Art of War, The, Sun Tzu
Art of War, The, Sun Tzu
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Art of War, The

Author: Sun Tzu

Narrator: Mel Foster

Unabridged: 1 hr 23 min

Format: Digital Audiobook Download

Published: 12/06/2016


Synopsis

The Art of War dates back to the 5th century BC, and is an ancient Chinese military handbook. Attributed to the intelligent military strategist Sun Tzu, the title of the work is "Master Sun's Rules of Warfare" when literally translated from Chinese. The novel contains thirteen chapters, each of which are dedicated to a single aspect of warfare strategy. Emperor Shenzong of Song deemed it the most important of China's Seven Military Classics in 1080 and it is still one of the most influential strategy texts in East Asia. Leaders such as Mao Zedong, General Douglas MacArthur, and General Vo Nguyen Giap are said to have drawn inspiration from Sun Tzu's famous work.

About Sun Tzu

Writer of the world's oldest military treatise, Sun Tzu wrote stratagems over 2,500 years ago that are still pertinent today.

What has been established though historical references in the text itself is that The Art of War was probably written between 505 and 496 BC, but the first direct reference to Sun Tzu was made nearly four centuries later. Therefore, an attempt to reconstruct even the outline of Sun Tzu's life must be based almost wholly on conjecture.

Sun would have lived near the end of the Chinese epoch know as the Spring and Autumn Period (770-475 BC). He was born into a military family from the northeastern state of Chi. There he may have entered the army and gained the honorific title Sun after showing great ability during an attack on the neighboring state of Ju. When civil war broke out in Chi, Sun Tzu fled south and entered the service of Ho Lu, King of Wu. From his own text we know that he was appointed general, successfully attacked the Chu three times, and prepared for battle with the state of Yueh. Ultimately, Yueh was able to crush Wu, the territory of which was incorporated into Yueh, probably after the death of Sun Tzu.


Reviews

Goodreads review by Brandy on October 06, 2009

Powerful. Many a politician and/or civilian would benefit from reading and gaining an insight into how strategic warfare is devised and executed and the repercussions of both.......more

Goodreads review by Alejandra on September 22, 2008

Excellent descriptions on war, from a very Confucianist point of view, suitable for all countries, situations and peoples. A great hint on strategy concepts.......more

Goodreads review by Robert on January 14, 2010

I must read for anyone interested in history, military, and politics.......more

Goodreads review by Jason on June 20, 2008

Strategy and tactics from wars past that can be adapted to fit any personal interaction...can't we all just get along?......more

Goodreads review by Adrian on September 15, 2020

Excellent translation. Worth the purchase. Some outdated concepts but overall an important work of art that includes two historically important books.......more