The Art of War by Sun Tzu Summary and Reviews
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Book Reviews of The Art of War
Book Review: A Serious Study
Summary: 5 Stars
This English translation of this classic work by Sun Tzu is certainly an excellent one in that in addition to providing the original 13 "Chapters" of the original work it also provides the reader with considerable background that places this work in its proper context. It also provides commentary on specific portions of each chapter by Chinese scholars of Sun Tzu. All in all, the late Samuel B. Griffith has produced one of the more complete and carefully organized versions of, "The Art of War." Any serious student of this classic work will find Griffith's work an excellent resource.
The written Chinese language is ideographic not phonetic and consists of thousands of pictographic characters whose meanings often depend on how they are arranged and combined into compounds. Further, Chinese doe not employ Western style punctuation so it takes a good deal of skill and knowledge for a Western to know where to break Chinese texts into sentences and paragraphs. Griffith appears to have done an excellent job in translating the Sun Tzu texts into something understandable by an English reader.
Yet understanding the statements of Sun Tzu much less applying them to current situations requires that the reader be willing to actually exercise critical and contextual analysis to really understand the concepts that Sun Tzu was presenting. Griffith clearly understood this which is why he made sure to provide the historical context in which "The Art of War" was written. If the reader is not willing to make this sort of mental commitment, but simply wishes to be able to drop an occasional quote from Sun Tzu then it doesn't really matter which of the numerous versions of this work that is available is purchased.
A final note if the reader of this work by Griffith is able to read Chinese, then as a supplement to this fine book, a book containing the 13 Chapters presented in modern Chinese Characters would be useful. "The Art of Strategy" by R. L. Wing is one example of such a book offering the reader a split text of Chines eand English.
Book Review: A Superb Translation Of An Ancient Classic
Summary: 4 Stars
This Review refers to the paperback edition of The Art of War as translated, introduced by Samuel B. Griffith and forwarded by B. Liddell Hart.The Art of War, by Sun Tzu (a.k.a. Sun Zi), is a timeless military treatise dedicated to the introduction of key military principles and activities. The book encompasses diplomatic procedures as well as military matters, and encourages peace over war. Despite these encouragements, however, the book goes on to explain the ins and outs of conducting proper warfare, much of which still being applicable in modern times. Also included in this version is an extensive introduction to who Sun Tzu was and the times he likely lived in, a brief history of The Art of Wars influence and production in other countries, commentaries on the text (some of which by Chinese titans such as Tsao Tsao (a.k.a. Cao Cao), and Wu Chis Art of War.
The Art of War provides the basic principles of the proper way to wage war as well as how one should deal with the differing variables that they will inevitably confront in such an instance. The work provides explanations for how to keep morale up as well as for how to keep the army properly organized. Many of his suggestions and explanations are also applicable to topics other than war, although recently there have been certain literary works that take it a bit too far. There is also a wealth of historical information provided (by both the treatise and the introduction) concerning how the ancients viewed and conducted war.
Griffiths translation is far superior to Giless translation, and is a translation that is better than most when it comes to the translation of Chinese texts. The commentary is essential in clarifying the aspects of the verses in question; however, the commentarys placement gets in the way at times. Griffiths translation presents the text in numbered verses and is a properly organized interpretation. Griffiths literary style both in his translation and in his introductory work is generally quite good, although there is a bias towards certain opinions concerning Sun Tzu and his questionable existence.
The commentary can be cumbersome, but is generally decent clarification (perhaps the commentary can be in a separate column in future editions). Despite the commentary the translation is, by far, the best translation I have come across. Overall, The Art of War is probably the greatest ancient (and possibly greatest all-time) military treatise to reach production. The Art of War is a classic and should be standard reading for the military personnel of any country.
Book Review: A book for all eternity
Summary: 5 Stars
This book is one of the "eternities" that Emerson implored us to study.The references to old wars and warriors may not be familiar but the message is apparent to anyone who can pay attention.If you are familiar with the Gordon Gekko character from the movie _Wall street_ you'll recognize the nuggets culled from this timeless book.Not only is this versatile book a psychological manual for the purposes of conducting warfare,it is also handy for the aspiring entrepreneur with a Machiavellian bent.Truly one of the All-Time greats.Book Review: A classic work on srategy
Summary: 5 Stars
Military strategy written 1,000's of years ago and fully applicable to today in buiness and personal life. Sun Tzu had amazing insight. Strategies for dealing with an adversary from a testy co-worker to planning a business takeover. Many things change, but the principles presented here are fundamental and transcent time.Book Review: A clear and useful translation
Summary: 4 Stars
The Art of War is a military classic, written around 400 BC. However, because the maxims contained in the book are so succinct and universal, this is still a useful book for understanding and waging war today. The central themes are to attack where the enemy is weak, deceive the enemy into attacking you on your terms (not his), and the use of espionage to confuse the enemy while gathering information for your own use.This book is a classical, scholarly translation. I cannot comment on the accuracy of the translation, as I do not read Chinese. However, the translator sprinkles the text with footnotes to explain why he has chosen certain phrases that do not directly translate, and offers alternative explanations from other translators. Therefore, you get a good feel for what Sun Tzu originally meant, especially through the critical inclusion of selected commentaries. In addition, there is an introduction by the author on the history and background of the text, which are useful. There are also some comments on the influence the text has had, especially on Mao Tse-tung and on the Imperial Japanese forces through World War II.
Therefore, I certainly recommend this translation for a first-time reader such as myself.