Historically important but overhyped for the modern readerNovember 14, 2005 19 out of 36 found this review helpful
Although this book has many advantages over the other editions I've seen, including the complete Chinese text along with the English translations, with special annotations and commentaries, and an extensive introduction, unfortunately I have to say that I found the work of only limited value today in regard to the military strategy, what with the existence of mechanized armor, artillery, and air power, all of which didn't exist in Sun Tzu's day, and of almost zero value in the world of business, another area where for some reason Sun Tzu's ideas have been applied by the more creative but less logical and economically literate thinkers out there. Hence, the work is mostly relevant today in regard to ground engagements with very basic weapons. Even modern infantry has weapons and capabilities that go far beyond anything available in Sun Tzu's day, although some of his ideas might still be useful there.
As seen from many of the reviews here, westerners continually misinterpret Oriental classics like this and apply them to situations where they are not applicable--and where even the Chinese wouldn't think of using them. This is a book about war, and has very little relevance to business. You'd think people would have taken a clue from the title, "The Art of War." It's doesn't say, "The Art of Business." What part of the title didn't they understand?
For example, one reviewer very perceptively pointed out what is probably the worst problem with interpreting Sun Tzu's work in the light of business strategy, which is that the best strategy in business is a win/win situation: if I win and you lose, you will never do business with me again. I would certainly agree with this and again would reiterate that this is a book about war, not about business strategy.
And Bernie, a top 50 reviewer, said, "As a Project Manager I can tell you that this book has little value to today's business. Projects are about efficiency, cooperation, and ROI not war." I would agree with this also based on 10 years I spent as a project manager in one of America's largest and most successful Fortune 500 companies.
Also (assuming the story is true), anybody who would behead two of the Emperor's most beautiful concubines because they giggled during a marching exercise for the Emperor is a real dirtbag (regardless of whether it was 2300 years ago or not) and should apply for membership in the Nazi Hall of Fame (more like Hall of Shame). Considering the anti-sexual harrassment environment of modern big business, I don't think Sun Tzu's actions would win him many points there.
The best way to look at this book is as a classic that represented a high point in the military thinking and strategy of its time, but which has since been superceded. Basically this amounts to saying the work has historical value, but the work has been overhyped and oversold far beyond its real value to the modern reader. As an important historical book relating to the conditions and circumstances of the time, no doubt Sun Tzu's work still provides important information and insights there.
Just BetterOctober 26, 2005 7 out of 10 found this review helpful
I like this translation more, apposed to Minford's, because it is easier to study it and apply it to life. Minford's translation is good without a doubt, but as far as I am concerned it is less universal to different situations.
A Great ClassicMay 7, 2005 48 out of 49 found this review helpful
Sun Tzu's great classic work has been read, re-read and appreciated in China and the East for about 2,500 years. Even today, major Japanese corporations are said to require their executives to be intimately familiar with "The Art of War" for its value as a source of strategy. Napoleon was said to have been influenced by this book - as was Karl von Clausewitz and most modern day military planners around the world.
For an ancient work to have had and still have such a following is ample evidence of its importance. Its current day applications range from military strategy to business philosophy to sales training to computer games. More important than the information contained in "The Art of War" is the logical mindset, the rational point of view that Sun Tzu presents, that contributes to the timelessness of the great book.
Of the numerous editions of "The Art of War" that are available, this Special Edition that contains the Chinese characters, an uncommented English translation, and the full Giles translation with an introduction and annotation is undoubtedly the pick of the litter. It has been said of the Giles translation that it is "somewhat dated". The same could be said of Sun Tzu's great classic itself. Yet it stands, unequaled.
