Lionel Giles Books

Dated to about the fifth century B.C., "The Art of War" is considered the world's oldest treatise on war. Attributed to Sun Tzu of the Zhou dynasty, the book is composed of 13 chapters, each addressing a particular aspect of warfare such as planning offenses, military combat, and the employment of spies. Influential in Eastern civilization for millennia and in Western culture since its first translation in the 18th century, the teachings of this book have been applied to scenarios as varied as office politics, the Vietnam War, and American football. Now this living military heirloom is available as part of the "Word Cloud Classics" series in a chic, affordable edition for readers everywhere.

Written more than two thousand years ago by a mysterious warrior-philosopher, The Art of War is the world's most renowned text on martial strategy and tactics. More than just a military manual, it also holds the keys to victory in life itself; hence, it still resonates with readers. In this book, Sun Tzu explains when and how to engage opponents in order to overcome difficult situations; elucidates how to succeed by motivating soldiers and leveraging tactical advantages; and highlights the importance of discipline in leadership. In short, he sheds light on how to win the battle of wits. This translation is most faithful to the original and explains Sun Tzu's percepts in easy-to-understand language. Lauded by leaders from all walks of life, The Art of War is an useful treatise for negotiating not just the challenges in the military arena, but in every aspect of life. About the Author