warfare is based on deception. 19. Hence, when able to attack, we must seem unable; when using our forces, we must seem inactive; when we are near, we must make the enemy believe we are far away; when far away, we must make him believe we are near.

Chap 6-Weak Points And Strong
8. Hence that general is skillful in attack whose opponent does not know what to defend; and he is skillful in defense whose opponent does not know what to attack.

The best translation is the Samuel B. Griffith edition

another good book i invested in . such great work from Sun Tzu 10 stars bhahah

Watch Video Here: http://www.amazon.com/review/R3748EEJ8EXXEM Available in paperback:
The Art of War by Sun Tzu - Special Edition
Available in hardcover:
The Art of War by Sun Tzu - Special Edition
Available in Kindle:
The Art of War by Sun Tzu - Special Edition (The Art of War - Special Edition)

This book is a well documented review of the subject. Author goes to great lengths to research and verify as much as he could for this subject of over 2000 years old.

I chose this version of The Art of War because of the completeness of it. However the Kindle does not reference or index the first 37%, 2200 locations, of the document. The only way to access this area is to jump to a location or page back. If you go to the beginning of the book it is jibberish, unreadable characters. And don't try to jump to location 1 or the Kindle will go into vapor lock!

This book and The Book of Five Rings are must have for serious martial arts practitioners.

I can't fault this edition Of The Art of War, but I question the way the book is being promoted by some nowadays. Sun-Tzu wrote this manual for people engaged in an armed conflict when the normal rules of civilized society have been set aside by the more pressing need of preservation of that society. Many people, evidently, have been advocating it as a guide to succeeding in business or personal affairs. I have to assume that most of us who read the book aren't planning on being wartime commanders of a vast army, so aside from history or military buffs, the motive must then be for personal gain in other ways. As far as I can recall, Sun-Tzu himself never advocated his instructions be used for anything other than military purposes. The rules given are of a very general nature, and boil down to: Use any means available and make sure of your victory before you ever go to battle. Deception is mentioned time and again as the most effective weapon at the disposal of the commander. It should be used to undermine and confuse the enemy so that he can be dispatched swiftly in a sudden violent thrust that overwhelms him. Of course Sun-Tzu mentions that it is better to win a battle without bloodshed if possible. I would question just how we are to apply these principles in our personal lives, and why the avid interest that has given this book a cultural cache amongst celebrities and executives? From where I write here in January,2009, there has been a long pageant of business executives who apparently thought they could set aside the ideals of ethics and integrity in favor of whatever methods might satisfy their greed and lust for power. And as I write, the governor of my state is under impeachment for allegedly setting aside the rules of responsible leadership. Sun-tzu's book served a useful purpose in trying to develop the mentality of military commanders so that they realized they had to think outside the box to win battles, and that no action should be taken unless victory was certain. But I wish those in business or politics today were interested in a code of ethics which would ensure that our country is a decent place to exist for people of all levels of ability. Though The Art of War serves a useful purpose in showing the mental attitude necessary to win wars, I am doubtful that in the long run it will benefit either individuals or society to try to apply it otherwise. It seems to me it might be difficult to maintain a subtle strategy of secrecy and misdirection without falling into the habit of lying as standard procedure to maintain a personal power trip. I would still recommend anyone to read it, both as a historical relic, and also to perhaps get some insight into the attitudes of business and political leaders of the present.

It's good to have an electronic copy of this book on your Kindle as a reference when you need it. And you can't beat the price. Well worth it.

The Art of War is ostensibly about winning battles in ancient China, but has endless implications for life today. It is in print in wide circulation mainly because people see it as valuable for business strategy, but it is also a useful way to think about politics in this election season, to pick only one other example. This particular edition is wonderful, giving the Chinese and English versions and commentary in an attractive package.

The most compelling book for understanding military strategy and tactics. You will be able to destroy your enemies if you can apply the principles of Sun Tzu effectively.

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.

Have three versions of this book and found this version to be the most interesting, precise and easily understood of them all.

Have three versions of this book and found this version to be the most interesting, precise and easily understood of them all.

This special edition of Sun Tzu's "The Art of War" (available in both Paperback and Hardcover) is absolutely the best edition on the market. Not only is Lionel Giles' translation widely considered to be the most readable and scholarly, this particular book gives you two copies of the famous classic: one simple direct translation from the Chinese characters (which are also included in the book) and another copy which is interspersed with extensive notes and commentary by both Lionel Giles and a several native Chinese scholars.

Having two copies of the translation in one volume makes this edition a real treasure. The explanations and details, like the story of training the concubines and several other tales, are not available in the plain translations and they add immeasurably to the richness of the book. By the same token, having a plain, unadorned version in hand so you can just follow Sun Tzu's logical progression is a great plus. Having it all together in one volume is what makes this particular edition remarkable.

If you are looking for the best version of Sun Tzu's "The Art of War", then look no further. This is it.