The Art of War

Rating:
Summary: Interesting, but lacking.......
Review: It had an interested spin on the original text, but failed to really bring it together. It wasn't horrible, but definetly not great. Other iterpertations are more moving and thoughtful.

Rating:
Summary: AP World History Review
Review: I read the book entitled, The Art of War by Sun Tzu. I feel that Sun Tzu's purpose of writing this book is that of teaching war strategies. His emphasis was on not killing people, rather that of emerging victorious in the least amount of time. He was much more interested in confusion rather than massacre. Sun Tzu stresses that 'the war' needs to be quickly won, he has been quoted to say, 'There has never been a protracted war from which a country has benefited.' I believe that even today, these strategies that Sun Tzu came up with, prove to be effective. Deception, not necessarily deceit, is one of the principal concepts in this novel. Sun Tzu had first hand experience in The Art of War; therefore his essays are provoking and believable. Sun Tzu's theories on war can be applied to a great many things, such as business and sports. Sun Tzu accomplished his goal, that being to teach people his theories on war. He was, during his time, a very unique man, and during our time, he still is a very unique man. The original novel was written by Sun Tzu in about 400 B.C. There has been much deliberation about when Sun Tzu existed, or even if he existed. It is only an approximation to say he was around in 400 B.C. Due to the words he uses and his descriptions of the time period, scholars have reach an approximate time in which he lived. The translator of Sun Tzu's essays makes this information readily available and understandable. It has then been translated many times. I read the version translated by, Samuel B. Griffith. Samuel B. Griffith did an obscene amount of research on this project. He includes an extensive bibliography as well as a recognition page. Some of his sources include; The Taiheiki. A Chronicle of Medieval Japan by Helen Craig, The Analects of Confucius by Arthur Waley, and The Development of Iron and Steel Technology in China by J. Needham. He also included an introduction to make the fourth century B.C. more understandable. Griffith explained to the unknowing person why Sun Tzu's essays were written. That was extremely helpful due to the fact I had little knowledge of that time period. There were also numerous other things that helped to make the novel clearer such as; maps to show monopolies, paintings of Sun Tzu himself, and various Chinese symbols. One such painting was entitled Sun Tzu Drilling the Concubines of King Ho-Lu. This picture shows Sun Tzu trying to confuse his enemies through training women. I believe that this man was enthralled with this translation. You can feel that from his writing. His writing, though overwhelming at first, is easily understandable and rather entertaining. He provides many different views on the some subject. I really enjoyed reading this book. All of Griffith's enthusiasm poured into his writing made it a quick, entertaining read. I must admit, during the first part of the book, I was rather bored. There was so much history that was going on while reading, I saw no point to the book being written. As I got farther into The Art of War I began to see things in a different light. The words began to mean something to me. I was able to relate some of the phrases into my own life. That changed everything for me. In my mind, and hopefully in everyone else's mind that has read this book, this was indeed a book that needed to be written. I think that it should be required reading to all those studying business. It may seem weird that a book written about war pertains to business; however, many strategies taken metaphorically can help a great many people. People in the navy, military, or the army should read this book as well. I think it is rather obvious why they should read it though. If you do not fit into any of these categories, you should still read the essays. If not for anything else it can teach you quite a bit about early Chinese culture. I think any person can take away something from this book. Whether it is to not be so blunt, not let others control you, or something simpler like having a plan and accomplishing it in the shortest amount of time. I advise everyone to at least attempt to read these essays by Sun Tzu. You will not regret it.

Rating:
Summary: "Interesting--especially for its time"
Review: This was a great little book, not just to be read, but to be used as a reference manual. It may be perused every time we face an opponent--whether in war, business, or personal life. A lot of common sense and good advice.

Rating:
Summary: Know your enemy and know yourself.
Review: A classic military treatise used for twenty-five centuries. Shows the way to success over life's obstacles. Presented in an engaging, rousing, and sensible way. A must read for those with the goals and motivation to get ahead.

Rating:
Summary: Brings the truth about the war
Review: This book will be helpful in every aspect of your life.

Rating:
Summary: Great Translation of a Classic
Review: Griffith does a great job with the translation and his introduction puts the book in context well, without being boring. I found the in-line commentary to be a little distracting after the first read. Griffith excerpts select quotes from some ancient Chinese commentators on the 13 Chapters and puts them right alongside Sun-Tzu's text. While this certainly offers some interesting insight, it distracts one from just reading the text, which is what I want to do when I go back and read it again and again. But it is easy enough to read around the comments (they are indented, and original text is in numbered verses), and worth it to get Griffith's translation.

Rating:
Summary: Not just instructional
Review: I read this book out of pure interest. While the book's main purpose was to instruct on the proper actions involved in warfare, it really does portray war as an art. The book reveals human strenghts and weaknesses and their place in warfare. Regardless of how you feel about war, everyone should read this one.

Rating:
Summary: Great Strategy Book!!
Review: Indeed this is one of my best collection of books I ever have. It reveal thetrue meaning of war and teaches you the methods to defeat your enemy.

My best collection after Sun Tzu's book.

Rating:
Summary: Are you kidding? Why haven't you read this yet.??
Review: Come on!! This book is short and easy to read, if you consider yourself an educated person then please add a little substance you your argument and read this book. It won't take much time out of your life and you will gain immensly from the knowledge within. If you feel that you already understand the concepts or politics and war then read this book to compare notes with a master.

Rating:
Summary: essential book for business
Review: This is a great book for business and how to conduct yourself. If you're doing busines in Asia then this book is a must as Asians have many subtleties in their manner of doing business. After this book I understood what was going on underneath the surface.