'The Art Of War' was originally intended as a set of principles designed to maximise the chances for military victory and national survival, and minimise 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 originally 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.
This edition, designed to satisfy the needs of both the general reader and the reader with a wider grasp of Asian and military history, features:
- A detailed introduction and commentary on the elusive Sun-tzu.
- An extensive overview of the history of Chinese warfare and military thought, including references to the six less well known classics of Chinese military strategy.
- Special sections devoted to the Chinese use of chariots, horse and cavalry, armour and shields, and swords, accompanied by notes on Chinese military organisation.
- A glossary for readers of Asian languages, as well as battle diagrams to help readers visualise the historic military encounters discussed in the book.
