Rating: 
Summary: Not for Martial Artists
Review: The one star that I gave this book is because I was reading it from a Martial Art's perspective instead of a Business perspective. The main thing that bothered me about the text was that the Aurthor explained himself every few lines. When he would translate some text, he would follow that up with a few lines further explaining what he had just written. So the book didn't have much flow to it. I personally think that the author should have just translated the text to the best of his ability and left it to the reader to figure out the true meaning and application of the Sun Tzu's thoughts. It took a little bit to realize that this book is more geared towards Businessmen. And looking at the other reviews, I guess it's really good for people looking to succeed in Business. But if your intent for Martial Arts purproses, I recommend finding a different translation.
Rating: 
Summary: Beyond War: Sun Tzu Explains Strategy & Politics
Review: Although Karl von Clausewitz stated that war is an extension of politics, Sun Tzu imparted that wisdom hundreds of years before. As a result, his book embellishes on politics and human behavior as much as strategy and warfare. Students and enthusiasts of political science, strategy, the humanities or military affairs will appreciate the wisdom embodied in Samuel Griffin's elaboration of Sun Tzu's timeless work. As Sun Tzu impresses throughout the book, "the supreme art of war is to subdue the enemy without fighting."Politicians and pundits would do well to heed the acumen found within the pages of The Art of War. In the foreword B. H. Liddell Hart, the famous British military strategist, highlights Sun Tzu's warning that "there has never been a protracted war from which a country has benefited." Hart also describes the prose as embodying realism and moderation beyond that of Clausewitz, with a constant emphasis on doing the unexpected and pursuing the indirect approach. Sun Tzu's wisdom presents an opportunity for enlightenment to any that peruse the book. Students of politics, strategy or human behavior will find a wealth of knowledge within its pages. It proves especially beneficial and timely for those policy makers and military analysts currently engaged in the war on terrorism. The terrorists and their accomplices surely will continue trying to use the indirect approach. Our leaders would do well to understand and apply the same principles. I highly recommend this book for everyone with an interest in politics or military affairs.
Rating:
Summary: A book for all eternity
Review: 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.
Rating: 
Summary: An Ancient Text That's Still Applicable Today.
Review: When you hold this book in your hands and read it, it's hard to believe that it was written such a long, long time ago. It easily could have been written in the present time if not for all the references to ancient wars and, warriors. The thing that is even more amazing is that, most of the strategies still are applicable today. Weather in personal life, corprate life or, on the battle field, the writings of Sun Tzu ring true and, hold you on course.
A most enjoyable worthwhile read.
Rating:
Summary: Masterful translation of a timeless work of wisdom
Review: This is the only English/Chinese version of The Art of War I have read and it is masterfully translated. The body of this book consists of three sections: the original antiquated Chinese by Suan Tzu (the attributed author), the modern Chinese rendering of the original Chinese that clearly spells out this ancient text, and a faithful and articulate English translation. The Art of War has to be one of the most useful books in a world filled with livid competitions. Whether applied to military or business or even to a household or personal life, the strategies in the Art of War are universally applicable and timeless. For example: "When men are weak and officers strong, it spells collapse." (X. Terrain) "When men are truly desperate, they will lose their sense of fear." (XI.. Situations) These wise words can be applied so poignantly to American's present endeavor in the war against terror. And try applying these words of wisdom in business or a household full of children: "When discipline is regularly enforced on all rank and file, they will obey with heart and soul. When discipline is not regularly enforced on all rank and file, they will not obey with heart and soul. When one has long commanded the obedience and confidence of men, he can make them do anything for the common good." (IX. Mobilization) Most interestingly, while reading, I have found quite a number of strategies easily applicable to many areas of our modern life, some even struck me as a moment of "Eureka!" My appreciation and comprehension of The Art of War cannot come about without a good translation that is fluent and that leaves no awkwardness or vagueness in its expressions. The translator Cheng Lin, a renowned Qin text scholar, obviously translated the book with meticulous care as he has done with other ancient Chinese texts such as: Dao-De-Jing. This book is edited by Professor Yang Chialo, Head of the World Encyclopedia Institute, China Section, whose forward in Chinese tracing the authorship of The Art of War and a biography of Suan Tzu make fascinating reading.
Rating:
Summary: The Art of War... Lessons in the Art of Living
Review: This book will go down in history as one of the greatest resources that are NOT used in public education. The Art of War is basically everything you need to know, but no one will ever teach you! A very small price to pay for the ultimate in inspiration and knowledge.
Rating:
Summary: Not to be misinterpreted with War, Tact.
Review: Many seem to think the only reason this book was written was for war strategy. The Ancients who wrote this thought more so of ways to enhance performance in general. That should not come as surprise to anyone slightly familiar with Oriental doctrines. A Mother could benefit from reading this book, then again a leader of a nuclear power as well. I strongly recommend another similar book titled SB 1 or God that speaks of the battle of Armageddon fighting the Chinese with modern strategy and weapons, also carries over to everyday tactics, By Karl Mark Maddox.
Rating:
Summary: The Art of War--The essential divorce manual
Review: SunTzu's advice regarding preparation and how to be prepared for attack before it comes got me through my divorce with more confidence and less anxiety. I've also found it to be a helpful survival guide for a hostile workplace.
Rating:
Summary: THE ART OF WAR
Review: THIS IS A BOOK THAT ONE WANTS TO CAREFULL READ IN PEACE AND QUITE.IT IS A RERERENCE LIBRARY UNTO ITSELF AND QUICKLY BRINGS TO THE FORFRONT THE PHILOSOPHY THAT THERE IS NOTHING NEW UNDER THE SUN. MANY OF THE THOUGHTS AND CONCEPTS THAT WE TAKE FOR GRANTED AS COMING FROM TODAYS SOCIETY ARE IN REALITY CENTURYS OLD. SUCH IS THE CASE WITH THE ART OF WAR. IT IS A HISTORY THAT CONSTENTLY REPEATS ITSELF.
Rating:
Summary: A great read for leaders
Review: All leaders should read this book. It briefly and quickly lays out everything you should know if you have to deal with any form of competition. And competition is something we find everywhere in life. However, it can be a little difficult to grasp at first. I found I had some difficulty in seeing how everything worked together and in finding practical applications to the advice. It wasn't until I moved to China and someone recommended the "Three Kingdoms" did I begin to understand all the theory and applications of the Art of War much better. So I also recommend the "Three Kingdoms", a historical novel of struggle, war and strategy in ancient China. It's translated into English.
| 
