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The Art of War, Special Edition (平装)
by Sun Tzu , Lionel Giles (translator)
| Category:
Strategy, War, Competition Politics |
| Market price: ¥ 228.00
MSL price:
¥ 208.00
[ Shop incentives ]
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| Stock:
In Stock |
MSL rating:
 Good for Gifts |
| MSL Pointer Review:
Out of the 10 available editions of this strategy classic is our recommendation of this special edition. With a detailed introduction & commentary on the history of Chinese warfare & military thought as well as the Chinese text for comparison, this edition easily stands out in value. |
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AllReviews |
1 Total 1 pages 10 items |
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Bill More (MSL quote), USA
<2006-12-27 00:00>
Sun Tzu's Art of War is truly one of the great military classics of all time. Although it is over 2000 years old, virtually all modern military academies consider it to be a cornerstone of the Military Science curriculum. Sun Tzu's attitude toward war, as an expensive and unfortunate necessity that needs to be dealt with in a rational manner, is presented from the outset and it establishes the basis for his lessons.
His steps in logical progression through the essential elements: motivation, logistics, strategy, tactics and intelligence are, of course, dated. The most important element is the value of applying intelligent, rational consideration to develop the most effective course of action given the circumstances at hand.
The number of absolutely essential books on warfare can probably be counted on one hand. This one is number one.
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D. William (MSL quote), USA
<2006-12-27 00:00>
This Special Edition version of "The Art of War" is by far the best version available. The versions that sell for $4.95 are stripped down translations that merely present a sketchy picture of what Sun Tzu really had to say. Unless you are an expert on ancient Chinese culture, the plain vanilla versions are next to worthless to you.
There is no doubt that Lionel Giles was an expert in Oriental Literature. His judicious selection of comments by various Chinese writers clearly demonstrates his scholarship. He always presents the "best evidence" for each critical point that requires clarification.
About the only way you might improve on the understanding that Giles passes on to English speaking readers would be to learn to read Chinese, become an expert in ancient Chinese culture and read Sun Tzu in Chinese; which just happens to be included in this Special Edition. |
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Joe Taylor (MSL quote), USA
<2006-12-27 00:00>
The combination of the full Giles translation of Sun Tzu's famous treatise with a simple direct translation makes this edition really special. This particular edition has my highest recommendation. It fills several needs by providing the Chinese Text with a direct English translation together with the fully commented translation.
After you have read the full version with all of the comments and notes, you can really appreciate the rational simplicity of Sun Tzu's thirteen chapters. Without the background that the full translation provides, most of what Sun Tzu has to say can be easily misinterpreted and applied to all manner of activities. Having access immediate access to Giles' comments and notes, without having to be burdened by it when you just want to concentrate on what Sun Tzu had to say, makes this particular edition worth every penny.
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Bobby Baldwin (MSL quote), USA
<2006-12-27 00:00>
It appears that the reviewer who was concerned about the proofreading errors in this translation of Sun Tzu's Art of War should check a couple of other editions before making mistaken pronouncements. The use of the term "water" in the questioned passage is symbolic (and correct). One of the virtues of the Giles' translation is that it tends to keep the archaic flavor of Sun Tzu by faithfully reproducing metaphors.
Sun Tzu was a stickler for accuracy, and would have agreed with the maxim: "Check the facts before you act." Or even, "Do your homework before you shoot your mouth off."
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Mike Wilson (MSL quote), USA
<2006-12-27 00:00>
Giles's translation of Sun Tzu is still the best, in spite of the best recent efforts. This particular "Special Edition" gives you two copies of Giles' excellent translation - with and without the embedded notes - a real plus. It allows you to commune with Sun Tzu's great book on more than one level.
It is amazing how timeless Sun Tzu's thinking is/was. His rational thought makes this ancient classic applicable to many areas. Military types consider it to be a foundation stone of Military Science. When they actually read it, Pacifists are usually surprised to find that Sun Tzu considered avoiding conflict the ultimate expression of military skill. Business types re-discover it from time to time and occasionally draw inferences that stretch credulity, but then, that's what really great literature does: it allows you to see threads of connection across disparate time and space.
It is probable that in another 2,500 years, Sun Tzu will still be relevant and topical. New translations will be required as our language changes, but for the present, this translation is still the best.
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Paul Haseley (MSL quote), USA
<2006-12-27 00:00>
This particular edition of Sun Tzu's Masterpiece is excellent. It presents the Chinese text together with the plain translation and then it presents the full Giles translation, with the complete set of notes and annotation. It doesn't get any better than this.
Over the years, Sun Tzu's book has received a great deal of attention for a reason: Sun Tzu was a military genius. His rational approach to warfare has been a model that has been applied to all manner of activities and, simply because it is rational, it has generally been helpful. But, make no mistake, the real subject is warfare.
From the outset, Sun Tzu's message is that war is too serious to treat lightly. It is destructive and costly to all involved. A good general, according to Sun Tzu, is one who can win by peaceful diplomacy, and intimidation if necessary, but who minimizes the inevitable casualties and destruction by applying force only when and where it will accomplish the objective. Sun Tzu makes a great deal out of obtaining and using intelligence, spies, and every available resource to the best advantage - which is invariably to bend the enemy to your will without unnecessary death and destruction.
This particular edition, with its full set of explanatory notes tucked away in the second part of the book, provides a better feel for Sun Tzu's message than any of the plain, unexplained versions. It provides the background necessary for understanding the full extent of Sun Tzu's genius. After you think have mastered the message and begin to re-read the plain translation in the front of the book, you will appreciate having the insight of the scholarly Lionel Giles just a few pages away.
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Tony Soprano (MSL quote), USA
<2006-12-27 00:00>
Been reading that - that book you told me about. You know, The Art of War by Sun Tzu. I mean here's this guy, a Chinese general, wrote this thing 2400 years ago, and most of it still applies today! Balk the enemy's power. Force him to reveal himself. You know most of the guys that I know, they read Prince Machiabelli, and I had Carmela go and get the Cliff Notes once and - he's okay. But this book is much better about strategy. |
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Long Ly (MSL quote), USA
<2006-12-27 00:00>
I'd like to compliment the great translation efforts and the wonderful background and historical timelines, with the stories of speculation, history of the book itself, and related names that preceed and follow Master Sun, along with the complete commentary of names such as Lao Tzu, Mao Zedong, and many more! The compilation and feel of this book is far superior to the others which tend to be bulky and hard to carry around, but this lively edition is great for study, taking notes and in my case memorizing to heart! I greatly recommend this version of the ancient chinese classic. Notes of the Masterpiece Alone: I've been able to apply this to Weiqi (Go) Strategy, social life, martial arts, tennis, school, and much more! If you want the handguide that points you in the right direction without giving everything away with just the right amount of mystery and a wide field of interpretation, read the Art of War. |
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Jenny (MSL quote), USA
<2006-12-27 00:00>
Sun Tzu's work, The Art of War, originally written sometime in the period of time from 400 to 300 B.C.E., has experienced numerous revivals in popularity over the years. During the 1970s it was popular with students of the New Left when the study of guerrilla warfare was in vogue. In the 1980s, "The Art of War," reappeared in quite different company.
In the 1980s and early 90's The Art of War was often carried in the brief cases of corporate raiders, who quoted from it liberally to explain their view of the corporate world into which they had entered. Note that the characters played by Michael Douglas and Charlie Sheen in Oliver Stone's 1987 movie, "Wall Street" are pictured quoting Sun Tzu's "The Art of War," and Wesley Snips in Kevin Hooks 1992 movie, "Passenger 57" pictured reading the book in the plane about to be hijacked.
Although this volume translated by Samuel B. Griffith, published in 1963 by Oxford University Press, with a forward by B.H. Lidell Hart is not the only translation available, obviously. In addition to the entire text, the volume also contains an appendix with significant additional material on the influence of Sun Tzu down through the ages. I had found James Clavell's version quite difficult to find, but well worth it - due to clarity of reading and balance. I tried reading Cleary's version, but could not get through the first chapter. However, I did purchase "Mastering the Art of War" by Cleary; finding it a better tour guide. Clavell's "Art of War" offers tactical insight on overcoming an opponent whether it be war, work, relationships, or your own personal demons.
Sun Tzu created a timeless piece of history written for the future. I personally feel that today's society needs to look back, master the art of war, in order to repair the future. I recommend you read it and see how a book can be so popular after 2500 plus years written can be so respected!
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Elijah Chingosho (MSL quote), USA
<2006-12-27 00:00>
The Art of War is an excellent little book packed with wisdom and insights into effective strategies to employ in conflict situations. This could be in conflict between nations or competition between business organisations or conflict between individuals. The book is a translation from an ancient Chinese classic written by an unknown warrior- philosopher.
Sun Tzu's concepts are over two millenniums old but they are as relevant today as they have been throughout the ages. The book is studied in all continents, from Asia to America and from Australia to Africa in military command and staff colleges and business schools. The book teaches the art of invincibility by winning without fighting through mastery of politics, science and psychology of conflict.
The philosophical foundations of this classic book are based on the spiritual tradition of Taoism, which is the origin of science, technology and psychology in the Far East. Taoism's view on power is that it should be tempered with respect for humanity.
Permeating throughout the book or in Sun Tzu's philosophy is the basic concept that the ultimate effective and efficient strategy is to make conflict unnecessary. The greatest skill is to overcome other armies without fighting. According to Sun Tzu, the superior militarist foils enemies' plots. If this is not possible, then ruin enemy alliances. The next best strategy would be to attack the armed forces whilst the worst strategy is to besiege the enemy's cities. Hence the ideal strategy for winning without fighting achieves the most by doing the least.
Therefore, clear understanding of conflict not only can lead to its resolution, but also to its possible avoidance altogether.
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1 Total 1 pages 10 items |
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