The Art of War |  | Author: Sun Tzu
Creator: Thomas Cleary
Publisher: Shambhala
Category: Book
List Price: $7.99
Buy New: $3.33
as of 7/28/2010 15:19 MDT details
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New (46) Used (37) from $3.16
Seller: any_book
Rating:  92 reviews
Sales Rank: 3728
Media: Mass Market Paperback
Pages: 224
Number Of Items: 1
Shipping Weight (lbs): 0.4
Dimensions (in): 6.7 x 4.2 x 0.8
ISBN: 1590302257
Dewey Decimal Number: 355.02
EAN: 9781590302255
ASIN: 1590302257
Publication Date: January 11, 2005
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
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Amazon.com Review
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
Conflict is an inevitable part of life, according to this ancient Chinese classic of strategy, but everything necessary to deal with conflict wisely, honorably, victoriously, is already present within us. Compiled more than two thousand years ago by a mysterious warrior-philosopher, The Art of War is still perhaps the most prestigious and influential book of strategy in the world, as eagerly studied in Asia by modern politicians and executives as it has been by military leaders since ancient times. As a study of the anatomy of organizations in conflict, The Art of War applies to competition and conflict in general, on every level from the interpersonal to the international. Its aim is invincibility, victory without battle, and unassailable strength through understanding the physics, politics, and psychology of conflict.
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| Customer Reviews:
Showing reviews 1-5 of 92
 Extremely Happy with Purchase July 28, 2010
TeeDubyaDee
I received Thomas Cleary's translation of Sun Tzu's "Art of War" in a trouble free, very timely fashion, for a great price. When it arrived, I found the book in excellent condition, which is good as I bought the book brand new. Overall, I couldn't be happier with the purchase.
Best read possible for war and business!! May 30, 2010
ROGER BIRENBAUM (Frostburg, MD, US)
Absolute best must read for understanding war and business. It's too bad our own commanders in the Middle East - who as course material MUST read this book at the military academies - don't follow what's outlined in this book or we would win or get out. My reading says Sun TZU would have said - 'You can't win, so don't fight.'
 Sun Tzu for those with A.D.D. May 20, 2010
T. Proctor (Maine)
0 out of 1 found this review helpful
I must first admit, I had bought into the hype over how The Art of War is the greatest strategic document ever produced. I was expecting some fantastic insight and in reality, the Art is, like most brilliant strategies, very simple and basic steps to follow. The trick is to not overlook the basics and keeping the discipline to always follow them.
The book itself was set up into a very long and rambling prologue, then quotes from Sun Tzu followed by quotes from other Chinese leaders and/or philosophers. There is no discussion about the meaning or intent of Sun Tzu beyond the quotes from the supporting cast. In short, the book is written with quotes supported by other quotes without any context. If you read books to get the full story and context behind a subject, go elsewhere. If you are content with sound bytes and 10 second clips, this book is for you.
Should Be Required Reading May 7, 2010
Jeanne Scott (Seattle, Washington)
This book is excellent and should be required reading for youngsters in the 9th grade.
 The Art of War May 1, 2010
Regular Guy (Fort Worth, TX)
0 out of 8 found this review helpful
Don't buy from Amazon! I didn't received any junk emails until I book a book from Amazon online. It appears that Amazon has sold my email address now I'm being inundated with junk emails. Thanks for NOTHING Amazaon.
Showing reviews 1-5 of 92
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