Deciphering Sun Tzu: How to Read The Art of War

by Derek M.C. Yuen

As the People's Republic's seemingly inexorable rise to economic and military power continues, never has the need for a better grasp of Chinese strategic thought by the West been more acute. In Deciphering Sun Tzu , Derek Yuen seeks to reclaim for the reader the hidden contours and lost Chinese and Taoist contexts of Sun Tzu's renowned treatise The Art of War , a literary classic and arguably one of the most influential books ever written. He also explains its historical, philosophical, strategic, and cross-cultural significance.

His comprehensive analysis of Sun Tzu, based on a close reading of the Chinese sources, also reconstructs the philosophy, Taoist methodology and worldview that effectively form the cornerstones of Chinese strategic thinking, which are arguably as relevant today as at any moment in history.

Yuen's innovative reading and analysis of Sun Tzu within and from a Chinese context is a new way of approaching the strategic master's main concepts, which he compares with those of Clausewitz, Liddell-Hart and other Western strategists.

Deciphering Sun Tzu offers illuminating analysis and contextualization of The Art of War in a manner that has long been sought by Western readers and opens new means of getting to grips with Chinese strategic thought.

Genres: Philosophy, China, Politics, Ebooks

256 pages, Hardcover

First published December 1, 2012

Reviews

[Suhel · Rating 5 out of 5]

The best book I've read that explains the historical context of Sun Tzu, Lao Tzu and Chinese Strategic Thinking. Covers a lot of details about Yin Yang, indirect approach, positioning and so much more.

[Bo Manson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Most people think The Art of War is about war but it is half true. This book is trying to recapture its original meanings. In order to understand Sun Tzu’s work, one must take a look at Qi, his home country where he grew up that later contributes much of his writing. Also the author presented that Sun Tzu using water metaphors in his strategy. So, the strategy proposed is not fixed yet confusing to the enemy. This book also elaborates Sun Tzu’s writing and relation with other’s work such as Sun Bin and Lao Tzu. Although this book was on How to Read the Art of War, it is still a hard work to actually understand about the book that the author trying to discuss. Sun Tzu’s The Art of War is so different compared to Western’s thought on wars although several translations made for the Western audiences but The Art of War contains maxims and aphorisms, one could misinterpret the actual meaning. To understand more, the author cross-referencing western strategists’ work such as Clausewitz, Liddle-Hart, and John Boyd in order to clarify the actual meaning of Sun Tzu’s work.

[Imantas Kovalevskis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tikrai perskaitysiu dar ne kartą ;)