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

Author: Sun Tzu

Narrator: Moira Fogarty

Unabridged: 1 hr 9 min

Format: Digital Audiobook Download

Publisher: Engage Books

Published: 08/17/2020


Synopsis

The Art of War is an ancient Chinese military treatise by Sun Tzu, a high-ranking military general, strategist and tactician. The text is composed of 13 chapters, each of which is devoted to one aspect of warfare. It is commonly thought of as a definitive work on military strategy and tactics. For the last two thousand years it remained the most important military treatise in Asia, where even the common people knew it by name. It has had an influence on Eastern and Western military thinking, business tactics, legal strategy and beyond.

The book was first translated into the French language in 1772 by French Jesuit Jean Joseph Marie Amiot and a partial translation into English was attempted by British officer Everard Ferguson Calthrop in 1905. However, the most popular (and accurate) English language translation was completed by Lionel Giles in 1910. Leaders as diverse as Mao Zedong, General Vo Nguyen Giap, General Douglas MacArthur and leaders of Imperial Japan have drawn inspiration from the work.

This edition has 380 footnotes, an introduction, and brief biographies on the 11 main commentators on Sun Tzu’s 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What has been established though historical references in the text itself is that The Art of War was probably written between 505 and 496 BC, but the first direct reference to Sun Tzu was made nearly four centuries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 Anne on January 14, 2023

Hey! Look at me stepping outside my comfort zone! I saw this audiobook in the library, and I thought it looked interesting. Hell, I've got 4 kids. This could come in handy. Next year I'll have not one, but two teenage boys. I need to prepare myself to defend my babies home from the invading whores hoar......more

Goodreads review by Roy on June 15, 2016

The Art of Goodreads 1. Lotz says: The greatest books are the ones you never have to read, and the greatest words are the ones you never have to speak. Likewise, the greatest book reviews are the ones you never have to write. 2. There are five types of books: (1) Ones I have read. (2) Ones I have......more

Goodreads review by Lisa of Troy on August 18, 2024

Years ago, I wanted to lose some weight, and I started a 60-day challenge. When I was at work, I was sure to tell a certain co-worker my goal. Why? Was he my friend? No way. I detested this guy. He was so disrespectful, talked over me, and lied. But I used that to my advantage. Because once I told t......more

Goodreads review by Alejandro on October 26, 2014

The wise warrior avoids the battle. I can't think in a better quote to begin this review. Sometimes, reading books about war tactics or novels of the genre of war, is confused with glorify wars, destruction, death and all sad things that are results of a war. But, at least, in my case (I can't spe......more

Goodreads review by Dannii on July 01, 2016

If anyone is looking for a war general I am available and well versed in war tactics due to this book. Hook me up.......more