Short description
Compiled more than 2000 years ago, this text still aims to be relevant in modern times as a book of strategy. A study of the anatomy of organizations in conflict, it applies to competition and conflict in general, on every level from the interpersonal to the international.
Long description
Compiled more than 2000 years ago by a warrior-philosopher, this text still aims to be relevant in modern times as a book of strategy. A study of the anatomy of organizations in conflict, it applies to competition and conflict in general, on every level from the interpersonal to the international. Its aim is invincibility, victory without battle and unassailable strength through understanding of the physics, politics and psychology of conflict.;This translation presents the classic from the point of view of its background in the spiritual tradition of Taoism, the origin of psychology, science and technology in East Asia, and the source of the insights into human nature that underlie this handbook. Translated from a standard collection of commentaries on Sun Tzu's text by 11 interpreters, the work has been edited to bring out the meaning of the principles of strategy. In addition, the translator provides an introduction discussing the content and background of the book.
Review
A mini-sized translation of the 2000-year-old Chinese classic on stategy, whose ideas, which are as applicable to individuals as to whole armies, are just as relevant today as they were then - although more often applied to management or politics than to warfare. There are maxims and analysis on any topic a corporate warrior could ponder, including strategic assessment, doing battle, planning a siege, terrain and even the use of spies. A timeless gem. (Kirkus UK)