Although Sun Tzu's Art of War was written more than 2,600 years ago, it stands today as the pre-eminent work on military strategy, the most brilliant exposition of armed conflict ever composed. This profound manual was penned in the age of chariots and spears, yet generals and field commanders have relied upon its wisdom throughout the ages. Even in this century, the number of staff college lectures beginning, "Sun Tzu said..." are probably countless. A paradox indeed, given our dreadful advances in the technology of warfare! Why, then, would a modern army concern itself with parchment aphorisms from a misty, forgotten time? Why probe the alien mind of a long-dead Chinese warrior? That is the greatness of the Art of War. For it happens that the underlying science of combat remains little changed - the craft of deception, interpreting terrain, the movement of material and men, the discipline and motivation of troops. These elements are immutable, and those who must carry the sword have always turned to Sun Tzu for enlightenment and inspiration. Yet the Art of War is much more than a guidebook for soldiers, and the precepts found therein have their application in every quarter of life - from sports and games to business and finance. Simply put, the sphere of conflict and competition extend far beyond the battlefield's front line, but into the boardrooms and bedrooms of every life! This edition of Sun Tzu's Art of War is taken from the first English translation by Lionel Giles. It has been painstakingly edited, correcting the many textual errors that crept in over the years. Not only has Giles' beautiful rendering of the Chinese original been restored, but his full commentary has been retained as well. The depth of scholarship displayed by Giles is breathtaking, and his grasp of the source material incorporated here is without parallel. After Giles, all later versions of this military classic may be likened to truncated abridgements, mere trifles for popular consumption. There is one Sun Tzu, and one Art of War - settle for nothing less! This Pickard & Son eClassic has been enhanced with period art work, and a special appendix of web resources. Pickard & Son continues to lead the eBook revolution, so prepare yourself for an experience unlike anything available elsewhere - a complete synthesis of technology, art, and literature. Welcome to the Art of War...enjoy and grow wise!

Ssu-ma Ch`ien gives the following biography of Sun Tzu: Sun Tzu Wu was a native of the Ch`i State. His Art of War brought him to the notice of Ho Lu, King of Wu. Ho Lu said to him: "I have carefully perused your 13 chapters. May I submit your theory of managing soldiers to a slight test?" Sun Tzu replied: "You may." Ho Lu asked: "May the test be applied to women?" The answer was again in the affirmative, so arrangements were made to bring 180 ladies out of the Palace. Sun Tzu divided them into two companies, and placed one of the King's favorite concubines at the head of each. He then bade them all take spears in their hands, and addressed them thus: "I presume you know the difference between front and back, right hand and left hand?" The girls replied: Yes. Sun Tzu went on: "When I say "Eyes front," you must look straight ahead. When I say "Left turn," you must face towards your left hand. When I say "Right turn," you must face towards your right hand. When I say "About turn," you must face right round towards your back." Again the girls assented. The words of command having been thus explained, he set up the halberds and battle-axes in order to begin the drill. Then, to the sound of drums, he gave the order "Right turn." But the girls only burst out laughing. Sun Tzu said: "If words of command are not clear and distinct, if orders are not thoroughly understood, then the general is to blame." So he started drilling them again, and this time gave the order "Left turn," whereupon the girls once more burst into fits of laughter. Sun Tzu: "If words of command are not clear and distinct, if orders are not thoroughly understood, the general is to blame. But if his orders ARE clear, and the soldiers nevertheless disobey, then it is the fault of their officers." So saying, he ordered the leaders of the two companies to be beheaded. Now the king of Wu was watching the scene from the top of a raised pavilion; and when he saw that his favorite concubines were about to be executed, he was greatly alarmed and hurriedly sent down the following message: "We are now quite satisfied as to our general's ability to handle troops. If We are bereft of these two concubines, our meat and drink will lose their savor. It is our wish that they shall not be beheaded." Sun Tzu replied: "Having once received His Majesty's commission to be the general of his forces, there are certain commands of His Majesty which, acting in that capacity, I am unable to accept." Accordingly, he had the two leaders beheaded, and straightway installed the pair next in order as leaders in their place. When this had been done, the drum was sounded for the drill once more; and the girls went through all the evolutions, turning to the right or to the left, marching ahead or wheeling back, kneeling or standing, with perfect accuracy and precision, not venturing to utter a sound. Then Sun Tzu sent a messenger to the King saying: "Your soldiers, Sire, are now properly drilled and disciplined, and ready for your majesty's inspection. They can be put to any use that their sovereign may desire; bid them go through fire and water, and they will not disobey." But the King replied: "Let our general cease drilling and return to camp. As for us, We have no wish to come down and inspect the troops." Thereupon Sun Tzu said: "The King is only fond of words, and cannot translate them into deeds."

 

Introduction Art of War I. Laying Plans II. Waging War III. Attack by Stratagem IV. Tactical Dispositions V. Energy VI. Weak Points and Strong VII. Maneuvering VIII. Variation in Tactics IX. The Army on the March X. Terrain XI. The Nine Situations XII.The Attack by Fire XIII. The Use of Spies The Text of Sun Tzu The Commentators Appreciations of Sun Tzu Apologies for War Appendix Endnotes Bibliography

The Pickard and Son electronic version of The Art of War is absolutely gorgeous! A re-release of the famous 1910 Lionel Giles translation (still considered to be the best and most faithful to the original), it's 299 pages of martial wisdom interspersed with stunning illustrations of Chinese sculpture and art. In fact, the "cover" of the e-book alone will positively floor you. The Art of War is more than just a "textfile dump" of Giles' translation. The book is completely footnoted (just click on the superscript to "jump" to the footnote) and contains an extensive bibliography of additional Chinese military works. Sid's people have also included a wonderful appendix of Internet links to additional translations of the book, plus links to Web pages on Chinese art, philosophy, and literature. As I said in my prior review of the Poe e-book, this is everything an e-book ought to be.

 

 

Art of War by Sun Tzu
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