The Art of War [FIRST BARNES & NOBLE EDITION, FIRST PRINTING]

Sun-tzu

Published by Barnes & Noble, New York, 1994

As new condition black boards, black spine, and gold spine lettering contained in an as new condition dust jacket. Includes Preface; A Note on the Translation and Pronunciation; Chronology of Approximate Dynastic Periods; General Introduction and Historical Background; Introduction; Tomb Texts and Lost Writings; Notes to the General Introduction and Historical Background; Selected Notes to the Introduction; Notes to the Translation; Notes to the Tomb Texts and Lost Writings; Selected Bibliography; Glossary and Index. Translated, with introductions and commentary by Ralph D. Sawyer with the collaboration of Mei-chun Lee Sawyer. Illustrated with black-and-white diagrams and map illustrated front and rear endpapers. "The Art of War was originally intended as a set of principles designed to maximize the chances for militar victory and national survival, and minimize the chances of military defeat and human loss. Whatever philosophic purposes it has been put to by later generations and other cultures, Sun-tzu's classic work, as translator Ralph Sawyer ably demonstrates, is best understood in the context for which it was initially created. This new translation, therefore, distinguishes itself from many of its predecessors by its insistence that the Art of War is, first and foremost, a work of military strategy. With this view firmly in mind, Sawyer provides by far the most detailed introduction and commentary yet offered to the Art of War, its author, and his age. He begins with an extensive overview of the history of Chinese warfare and military thought. He also outlines what is known of Sun-tzu himself, and what is not known, summarizing the many problems of determining the biography of this elusive figure. For example, in his biographical essay on Sun-tzu, Sawyer separates the core of knowledge about the man from the many unverifiable legends which later grew up around his name. Always bearing in mind the geographical and political realities of warfare in Sun-tzu's era, Sawyer also reviews three significant historical battles which influenced Sun-tzu's thinking, and which may have been fought under his direction. In addition, he provides special sections on the Chinese use of chariots, horse and cavalry, armor and shields, and swords, as well as notes on Chinese military organization. Following the translation of the classic text itself are several illuminating supplementary sections, which translate relevant portions of the recently discovered tomb texts and "lost writings," reputed to be earlier variants of the standard version. Sawyer, unike many other contemporary translators, is careful not to take these texts as necessarily superior to the classically established one. His contention, supported by his carefully researched historical notes to the volume, is that much sifting and analyzing still needs to be done before the value and authenticity of these finds can be decided. Nevertheless, he provides the reader with translations of those sections he deems worthy of consideration, as well as quoting from the important, recently recovered Military Methods of Sun Pin. A glossary is also provided for readers of Asian languages , as are battle diagrams to help readers visualize the historic military encounters discussed in the book. Designed to satisfy the needs of both the general reader and the reader with a wider grasp of Asian and military history, this edition of The Art of War is the most comprehensive, balanced treatement of this classic to date." - from the inner front and rear jacket flaps. "In general, commanding a large number is like commanding a few. It is a question of dividing up the numbers. Fighting with a large number is like fighting with a few. It is a question of configurations and designation." "In order await the disordered; in tranquility await the clamorous. This is the way to control the mind." - from The Art of War. Seller Inventory # 007560

Bibliographic Details

Title: The Art of War [FIRST BARNES & NOBLE EDITION...
Publisher: Barnes & Noble, New York
Publication Date: 1994
Binding: Hardcover
Condition: As New
Dust Jacket Condition: As New
Edition: 1st Edition