The Art Of War

The Art of War (Barnes & Noble Classics)
$7.95
There is a reason this book is still selling and why the lessons have been geared (in spin off books) towards all sorts of lifestyles other than war.

This particular version is very cool as it offers the original wording with other history, info and comments as well.

This book has long been on my list to read. I was not dissapointed. Can we get a crate of these sent to the White House?

THE ART OF WAR
$5.94
Excellent! Timeless advice from a tactical master, is easily translated into the realm of corporate strategy. A must have for everyone who wants to climb the corporate ladder!

Sun Tzu: The Art of War for Managers; 50 Strategic Rules
$12.95
Gerald Michaelson titles part one of The Art of War as a "New Translation" with "Manager's Commentary". The basis of Michaelson's book is a translation of a military strategy treatise written around 500 B.C. and according to the 1914 Lionel Giles translation, it is also the oldest military treatise in the world. But how does one take book written, in the sixth century B.C., that has been translated many times already, is specifically about war and make the information current and relevant to modern business strategy?

Using the original thirteen chapter construct of the translated book, Michaelson takes a simple approach and replicates the original titles for each chapter. The original chapter construct is followed but then Michaelson digresses to offer three to six distinct strategic rules for each chapter. Within that digression is a carefully executed explanation of each piece of ancient wisdom along with some alternative translations of the same strategy from other authors - including of course, Lionel Giles. The format is very easy to follow and offering alternative translations provides an interesting set of comparisons.

Where though is Michaelson's added value or differentiation? Why would one purchase Michaelson's book instead of one of the many other translations that are available? Within each of those three to six distinct strategic rules is an easy to read and understand modern example. Taking a war oriented strategy book and making it relevant to modern business is a challenge; it's at this point though where Michaelson offers his added value by providing a Manager's Commentary for each strategic rule and he does an excellent job.

The Art of War: Deluxe Edition
$14.95
The Warring States period Warring States Period 475-221 BCE is a history of constant warfare, of alliances and counter-alliances, and of treaties made and broken. The nature of warfare evolved during the period. During the Warring States period, political stability was impossible to gain by adventurous military action. With the advent of swelling ranks of soldiers, protracted sieges, and an ever increasing drain on state treasuries, warfare became a serious matter for study.

Thus, the opening remark of "The Art Of War" states--without exaggeration--war had become the most serious business of the state, the key to survival or ruin. The author of this and other pithy aphorisms on how to successfully fight a war was Sun Tzu. Sun Tzu scholars place his writing "The Art of War" in the Warring States Period, based on the descriptions of warfare in the text. The book has received great exposure in the west starting in the eighteenth century after being translated by a French missionary. It has been reported that Napoleon studied the text and effectively put many of its teachings to good use. For the past 2,000 years, it has been the most important military treatise in all of Asia, even known by name with the common people. Chinese, Japanese, Korean, and Vietnamese military figures have studied it and employed its concepts to good effect. This is especially evident in the military tactics of 20th century revolutionaries like Mao Zedong and Ho Chi Minh.

The book is comprised of 13 chapters. The thesis of Sun's work is one should employ an army after a thorough analysis mandated by careful planning and the formulation of an overall strategy before embarking on a campaign. Sun emphasizes rational self-control, influenced by Daoist teachings throughout the book.

Chap 1-Laying Plans
18. All warfare is based on deception. 19. Hence, when able to attack, we must seem unable; when using our forces, we must seem inactive; when we are near, we must make the enemy believe we are far away; when far away, we must make him believe we are near.

Chap 6-Weak Points And Strong
8. Hence that general is skillful in attack whose opponent does not know what to defend; and he is skillful in defense whose opponent does not know what to attack.

The best translation is the Samuel B. Griffith edition