Customer Reviews: Read 7 more reviews...
 A good translation October 11, 2008
The translator in this book was Lionel Giles, I have his translation of this, in a more extensive version. The translation I have is most amusing because Lionel Giles enters into discussion of the commentaries and also enters into a critique of the other contemporary (circa 1908) and prior translations. Lionel Giles is bitchy and vituperative about the other European translators (particularly one unfortunate Captain Calthrop), which is most entertaining to read. The Art of War itself is a short book, and Giles' translation is probably as good as we are going to get, so if the book itself is all you need, get this. If you want information and entertainment, purchase a longer version of the Giles translation, it is both enlightening and hugely entertaining.
 A small book with a large content !!! September 3, 2007
3 out of 3 found this review helpful
Sun Tzu on the Art of War, an ancient Chinese treatise on military strategy, is now required reading at military, business, and law schools in the United States and around the world. Possibly no book in history better describes how to win conflicts in any profession. Those who must succeed in highly competitive environments frequently use Sun Tzu's philosophies as the cornerstone of their ways.
A small book with a large content !!!
 Massively overrated June 7, 2007
6 out of 20 found this review helpful
I have heard some rave reviews about this book. People seem to think it is eminantly relevant today. Others claim all officers in the forces should be made to read it. These are frankly bizarre claims.
All there is to this book is a series of anecdotes on how to marshall, motivate etc an ancient army. Truly, I cannot see how anyone in this day and age can find anything here to influence their life in any way. There comes a time, when even the greatest writers cease to have any impact, I would venture to say that Sun Tzu ceased to be relevant since the advent of modern warfare.
Many of the techniques he claims, though they may have worked in ancient times, are simply not practical. For instance, you can't execute people in this day and age, whether they be enemy, spies, or even traitors. Modern legislation and, indeed, modern sensibilities render this nothing more than a quaint insight into a time long lost to us.
interesting... November 5, 2006
19 out of 21 found this review helpful
I am on a business and management course at university and have read many books on management and business (I mean alot). I bought this book based on its status as a book that has achieved mythological status in todays world and, wanted to see what the fuss was about.
And to be honest I was very interested by many of the things that are said. Having read as many business and management books as I have I can say that this book is higly relevant to todays modern management systems. Many of his lines sum up whole chapters of books I have read.
The difficulty is in finding where it fits, Ive read it through twice now and have discovered many more points that are still very valid and applicable in todays world.
One of the more obvious ones is: One of the five factors from which victory can be known, 'One whos upper and lower ranks have the same desires will be victorious'. This is a very brief way of speaking on a term some might know as 'Shared Vision', Senge anyone?
This is just the most obvious and there are many more take my word for it you have to be able to read between the lines though and understand some of what he says in a modern day context, as with other reviewers there are parts of it such as terrain tactics which may not be of use. The overall book however has many valid points and i'd recommend it to anyone, the business professional or just someone interested in the book for itself.
A Small Package Containing A Lot Of Wisdom July 29, 2006
14 out of 19 found this review helpful
I don't have much to say, just read it with an open mind, incredible ! Dont't expect a big package in your post, the book measures approx. 7 x 8 cm's.
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