The Art of War by Sun Tzu - Special Edition
by Sun Tzu
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Book Summary Information
Author: Sun TzuTranslator: Lionel Giles
Edition: Hardcover
Audio: English (Unknown); English (Original Language); English (Published)
Published: 2007-06-22
ISBN: 1934255122
Number of pages: 268
Publisher: El Paso Norte Press
Product features:
- ISBN13: 9781934255124
- Condition: New
- Notes: BRAND NEW FROM PUBLISHER! 100% Satisfaction Guarantee. Tracking provided on most orders. Buy with Confidence! Millions of books sold!
Book Reviews of The Art of War by Sun Tzu - Special Edition
Book Review: Should this be our guide?
Summary: 3 Stars
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 popularity 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.
Summary of The Art of War by Sun Tzu - Special Edition
This special edition of The Art of War by Sun Tzu presents this timeless classic in two forms:Section I contains the complete thirteen chapters of Sun Tzu's masterpiece in Chinese, with the facing page English translation by Lionel Giles, without notes or commentary. This presentation avoids the objection that commentary tends to clutter and obscure the clarity of thought of the ancient military genius.
Section II contains the complete Giles translation of The Art of War, including his extensive introduction, and the fully annotated text with explanatory notes and critical commentary. His 1910 introduction includes an historical account of Sun Tzu's work, evaluations by and of early Chinese commentators, an essay examining the traditional Chinese attitudes toward war and a bibliography that details Giles' source materials. The text in this section includes critical commentary and notes by both Chinese historians as well as by Giles himself.
Lionel Giles, as the Keeper of the Department of Oriental printed Books and Manuscripts of the British Museum, was uniquely qualified to translate and explain this great classic Chinese work to Western readers. First published in 1910, Giles' translation is widely considered to be the definitive English version.
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