What do you think?
Rate this book
The Art of War
For more than two thousand years, The Art of War has stood as a cornerstone of Chinese culture, a lucid epigrammatic text that reveals as much about human psychology, politics, and economics as it does about battlefield strategy. The influence of Sun-Tzu's text has grown tremendously in the West in recent years, with military leaders, politicians, and corporate executives alike finding valuable insight in these ancient words. In this crisp, accessible new translation, eminent scholar John Minford brings this seminal work to life, presenting the core text in two formats, first the unadorned 13 chapters of the original work by Sun-Tzu followed by the same text with extensive running commentary by classical Chinese scholars as well as Minford himself. The result is an opportunity for Western readers to experience Sun-Tzu's work in all its intensity as it applies to many aspects of our lives.
Audible Audio
First published September 23, 2011
378 people are currently reading
351 people want to read
About the author
Sun Tzu
1,280 books3,547 followersSun Tzu (traditional Chinese: 孫子; simplified Chinese: 孙子; pinyin: Sūnzǐ) was a Chinese military general, strategist, philosopher, and writer who lived during the Eastern Zhou period (771–256 BC). Sun Tzu is traditionally credited as the author of The Art of War, an influential work of military strategy that has affected both Western and East Asian philosophy and military thought. Sun Tzu is revered in Chinese and East Asian culture as a legendary historical and military figure. His birth name was Sun Wu (traditional Chinese: 孫武; simplified Chinese: 孙武) and he was known outside of his family by his courtesy name Changqing (Chinese: 長卿). The name Sun Tzu—by which he is more popularly known—is an honorific which means "Master Sun".
Sun Tzu mastered the military science of ancient China and created the military doctrine of asymmetrical warfare. According to it, an attack on the enemy should begin only after the enemy has no opportunity to either defend or counterattack. It was used in the wars in the era of the Warring States in ancient China (about 475–221 BC). It differs from the modern interpretation of asymmetric military strategy. The ancient warriors used to call it the Victorious Methods of Warfare (sheng er zhan zhi), but it has the same meaning as the modern asymmetrical military strategy. The ancient professional warriors used it in individual combats against the enemies in the wars. As a result, a variety of armed and unarmed combat combinations have been created for various combat situations as the individual battle plans. Those combat combinations had specific names, descriptions and classifications.
Sun Tzu's historicity is uncertain. The Han dynasty historian Sima Qian and other traditional Chinese historians placed him as a minister to King Helü of Wu and dated his lifetime to 544–496 BC. Modern scholars accepting his historicity place the extant text of The Art of War in the later Warring States period of 475 to 221 BC, based on its style of composition and its descriptions of warfare. Traditional accounts state that the general's descendant Sun Bin wrote a treatise on military tactics, also titled The Art of War. Since both Sun Wu and Sun Bin were referred to as "Sun Tzu" in classical Chinese texts, some historians believed them identical, prior to the rediscovery of Sun Bin's treatise in 1972.
Sun Tzu's work has been praised and employed throughout the arc of East Asian military history since its composition, and eventually earned global attention. During the twentieth century, The Art of War grew in popularity and saw practical use in the Western world as well. It remains influential in many contemporary competitive endeavors across the modern world beyond military strategy and warfare, including espionage, culture, governance, business, and sports.
Sun Tzu mastered the military science of ancient China and created the military doctrine of asymmetrical warfare. According to it, an attack on the enemy should begin only after the enemy has no opportunity to either defend or counterattack. It was used in the wars in the era of the Warring States in ancient China (about 475–221 BC). It differs from the modern interpretation of asymmetric military strategy. The ancient warriors used to call it the Victorious Methods of Warfare (sheng er zhan zhi), but it has the same meaning as the modern asymmetrical military strategy. The ancient professional warriors used it in individual combats against the enemies in the wars. As a result, a variety of armed and unarmed combat combinations have been created for various combat situations as the individual battle plans. Those combat combinations had specific names, descriptions and classifications.
Sun Tzu's historicity is uncertain. The Han dynasty historian Sima Qian and other traditional Chinese historians placed him as a minister to King Helü of Wu and dated his lifetime to 544–496 BC. Modern scholars accepting his historicity place the extant text of The Art of War in the later Warring States period of 475 to 221 BC, based on its style of composition and its descriptions of warfare. Traditional accounts state that the general's descendant Sun Bin wrote a treatise on military tactics, also titled The Art of War. Since both Sun Wu and Sun Bin were referred to as "Sun Tzu" in classical Chinese texts, some historians believed them identical, prior to the rediscovery of Sun Bin's treatise in 1972.
Sun Tzu's work has been praised and employed throughout the arc of East Asian military history since its composition, and eventually earned global attention. During the twentieth century, The Art of War grew in popularity and saw practical use in the Western world as well. It remains influential in many contemporary competitive endeavors across the modern world beyond military strategy and warfare, including espionage, culture, governance, business, and sports.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
July 26, 2025
Tsun Tzu's book is the basis for making war. Earch person who is placed into a position of such a capacity will have the intellectual basics to make war IF they use what Tsun Tzu has suggested to them. War is, in effect, the final act of any body politic to attain its own goals. War is never the first option, but is always the last option of those in power. However, one could also use these suggestions in order to tackle any other task, such as taking on business ventures. In effect, business is a form of corporate warfare, the same in sports with the coach as the general.
July 31, 2024
There is a reason that Sun Tzu’s The Art of War is still a respected volume concerning military strategy and strategic application in regard to any competitive endeavor. The wisdom within has lasted for millenniums. To think that strategies written sometime between 544-496BC could still be relevant today is pretty amazing. I have wanted to read this for a long time and finally prioritized it. So glad I did. While this read through was kind of a fast pass, I could see myself referencing this and coming back to it often as I reflect on application.
May 1, 2025
"Regard your soldiers as your children, and they will follow you into the
deepest valleys; look upon them as your own beloved sons, and they will
stand by you even unto death."
God gave His own beloved Son to make us His children, and because of His great love we are willing to suffer and die for Him.
I was surprised by the approachability of this text. The Art of War always seemed so intimidating.
Even more surprising was the wealth of spiritual application; this book is definitely worth studying in more depth to draw out analogies for spiritual warfare.
It is incredible to see God's sovereignty and wisdom displayed in the teaching of those who don't fully grasp the deep truth of what they're writing.
deepest valleys; look upon them as your own beloved sons, and they will
stand by you even unto death."
God gave His own beloved Son to make us His children, and because of His great love we are willing to suffer and die for Him.
I was surprised by the approachability of this text. The Art of War always seemed so intimidating.
Even more surprising was the wealth of spiritual application; this book is definitely worth studying in more depth to draw out analogies for spiritual warfare.
It is incredible to see God's sovereignty and wisdom displayed in the teaching of those who don't fully grasp the deep truth of what they're writing.
December 17, 2011
I have read a couple other versions of The Are of War, which I enjoyed a lot. I wasn't sure what to expect from a comic book version, but I thought it was a great idea. It only took about 30 minutes to read and I have to admit I was a bit surprised at the quantity and quality of Sun Tzu's philosophy that was in this (comic) book.
The illustrations were well done and the “characters” and “story” changes for different “lessons” that are presented in the book. So it's more of a “short stories” comic book.
I think that the Smarter Comics version of The Art of War is a great way to get a basic understanding of The Art of War or a great starting point for any one who thinks they might be interested in reading a more “complete” version later.
I know that Smarter Comics are “comics that make you smarter” but I thought the quiz at the end was a bit much (but not enough to change my rating).
Older Review: (August 13,2009)(5 stars)
I read this book a long time ago. I remember thinking I should send a copy of it to president bush after he decided to attack Iraq (the point I lost all respect for the man). When I found a copy at B&N I decided to reread it. It's one of those books that everyone should read at least once in their lives (a few times would be better).
The illustrations were well done and the “characters” and “story” changes for different “lessons” that are presented in the book. So it's more of a “short stories” comic book.
I think that the Smarter Comics version of The Art of War is a great way to get a basic understanding of The Art of War or a great starting point for any one who thinks they might be interested in reading a more “complete” version later.
I know that Smarter Comics are “comics that make you smarter” but I thought the quiz at the end was a bit much (but not enough to change my rating).
Older Review: (August 13,2009)(5 stars)
I read this book a long time ago. I remember thinking I should send a copy of it to president bush after he decided to attack Iraq (the point I lost all respect for the man). When I found a copy at B&N I decided to reread it. It's one of those books that everyone should read at least once in their lives (a few times would be better).
June 29, 2025
It was a good book, might take me a couple of rereads to figure everything out. Now I just gotta figure out how to apply it...
December 23, 2011
This was a book that I received for free from "Goodreads Giveaways". The book is carefully crafted to help the individual to understand how one should prepare for war, but at the same time it showcases how we can utilize the text for our daily lives as well. There are many situations where these techniques will help us to survive in this every changing world.
One of the best features of SmarterComics that I have noticed is the inclusion of the quizzes, which I mentioned in my review of the other SmarterComic book that I won entitled "Think and Grow Rich from SmarterComics: The Comic Book that Could Make You Rich!" previously. These quizzes will help to teach this material to a new generation that may find the books unapproachable. The quizzes allow for a teacher to feel that they are worthy of being used as a resource to teach more high-brow material than may be possible otherwise.
Many people speak highly of "The Art of War" but they are not able to get through the book because of it being written centuries ago, but this makes the text approachable for these individuals. These individuals will be able to see wonderful examples of the concepts that are being introduced maybe for the first time in the artwork by Shane Clester. While his art is a bit rough in spots it always conveys what we need to know about the idea that Sun Tzu was trying to present. Using more modern examples, such as battling monsters in a video game, will reach out to a wider audience who has been in similar situations. Every single example really showcases the idea being presented masterfully.
SmarterComics is really doing something wonderful for individuals that may have a more challenging time reading and I sincerely appreciate that as someone that once had those issues. These books should be picked up by educators, readers, and anyone that enjoys comics. They are a great series of books from SmarterComics. (and no I am in no way affiliated with the company, but I honestly appreciate what they are doing!!!)
One of the best features of SmarterComics that I have noticed is the inclusion of the quizzes, which I mentioned in my review of the other SmarterComic book that I won entitled "Think and Grow Rich from SmarterComics: The Comic Book that Could Make You Rich!" previously. These quizzes will help to teach this material to a new generation that may find the books unapproachable. The quizzes allow for a teacher to feel that they are worthy of being used as a resource to teach more high-brow material than may be possible otherwise.
Many people speak highly of "The Art of War" but they are not able to get through the book because of it being written centuries ago, but this makes the text approachable for these individuals. These individuals will be able to see wonderful examples of the concepts that are being introduced maybe for the first time in the artwork by Shane Clester. While his art is a bit rough in spots it always conveys what we need to know about the idea that Sun Tzu was trying to present. Using more modern examples, such as battling monsters in a video game, will reach out to a wider audience who has been in similar situations. Every single example really showcases the idea being presented masterfully.
SmarterComics is really doing something wonderful for individuals that may have a more challenging time reading and I sincerely appreciate that as someone that once had those issues. These books should be picked up by educators, readers, and anyone that enjoys comics. They are a great series of books from SmarterComics. (and no I am in no way affiliated with the company, but I honestly appreciate what they are doing!!!)
June 28, 2012
The Art of War from SmarterComics: How to be Successful in Any Competition by Sun Tzu, illustrated by Shane Chester is a graphic novel of the famous book. Many think that this famous book is only about war, but truth be told, its lessons could be applied to management and management styles.
The Art of War from SmarterComics: How to be Successful in Any Competition by Sun Tzu, illustrated by Shane Chester depicts Sun Tzu’s masterpiece by highlighting the main teachings of the classic guide. The artist portrays Sun Tzu as he guides the reader through the pages and applies the principles of the Art of War to modern life and management issues.
While some folks have issues with this book, I feel that the teachings are timeless. The situations in which Chester illustrates Sun Tzu are fun and fantastical, from the sharks in the boardroom to the businessmen of the mafia, from the criminal politician to the wrestler and the rapper — Sun Tzu’s principles apply to all conflicts.
The graphic novel does get the main point of the book across; the artwork is very good, with a sense of humor and, as comic do, fills in the blanks where the text is mission. This is an enjoyable introduction to the famous book, but it doesn’t replace it. The Art of War should be studied, not read, and applied to situations in our daily management tasks.
This book is short, even shorter than the original, and took me maybe an hour to read. The graphic novel drives the point that each individual can apply these concepts to their own dilemma and overcome them with dignity, and sometimes even grace.
For more reviews and bookish posts please visit: http://www.ManOfLaBook.com
The Art of War from SmarterComics: How to be Successful in Any Competition by Sun Tzu, illustrated by Shane Chester depicts Sun Tzu’s masterpiece by highlighting the main teachings of the classic guide. The artist portrays Sun Tzu as he guides the reader through the pages and applies the principles of the Art of War to modern life and management issues.
While some folks have issues with this book, I feel that the teachings are timeless. The situations in which Chester illustrates Sun Tzu are fun and fantastical, from the sharks in the boardroom to the businessmen of the mafia, from the criminal politician to the wrestler and the rapper — Sun Tzu’s principles apply to all conflicts.
The graphic novel does get the main point of the book across; the artwork is very good, with a sense of humor and, as comic do, fills in the blanks where the text is mission. This is an enjoyable introduction to the famous book, but it doesn’t replace it. The Art of War should be studied, not read, and applied to situations in our daily management tasks.
This book is short, even shorter than the original, and took me maybe an hour to read. The graphic novel drives the point that each individual can apply these concepts to their own dilemma and overcome them with dignity, and sometimes even grace.
For more reviews and bookish posts please visit: http://www.ManOfLaBook.com
December 12, 2011
Another WIN from SmarterComics! I really like the way you take these books that my teenage son SHOULD read, and put them into a format that he WANTS to read!! Thanks!! I won this in a giveaway on Goodreads!
December 11, 2011
Great comic rendition. The illustrations are absolutely amazing. Anothor great win from Goodreads First Reads. (received the book for free through Goodreads First Reads)
August 26, 2025
*audiobook version*
3.5
Got a little bored and repetitive at the end, but mostly very interesting and really does stand the test of time. Definitely would recommend getting a physical copy to annotate and or that contains comments/analysis— I think the audiobook doesn’t really do justice to a philosophical perspective like this.
3.5
Got a little bored and repetitive at the end, but mostly very interesting and really does stand the test of time. Definitely would recommend getting a physical copy to annotate and or that contains comments/analysis— I think the audiobook doesn’t really do justice to a philosophical perspective like this.
December 31, 2024
An interesting dive into war strategies.
February 4, 2012
My dad once told me that even though I already knew everything (something I took at face value at the time), it was a good idea to review the basics now and then. This book is about reviewing the basics. Sun Tzu's advice is offered with just enough shrouds of time and distance to make you think... and agree with the advice. I knew that, but it's good to give some thought to how the hell I might cultivate a few more allies, make it worth their while to be allied with me.
I'd heard of Sun Tzu for years without ponying up and actually reading the guy. SmarterComics made that easy via the format of the graphic novel. The modern examples are imaginatively conceived and sharply drawn - really, far more fun than the Cliff Notes could ever have made it.
I'd heard of Sun Tzu for years without ponying up and actually reading the guy. SmarterComics made that easy via the format of the graphic novel. The modern examples are imaginatively conceived and sharply drawn - really, far more fun than the Cliff Notes could ever have made it.
January 23, 2022
This has an intimidating title but is surprisingly approachable once you open it up. Each set of two pages is a segment on a specific philosophy of Sun Tzu. The first spread describes the context for the situation and the second spread shows the principle being applied in a modern setting. It was fun to get to the end and find a little quiz to run through what I'd learned. I could see this being a great tool for boys especially- it's something my brothers felt comfortable picking up and flicking through.
August 24, 2015
I really liked this book overall. I liked the fact that the artists translated the books, found the best way to honor the text, and then put it in an easy read format. Not only did they do that, but they applied the text to everyday situations. This is definitely a quick read, but well worth it. I think that I have found a book that I can read over and over.
This was a Goodreads First Read.
This was a Goodreads First Read.
March 26, 2012
THanks for the win. I enjoyed this COMIC BOOK, NOT THIS LIFE MANUAL. Great artwork and very well done simplified story line. Boo Hoo Hoo, it didnt help Napolean win the war. Boo Hoo it doesnt work to help you defeat your enemies because they already read the book before you. Thanks for the win I really really enjoyed this comic. Cant wait to check out your other work.
December 12, 2011
I won this book but was happy because it had come up in conversations multiple times recently. It is basically a graphic novel cliff notes of the original book which I wish they had when I was in school. I could use one of Dantes Inferno since I cant seem to get through it. Anyway, worth the read. There is a lot to sink in so I will probably reread again.
December 15, 2011
Very clever.
October 20, 2013
การ์ตูน อ่านเพลิน ๆ
เอาบทเรียนจากตำราพิชัยสงครามซุนวู
มาประยุกต์ให้ดูเป็นตัวอย่างง่าย ๆ
เอาบทเรียนจากตำราพิชัยสงครามซุนวู
มาประยุกต์ให้ดูเป็นตัวอย่างง่าย ๆ
February 19, 2025
Excellent:
It may have been written in the 5th Century BC, but wow! No wonder this is required reading for officers and those in management positions, and its message/instruction could be easily adapted by anyone to their own lives or situations. Read broadly and outside of the military context this is a book on strategic thinking, integrated thinking, logic, and cost-benefit analysis. It promotes an understanding of the importance of context (in all its forms) for an individual (not just teams/groups/armies). Most generally, understanding context means understanding the social, physical, political, economic (etc…) landscape and both the positive and negative consequences of action and inaction and promotes the honing of skills in strategic and integrated thinking. Concise and well written book, and I think (though not certain) it seemed like the original source of several well known sayings (noting this is a translated work).
It may have been written in the 5th Century BC, but wow! No wonder this is required reading for officers and those in management positions, and its message/instruction could be easily adapted by anyone to their own lives or situations. Read broadly and outside of the military context this is a book on strategic thinking, integrated thinking, logic, and cost-benefit analysis. It promotes an understanding of the importance of context (in all its forms) for an individual (not just teams/groups/armies). Most generally, understanding context means understanding the social, physical, political, economic (etc…) landscape and both the positive and negative consequences of action and inaction and promotes the honing of skills in strategic and integrated thinking. Concise and well written book, and I think (though not certain) it seemed like the original source of several well known sayings (noting this is a translated work).
June 30, 2025
Originally written as a military treatise, this book goes far beyond warfare. Its strategic principles, like knowing yourself and acting with intention, are timeless and deeply relevant to leadership, business, and personal growth.
Rather than promoting aggression, it encourages wisdom, preparation, adaptability, and calm decision-making. It’s clear why these lessons still resonate today, in boardrooms, as much as on battlefields.
Rather than promoting aggression, it encourages wisdom, preparation, adaptability, and calm decision-making. It’s clear why these lessons still resonate today, in boardrooms, as much as on battlefields.
January 30, 2025
A very good, albeit very basic guide into war strategies, army management and winning a war. Which makes sense given this book was written to advise Chinese military commanders, back when said military commanders didn't have a lot of experience and often got their positions via nepotism, and basically functioned as a crash course in warfare.
November 13, 2024
It was good information, wise I suppose.
Not a very captivating read though, I had to keep forcefully pulling my attention back to it.
It would be much more captivating if I was in a war zone and could probably save many lives.
Not a very captivating read though, I had to keep forcefully pulling my attention back to it.
It would be much more captivating if I was in a war zone and could probably save many lives.
August 7, 2025
It's what it is. Nothing riveting or super insightful. If you've watched any movie or read any book that deals with battles, it's pretty general knowledge. Pretty useful for the bros in olden times, though. Like all business related reads, underwhelming and overhyped.
March 28, 2025
Great read if you're writing a fantasy novel with war strategy
June 10, 2025
one of the greatest strategy books ever written, and they are applicable across so many parts of our life where struggle and assertive behavior are necessary.
July 31, 2025
Might reread it once a year.
May 19, 2024
This is an excellent read. While Sun Tzu was an historic wartime general, being a Renaissance man ahead of his time, he was also a very deep thinker and philosopher.
The Art of War is classified as an excellent strategic military tactical manual. But it is so much more. To begin with, the central message, the premise of The Art of War is that war should be avoided by use of diplomacy ~ and deception; Fighting should always be the last option and engaged in only when it can’t be avoided;
The wisdom is so far reaching it can and has been applied to most everything from business to game theory to love. He was a mass of contradictions. He valued (and spent much time with) his 180 concubines (and a few consorts) but since he thought women could be quite valuable as strategists, diplomats and spies, he was essentially a feminist.
If you think you don’t know any of Sun Tzu’s quotes, think again. Many are deeply imbedded in many languages. For example, Know thyself, know thy enemy; it’s easy to love your friends but strive to love your enemy; the concept of shock and awe and it’s effectiveness; ditto with scorched earth; buy low sell high; victory is sweetest in the battle never fought; feign weakness when strong, strength when weak; the only constant is change;
The Art of War is classified as an excellent strategic military tactical manual. But it is so much more. To begin with, the central message, the premise of The Art of War is that war should be avoided by use of diplomacy ~ and deception; Fighting should always be the last option and engaged in only when it can’t be avoided;
The wisdom is so far reaching it can and has been applied to most everything from business to game theory to love. He was a mass of contradictions. He valued (and spent much time with) his 180 concubines (and a few consorts) but since he thought women could be quite valuable as strategists, diplomats and spies, he was essentially a feminist.
If you think you don’t know any of Sun Tzu’s quotes, think again. Many are deeply imbedded in many languages. For example, Know thyself, know thy enemy; it’s easy to love your friends but strive to love your enemy; the concept of shock and awe and it’s effectiveness; ditto with scorched earth; buy low sell high; victory is sweetest in the battle never fought; feign weakness when strong, strength when weak; the only constant is change;
February 28, 2017
I am not sure what to thing about this comics. The adaptation of Art of War in to this ...well not bad but not good either. It missed so many points...after all it is just graphic novel and it emphasis on things which can be used for it.
July 8, 2019
Good info and illustrations, but something about the printing process or ink used to create this book left the pages with a very strong unpleasant smell. The fumes burned my nose, and I had to stop reading by page 33. I was disappointed that I couldn't finish it.
Want to read
November 29, 2011I won this book from the first reads giveaways and I am so excited to read it. Thanks.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews