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RECOMMENDATIONS
Sonshi's Official Art of War Book Now you can experience the effectiveness of Sun Tzu's teachings even if you have no previous knowledge of The Art of War. Insightful yet unobtrusive facing-page commentary explains the subtleties of the text, allowing you to unlock the power of its teachings and help prevent and resolve the conflicts in your own life. Go to book detail page
In this year-long program, you will master 351 Sun Tzu concepts in a structured and disciplined manner. From the editors of Sonshi.com. More information One of
the most common questions asked on Sonshi.com is "which Art of
War book should I buy?" Listed below is our independent review of the most reputable Sun
Tzu versions on the market -- and what we have in our own collection.
And because
we have partnered with Amazon.com, you can conveniently purchase any
version on our list by clicking on its book cover. (To maintain our impartiality, we did not include the Sonshi.com edition in this ranking.)
Dr. Victor H. Mair's 2007 scholarly book, The Art of War: Sun Zi's Military Methods (published by Columbia University Press), provides not only an accurate translation of The Art of War but also the most recent research into its origin. With a knack for Sinitic etymology, Sinitic lexicography, and the origins and evolution of Chinese script, Victor Mair pushed for Chinese language reforms in exceptional efforts such as how Chinese dictionaries should be best arranged. Dr. Mair's expertise allows him to break new ground in his Art of War translation and book which contains bold and original data, analyses, and theories. Like a scientist, he methodically asserts evidences to challenge our current knowledge and leaves us with renewed scholarship and appreciation for The Art of War. You won't regret owning this refreshing, authoritative, and well-researched edition. Victor Mair is a professor of Chinese language and literature at the University of Pennsylvania. He graduated from Dartmouth College (where he was captain of the Dartmouth basketball team and tasked to guard Bill Bradley from Princeton), served in the Peace Corps in Nepal, and holds a master's degree from University of London and a Ph.D. from Harvard University. He has taught at Kyoto University in Japan and at Sichuan University in China. After much debate and discussion, Sonshi.com is ranking Victor Mair's The Art of War: Sun Zi's Military Methods the #1 Art of War edition; how rare a book that courageously stands up to centuries of established thought, proceeds to knock it down with sound logic and proof, and succeeds in convincing even the Old Guard to change their views. Go to Sonshi.com's interview with Dr. Victor Mair.
A new standard has been set. The Denma Translation Group's Sun Tzu rendering shows extraordinary accuracy; as stated in the book, they "argued over every word." We are quite impressed to see very little paraphrasing. And though this emphasis does sometimes break up the reading flow, the group did an admirable job minimizing its overall effects. In addition to the translation, this book has the finest essays analyzing the many Art of War concepts. Then in an entirely different section, the authors presented their Art of War again, but now within the translation skillfully explained its passages. The group's work took them a decade to complete. It is based mostly on the Yin Chueh Shan text, deciphered from bamboo strips (dated 140 - 118 B.C.) discovered in 1972. The Yin Chueh Shan text predates all previously known Sun Tzu copies by 1,000 years. Accurate translation, informative essays, and insightful commentaries. Needless to say, The Art of War: The Denma Translation is one of our top picks and we at Sonshi.com highly recommend their book. Go to Sonshi.com's
interview with The Denma
Translation Group.
Compared with previous Art of War renderings, Thomas Cleary's translation (first published in 1988) is considered by many to be the most accessible. Beginners can easily grasp difficult passages because he used clear, concise words. He neither overwhelms readers lacking an academic background nor does he intimidate readers lacking military experience. In short, he is among the few authors responsible for opening up the text to the masses. The popularity of his book to this day illustrates just how much he has influenced a generation of Sun Tzu students. In addition, Dr. Cleary redefined The Art of War by linking it to Taoist thought found in classics like the I Ching and Tao Te Ching. He purposefully highlighted "a profound undercurrent of humanism" to an often misunderstood book about warfare. Most Sun Tzu scholars have followed these viewpoints ever since. Thomas Cleary holds a Ph.D. in East Asian Languages and Civilizations from Harvard, and has written 80 books translated from eight different languages. Go to Sonshi.com's interview with Dr. Thomas Cleary.
We have found new appreciation for this book after over a decade, which signals a timeless classic in the making. Published in 1993, Roger Ames's book not only has the complete original Chinese text but also an excellent English translation of Sun Tzu. This edition claims to be "the first English translation incorporating the recently discovered Yin Chueh Shan texts." Thus it used the latest discovered Sun Tzu text (140 - 118 B.C.) found in 1972. The book only comes in hardcover -- wrapped around by a subdued, professional dust jacket. Of all the Sun Tzus on the market, it has the most perfect balance between accuracy and readability. The author's emphasis is on the cultural and philosophical aspects of The Art of War. Well done section with photographs on glossy paper of the extremely fragile Sun Tzu wooden strips and other discoveries in China. In general a fine edition, and a book to buy and keep forever. Go to Sonshi.com's interview with Dr. Roger Ames.
Retired Professor John Minford is one of a handful of people who truly understand the essence of The Art of War: "It is beautiful and chilling." He has been a translator and teacher of the Chinese language since 1977, and had chaired the Department of Chinese and Bilingual Studies at the Hong Kong Polytechnic University and the Department of Asian Languages at the University of Auckland. Dr. Minford's translation is extremely concise yet complete -- much to our pleasant surprise -- and is truer to the original Chinese format than all previously published Sun Tzu versions. Our analysis shows great care was given to rendering each and every word. Incorporating the conventionally accepted text, Shiyijia zhu Sunzi, along with commentary from various ancient and modern sources, his book is perfect for someone who wants both an accurate translation and an extensive explanation of its many concepts and principles. The book is broken out into two major parts: the first part presents the core text unadorned, and the second part has the same text with well-selected commentary. Just when we thought a new Sun Tzu "The Art of War" translation is not needed, John Minford's masterful work proved us wrong. Indeed, we are certain the value of his Art of War will only increase over time. Go to Sonshi.com's interview
with Dr. John Minford.
This book is very popular with Sonshi.com readers. Ralph Sawyer's rendering from the Chinese is incredibly accurate; it is high on readability as well. Published in 1994, it didn't use much of the Yin Chueh Shan -- stating the Ming edition (Sung dynasty, 960 - 1126 AD) was tested throughout history and the two versions' contents didn't vary much despite the age disparity. A fair statement. Detailed Chinese historical and military information along with an excellent section on weaponry and equipment. Exceptionally detailed footnotes. Overall, this book should be on any serious strategist's bookshelf. The Complete Art of War hardcover edition has both Sun Tzu's and Sun Pin's Art of War, but without Sawyer's in-depth analysis of Sun Tzu. Go to Sonshi.com's interview with Dr. Ralph Sawyer.
First published in 1963, this translation from the late General Samuel Griffith is considered the finest rendering of Sun Tzu since 1910. It has commentaries within the text itself; good history and analysis. In fact, a lot of analyses. Excellent and unique sections on Sun Tzu's influence in Japan and on Mao Tse-Tung, and a foreword by the legendary B.H. Liddell Hart. Just those items alone are worth acquiring the book. It has a superb rendering of Sun Tzu (edition from the Ching dynasty, 1644 - 1911 A.D.) in which we can find few faults. A must have book on your shelf if you are interested in Sun Tzu and strategy. This translation has been accepted into the Chinese Translation Series of the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). All of us at Sonshi.com highly recommend it. You may want to upgrade to Griffith's hardcover edition for your home library. Want to know how to apply General Samuel Griffith's translation to business and warfare? We suggest you take a serious look at Mark McNeilly's two highly rated books Sun Tzu and the Art of Business and Sun Tzu and the Art of Modern Warfare. Both books include Griffith's complete thirteen chapters of The Art of War. Go to Sonshi.com's
interview with Mark
McNeilly.
We give special mention to The Art of War 3: The Canons of Commerce, an extraordinary business interpretation of the Sun Tzu written by Dr. David Goldenberg, a professor and corporate executive with over 40 years of business experience. Although the book is a mere 140 pages (65 pages for the main 13 chapters), it is packed with insights that often force the reader to stop and think before continuing on. Dr. Goldenberg's style is reminiscent of Sun Tzu's. The author goes straight for the jugular; he succinctly yet effectively explains strategic concepts without drawn-out anecdotes you find in many business books. The chapters are broken out into 13 parts like the original, in addition to three appendices based on the author's research work. Highly recommended and a must-have version for all Art of War readers. Below are other Sun Tzu and Sun Tzu-related books that may be of interest to you. Be sure to click on the author interviews to learn more.
Insightful book shows how our modern military can learn and benefit from Sun Tzu's principles. Go to Sonshi.com's interview with Dr. Chet Richards.
A bilingual edition of Sun Tzu's Art of War with individual Chinese characters before each English translation and 26 real-life case studies. Go to Sonshi.com's interview with Dr. David Li.
Businessman and former military officer enlightens readers with book and complementary cards. Go to Sonshi.com's interview with Robert Cantrell.
A
suspenseful
novel incorporating the life story of Sun Tzu. Go to Sonshi.com's interview with J.B. Bucklin.
Compassion is the key component in leadership according to this author and professor. Go to Sonshi.com's interview with Dr. Raymond Yeh.
Business guru teaches managers how to effectively apply The Art of War. Go to Sonshi.com's interview with Gerald Michaelson.
Both books have General Samuel Griffith's translation. Go to Sonshi.com's interview with Mark McNeilly.
Actress and author popularizes The Art of War with a reference to the Sopranos. Go to Sonshi.com's interview with Jessica Steindorff.
Top business consultant reveals how following the 36 Strategies can give your company the competitive edge. Go to Sonshi.com's interview with Kaihan Krippendorff.
Master Kaufman,
10th Dan, sheds light on two Asian classics. Go to Sonshi.com's interview with Stephen Kaufman.
Direct translation of The Art of War into business concepts from this experienced business executive. Go to Sonshi.com's interview with Donald Krause.
In-depth technical analysis of Sun Tzu's strategies and their application to the business organization.
Go to Sonshi.com's interview with Dr. Foo Check Teck.
Successful businessman expounds Art of War concepts so others can achieve their goals as well. Go to Sonshi.com's interview with Gary Gagliardi.
Prolific writer and lecturer on Sun Tzu's application in the corporate world. Get ready to be "suntzunized." Go to Sonshi.com's interview with Khoo Kheng-Hor. Site
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