'The Art of War: The Classic Guide to Strategy: Essential Pocket Classics by Sun Tzu is translated here by Lionel Giles.

This classic work was written in the 5th century and is a brilliant guide to managing troops in battle. It is intelligent and insightful and practical.

I've read this book multiple times at different times in my life, for different reasons. This translation is clear and recommended.

This is one of those books I always felt I should read, but having read it I realize I'm not really the target audience. I don't really like war, in reality or as an analogy. I"m sure this is a great way to get rich and powerful in business (when it applies) but I'm glad I can be happy and successful without it. I'm not sure it needs to studied but if people choose to, this is a nice edition.

Published by St. Martin's Press on March 29, 2022

Sun Tzu is so well known that he can quoted by people who have never read him. Lord knows I’ve done it. And Lord knows an endless number of authors have based their self-help books on Sun Tzu’s. Some of those might have even read The Art of War, although I doubt it.

St. Martin’s Press is publishing an “Essential Pocket Classic” edition of The Art of War. It’s in English, so I thought, why not read it? Leaders in business, football, and other occupations who liken themselves to generals fighting wars all swear to have followed Sun Tzu’s fifth century guidance. For those who have been faking it, this is their chance to actually read the book. Lionel Giles’ 1910 translation is clear and elegant, although Sun Tzu might account for some of the elegance.

Not all of Sun Tzu’s advice about war provides a useful analogy to fighting other battles. Using fire as a weapon is probably not a sound strategy in the business world. Even as applied to warfare, Sun Tzu’s advice about defending high ground versus low ground versus intersections and the six other “varieties of ground” are probably better suited to generals whose armies consist of chariots and swordsmen. Still, Putin’s generals might have wanted to read Sun Tzu’s advice about protecting supply lines and not getting bogged down. Maybe there isn’t a Russian translation.

For those who don’t want to spend an hour or two with the book, here is my Shorter Sun Tzu:

Know your enemy and know yourself. Pick your fights. Never fight without a purpose. Plan ahead but seize unexpected opportunities. Strike where the enemy is weak. Fight from a position of strength. Be sneaky. Don’t be fooled by a sneaky enemy. Use spies to gather information. Watch out for enemy spies. Keep your head. Don’t be predictable. Recognize and adapt to changed circumstances. Don’t fear retreat. Don’t go out of your way to piss off the enemy. Leaders should be firm but fair. Leaders should share goals but not strategies with the troops. Get out of bed before your enemy. Don’t fight uphill. Armies are expensive. Be generous with the spoils of your plunder. Such is the art of warfare.

Of course, Sun Tzu says all of this with more eloquence, hence: “At first, then, exhibit the coyness of a maiden, until the enemy gives you an opening; afterwards, emulate the rapidity of a running hare, and it will be too late for the enemy to oppose you.”

I’m not sure that war analogies are all that useful outside of football. Healthy competition doesn’t need to be a war. Cooperation can be more productive than conquest. Sun Tzu also notes that, in the military context, there are good reasons not to fight wars when they can be avoided. I regard that as his best advice.

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Having already read the original text, I knew what to expect going in, and the new formatting was nice. It didn't blow me away as super original, but it was a perfectly fine new edition of this classic text.

This was a lovely edition of Sun Tzu’s classic The Art of War as it had a succinct and accurate translation, alongside wonderful formatting. This version divided sections up accurately, and the emphasis that was put on certain parts was very skillful and helpful for the reader. Short and sweet, this version fit the bill for reading The Art of War!

I'm so glad I finally got around to reading this book! This is a timeless classic with insights about human nature that still ring true today. This is a great, easy-to-read edition.

The Art of War: The Classic Guide to Strategy Essential Pocket Classics by Sun Tzu is a fast-paced, intriguing read that is sure to stay with you long after reading.

Originally written in the 5th century, The Art of War is a masterpiece of military strategy and Chinese philosophy that has influenced countless leaders, both on the battlefield and in the boardroom. While reading it occurred to me that this text may just be an wonderful instruction book on how to navigate an honorable life.

For those who have never encountered this text before this new edition is perfect as the ancient text has already been modernized and condensed into the perfect pocket sized guide so that you may easily replace what once were Sun Tzus' ancient terms and placement of hierarchy and apply them to modern situations and people, It is my opinion that with this modern view one could use the brilliant ideas to not only succeed in many area's of your life both personal and professional, but it may also be used to help avoid disruptions to the peace in your life and your relationships. What more could we possibly ask for? This is coming out at a time when we, as a society, need to reabsorb this information and let ourselves actively practice the strategies in our every day lives which are more stressful, depressing, and all around challenging than they have in the last decade or so at least.

Thank you so much to netgalley and publishers for providing an e-copy to me so that I may share my thoughts with all of you. Without them I may not have picked up this book and I truly feel I would have been missing out on something incredible. Please don't let that happen to you! Let this highly readable gem sit firmly on the top of your TBR list only until it is published and accessible everywhere!

I received an ARC of this book, and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

This was my first time actually reading The Art of War. I've heard it quoted on many occasions, but I never managed to find a copy of the book that was easy to read. However, this version was formatted in a simple way, and I had no problems reading through it! There is plenty of useful information found within these pages. I rarely read non-fiction, but this was definitely worth it!

If you have ever wanted to read The Art of War, I highly recommend this copy! This is 100% the copy I would purchase for myself.

What is there to say that hasn’t already been said about The Art of War? It’s a classic for a reason and I’m glad that I finally got around to reading it. I can see why it’s so influential

Finally! A version of the famous work that is easy for reference and contemplation!

This is by far the clearest and most user-friendly copy of The Art of War, I have encountered. I have searched for years to find one that was easy to read. This version surpassed my expectations by being organized by subject and separated into a rough list format.

There are many versions of this book, even several that are from the translation by Lionel Giles, but none I have examined are as accessible and worth owning in English. (I don't read Chinese.)

5/5 Stars

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for this free advanced copy of the ebook!

Quote:
"If you know the enemy and know yourself, you need not fear the result of a hundred battles.

If you know yourself but not the enemy, for every victory gained you will also suffer a defeat.

If you know neither the enemy nor yourself, you will succumb in every battle."

A true classic.. Good to read every now and then and remind everyone how the business world works and simple strategies for success.

I have seen so many of these quotes used in business sales training that I thought I’d read the book. It’s intersting to see the statement and how it is applied across various sales trainings in Corporate America. An intersting read for sure.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book. All of the opinions given are my own and have been given nothing for my review.