Sun Tzu's Art of War Plus the Ancient Chinese Revealed

by Gary Gagliardi (Translator), Sun Tzu

Presented with the original Chinese characters translated into English in original phrases, with accurate English translation on facing page.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Philosophy, War, Military Fiction, Psychology, Classics

160 pages, Hardcover

Published January 14, 2003

Reviews

[Jimmy · Rating 3 out of 5]

What I really enjoyed about this book was the format. The Chinese and literal word-for-word English traslation were on one page, and the author's more readable English traslation was on the opposing page. Very nice!

[Rodeweeks · Rating 1 out of 5]

I guess if your heart is American then your head is American - Gagliardi is apparently America's greatest expert on Sun Tzu, he brags about the awards this book won... on the title page, on the back page, in the introduction... and in the book itself! As one page is the transliteration and the next the translation I would have been able to finish the book very fast and I was half way. But, when you want to read the Art of War and notes inside the book reminds about how awesome the book is - well that's kind of annoying. Congratulations - DNF

[Derek Beaugarde · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Art of War by Sun Tzu was written 500 years before the New Testament, but the principles that Sun proscribed for waging war and winning battles, hold good today as they did 2,500 years ago. An absolutely fascinating read and the applications and principles hold good in conflicts, business, management and sport. A thoroughly recommended read.

[Dionisis Tsonis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Most thoughts here may appear as common sense. It is true. It is also true that we tend to forget using common sense when actually facing a problem, especially in critical conditions. Repetition of the obvious is the only way that we can actually use it in them. This book is not to be read once, and learn everything. It is to be reopened whenever we feel like it is necessary and be inspired or reminded of the obvious that we are forgetting during the chaos of our everyday (or less everyday) battles. A worthy read, especially with Gagliardi's generally well thought and well studied commentary. Very few parts of his commentary felt irrelevant, especially if you aren't an American citizen, but he remained to the point and it was obvious that his study of the original author was honest and diligent.

[Kevin · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fascinating look at Sun Tzu's classic.

The left-hand page provides the ancient Chinese with each character's technical English translation, while the right hand page is the English version of the Chinese, translated into easy-to-read English paragraphs.

[Quinn · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was fantastic. I am not sure if there is a forward in this particular version, but if there is I wouldn't read it unless you are really into history. The main book that Sun Tzu wrote though it awesome!

[Raul · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is by far the easiest version but lack luster ...I've read many version of this book and this one is good for those who know this book as a refresher ...not recommended for first time art of war readers

[Olafur Gudjonsson · Rating 5 out of 5]

It reminded me of the Icelandic mythology and sagas... Who can go wrong with handed wisdom and non-religious and rational moral guidance.

[Dirk · Rating 5 out of 5]

Revisiting the pages and meditating on each line. The Art of War gives me new insights every time I read it.

[Samuel Ng · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great translation of an ancient Chinese military strategy text. Good work!

[Dr. Lynne McCarthy (D.Phil) · Rating 2 out of 5]

Failed to impress, but read-worthy

[Lan-Ling Wolff · Rating 5 out of 5]

Must read if you are interested in strategy.

[amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

i love the fact that sun tzu takes literally every chance he can get to completely slag off the monarchy throughout this book

[Josh H · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Art of War explains Chinese military tactics and weapons to help others learn how to strategize. In my opinion, I think that The Art of War would be a book for philosophy students or people interested in philosophy. I like how the author puts lots of information in the text. for instance " Your enemy tries to sue for peace but without offering a treaty he is plotting" (tuz's 141). This book is intended for mature adults. The Art of War made me want to read more of the same genre.

[Karly TyGr · Rating 4 out of 5]

A classic read, I believe this book has important insights into leadership that are timeless. This book isn't just about navigating war, but about navigating life (which can feel like a war within ourselves). I found this book helpful when it came to how I strategize my life - although I read it a while back and feel like I need a refresh.

I also noticed there is one written specifically for Women in War, I'm curious how it differs, although I imagine it would be quite a bit. The Chinese had female warriors, and taught civilians to fight in case of invasion so historically this would be interesting to read.

[Johnson Kwok · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sun Tzu's Art of War demonstrated different examples of how his theories were used in real-life war situation and this could be used to explain what happens in our day-to-day life. The book overall was very intriguing and I loved it.

[Hiatt · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good translation. Has both Chinese and English as I recall.

[Al Munther Al Muairki · Rating 2 out of 5]

There were few parts that impressed me but overall I would recommend looking at other versions if you want more insights

[Len · Rating 5 out of 5]

An important read. Every one should read this.