World Classics Library: Eastern Philosophy: The Art of War, Tao Te Ching, The Analects of Confucius, The Way of the Samurai, The Works of Mencius

by Sun Tzu, Lao Tzu, Nitobe Inazō

Sincerity is the end and the beginning of all things; without sincerity there would be nothing. - Inazo Nitobe, The Way of the Samurai



This beautiful jacketed hardcover collection brings together five iconic works of Eastern philosophy. Full of timeless wisdom and invaluable advice, these classic Chinese and Japanese texts condense the spiritual teachings from thousands of years of history.

Includes:
- The Art of War
- Tao Te Ching
- The Analects of Confucius
- The Way of the Samurai
- Mencius

Drawing upon military strategy, leadership, honor and spiritual philosophy, this collection offers penetrating insights which are still pertinent in the modern world.

ABOUT THE SERIES: The World Classics Library series gathers together the work of authors and philosophers whose ideas have stood the test of time. Perfect for bibliophiles, these gorgeous jacketed hardcovers are a wonderful addition to any bookshelf.

Genres: Philosophy

Hardcover

Published July 20, 2020

About the author

Sun 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.

Reviews

[Thomas W. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Of course when reviewing a collection, I will not be reviewing the stories themselves, but rather the book itself and it's quality.

For the price, it's a great deal. A collection of many of the most famous eastern philosophical texts, in a single package, and a lot easier on the wallet.

The page quality could be slightly better, but I've had worse, and really doesn't bother me. Though if possible, maybe World Classics Library could print on some slightly thicker paper.

That being said, it never feels 'cheap'.

[Pixel · Rating 3 out of 5]

From an historical and cultural perspective, it's a very interesting read. From a modern philosophical perspective, it's full of sophism and erroneous lines of thought.