The Best EditionJuly 31, 2007 14 out of 14 found this review helpful
This special edition of Sun Tzu's "The Art of War" (available in both Paperback and Hardcover) is absolutely the best edition on the market. Not only is Lionel Giles' translation widely considered to be the most readable and scholarly, this particular book gives you two copies of the famous classic: one simple direct translation from the Chinese characters (which are also included in the book) and another copy which is interspersed with extensive notes and commentary by both Lionel Giles and a several native Chinese scholars.
Having two copies of the translation in one volume makes this edition a real treasure. The explanations and details, like the story of training the concubines and several other tales, are not available in the plain translations and they add immeasurably to the richness of the book. By the same token, having a plain, unadorned version in hand so you can just follow Sun Tzu's logical progression is a great plus. Having it all together in one volume is what makes this particular edition remarkable.
If you are looking for the best version of Sun Tzu's "The Art of War", then look no further. This is it.
The Art of WarJuly 12, 2007 3 out of 3 found this review helpful
The Art Of War is one of the oldest books ever written, yet it is still used today.The Art of War is one of the most famous studies of strategy and has had a huge influence on Eastern and Western military planning, business tactics, and beyond. The book had possibly influenced Napoleon and even the planning of Operation Desert Storm. it has 13 very interesting chapters. The Art of War helps focus problems in such a way they can be solved sistematically. It is important to keep in mind that it's better to beat the enemy without fighting. It is an amazing book. Try it!
Excellent Edition !!!July 11, 2007 7 out of 7 found this review helpful
This particular edition of Sun Tzu's Art of War is really excellent. It contains three separate copies of Sun Tzu's book: 1. The original Chinese text (in modern simplified Chinese characters), 2. A facing version of Lionel Giles' superb translation into English (without notes or comments) and 3. The complete Giles Translation with an extensive introduction and notes throughout the text that provides detailed insight into the meaning and intentions of the text.
Lionel Giles's translation is the gold standard for Sun Tzu. His deep understanding of ancient Chinese culture and his own roots in Western culture gave him a unique opportunity to bridge the gap and present native English speakers the opportunity to really understand and appreciate the mindset of this voice from antiquity.
Of all the versions of Sun Tzu's book on the market, this one is undoubtedly the best. The scholarship and detail to attention of this edition pays the respect and gives the credit to the great work that it deserves. Other, abbreviated, versions of Sun Tzu's book have their place, but not for those who actually want to understand the lessons of history that have been passed down through the centuries. The meaning of the text, after 25 centuries, requires the perspective of an oriental scholar with Giles' credentials. It is unlikely that the bare English translation, without notes or commentary, can convey to a modern reader the real meaning and intentions of a 2,000 year old Chinese genius.
good buyJuly 10, 2007 4 out of 4 found this review helpful
Though i'm not finished with this book I love the fact that its broken up into two sections. The first section is comentary free so you can get a sense of the work for yourself without a 3rd person view. The second part has the translator comments which is great if theres any parts you dont understand or want to get a second opinion.
Along with english its also printed in the native chinese which is a great feature I look for.
Excellent Edition !!!December 9, 2006 19 out of 19 found this review helpful
This particular edition of Sun Tzu's Art of War is really excellent. It contains three separate copies of Sun Tzu's book: 1. The original Chinese text (in modern simplified Chinese characters), 2. A facing version of Lionel Giles' superb translation into English (without notes or comments) and 3. The complete Giles Translation with an extensive introduction and notes throughout the text that provides detailed insight into the meaning and intentions of the text.
Of all the versions of Sun Tzu's book on the market, this one is undoubtedly the best. The scholarship and detail to attention of this edition pays the respect and gives the credit to the great work that it deserves. Other, abbreviated, versions of Sun Tzu's book have their place, but not for those who actually want to understand the lessons of history that have been passed down through the centuries. The meaning of the text, after 25 centuries, requires the perspective of an oriental scholar with Giles' credentials. It is unlikely that the bare English translation, without notes or commentary, can convey to a modern reader the real meaning and intentions of a 2,000 year old Chinese genius.
Lionel Giles's translation is the gold standard for Sun Tzu. His deep understanding of ancient Chinese culture and his own roots in Western culture gave him a unique opportunity to bridge the gap and present native English speakers the opportunity to really understand and appreciate the mindset of this voice from antiquity.
This edition does NOT contain a CD. In spite of the masterful use of the English language by Lionel Giles, the Art of War is not poetry and probably doesn't benefit from oral recitation. This particular edition is THE BOOK for those whose native language is English... and who know how to read.
