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Title: The Art of War (Shambhala Classics)
ISBN: 0486425576
Author:
Sun Tzu
Publicate Date: 2002-11-13
Publish: 2002-11-13
List Price: $4.95
Average Customer Rating: 4.5
Format: Paperback
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Amazon Lowest New Price: $2.01
Amazon Lowest Used Price: $2.03
Amazon Merchant Price: $4.95
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| Customer Review: |
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1: Less utility than later works.
The Art of War is overrated in relation to more recent works, notably The Prince, On War, and The Book of Five Rings, and many Roman and Greek texts could be mentioned, for differing reasons.
The Prince was written during the tumult of the cultural and linguistic formation of early Italy (as opposed to the distinctive Roman society before it). This makes it, in my humble view, more valuable than Art of War and comparable Roman texts because the personality of the time period is closer to ours, and there isn't such a problem with translating concepts.
Indeed, there is significant evidence that there was no Sun Tzu and that The Art of War is an amalgamation of the knowledge of more recent (within the past 2-3,000 years) Chinese militar officers and/or philosophers. This possible fact breaks down the continuity of the book, if one can sense much continuity to begin with.
In short, (1)if you're looking to feel naughty by reading demonized and selfish and militaristic writings to enhance executive stature, look at The Prince.
(2)If you want to read up on more contemporary attempts at codifying war relations, particularly in the state system, try On War by Clausewitz. An inexpensive book with many of the highlights of On War is printed by Sweet Water Press (2006). That would be a natural place to start if you want to work with the original text.
(3) The Book of Five Rings by Miyamoto Musashi, written 400+ years ago, provides a very good account of inner and outer struggle in the samurai tradition. More substance in this than in Art of War. My mind goes to some of the things in Five Rings while dealing with personal relationships.
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2: Not just for generals
This is a book of strategy for psychological warfare--it helps you tackle the battles you face every day. One of the biggest themes is how to win a fight *before* it actually starts. If only our current government and military leaders had followed the wisdom of "The Art of War"...
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3: Art of war
Great book, I want to buy the full version. Has good principals to follow. I think our military should read it too. They might get something done.
Overall 5 starts +++
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4: Immortal
Watch Video Here: http://www.amazon.com/review/RSFXZFBSJSJVM This is a magnificent book that tells as much about psychology as it does military strategy.
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5: Must reading for every future President
I bought this on a whim but quickly came to understand that if the President had read this text, we would not be involved in the type of war we are fighting.
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