Chinese Strategists: Beyond Sun Zi's Art of War

by Ooi Kee Beng (Translator)

The two Chinese classics that this volume consists of Wu Zi's 'Art of War' and 'Conversations with Tang Taizong' were written a thousand years apart. However, the latter carries regular references to the former, and the principles of warfare, leadership, strategy and organisation were themes eagerly discussed throughout Chinese history. Even a cursory reading of these books provides ample reasons why General Wu Zi, who lived in the earlier part of the Warring States period (475-221 BC) never lost a battle in his life, and why Emperor Taizong managed to found the long-lasting Tang Dynasty (AD 618-906) that southern Chinese still proudly refer to as the basis of their culture. Today, centuries later, these master strategists still overwhelm us with their insights and words of wisdom.

Genres: War

168 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2006

About the author

Dr Ooi Kee Beng was born and raised in Penang, Malaysia. He is the Deputy Director of the Institute of Southeast Asian Studies, editor of the Penang Monthly, and Visiting Associate Professor at the Department of Public and Social Administration at Hong Kong City University. He was also Adjunct Associate Professor at the Department of Southeast Asian Studies at National University of Singapore (2009–11). A prolific writer, his books include the award-winning The Reluctant Politician: Tun Dr Ismail and His Time (2006); In Lieu of Ideology: An Intellectual Biography of Goh Keng Swee (2010); Between UMNO and a Hard Place (2010) and The Eurasian Core and Its Edges: Dialogues with Wang Gungwu on the History of the World (2015).

Reviews

[Barlong · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's a wonderful way to present ideas and how to keep ones cool during war. It's a practical book for real life issues in many situations, and the philosophy of Sun Zi can be used for more than just war. It's quite honestly a great way to think.