More than two thousand years old, this classic of Chinese philosophy lays out a systematic, rational approach to tactics and strategy that leaders worldwide have applied not only to the military, but also to business, law, martial arts, and sports. This elegantedition uses Lionel Giles’s classic translation and stands apart for its gorgeous design. Giles’s extensive annotations and commentary on Sun Tz’s aphorisms and proverbs are also included. The Art of War, attributed to the ancient Chinese military strategist Sun Tz, is a profound treatise on strategy and warfare, believed to have been composed around the fifth century BC during the turbulent Warring States period. This text is not only one of the oldest but also among the most influential military strategy books ever written, offering wisdom that extends beyond the battlefield to tactics in politics, business, and everyday life. Sun Tz’s principles emphasise flexibility, swift adaptability, and the importance of intelligence and deception, urging leaders to win wars with minimal conflict and without unnecessary loss of life. This seminal work holds a significant place in both historical and literary realms, providing insight into Chinese philosophy and the era’s strategic practices. The Art of War has transcended its military origins to become a crucial guide in various contemporary fields, revered for its deep understanding of the dynamics of conflict and strategies for navigating it effectively. It remains a critical study in the discipline of strategy, echoing through centuries its potent axiom that the supreme art of war is to subdue the enemy without fighting.
