Item Description
Finally available in paperback, Ralph D. Sawyer's incomparable study of ancient Chinese warfare. One of the most profound studies of warfare ever written, The Seven Military Classics of Ancient China presents us with an Eastern tradition of strategic thought that emphasizes outwitting one's opponent through speed, stealth, flexibility, and a minimum of force--an approach very different from that stressed in the West, where the advantages of brute strength have overshadowed more subtle methods. Safeguarded for centuries by the ruling elites of imperial China, even in modern times these writings have been known to only a handful of Western specialists. In this volume are seven separate essays, written between 500 B.C. and A.D. 700, that preserve the essential tenets of strategy distilled from the experience of the most brilliant warriors of ancient China. This accurate translation remedies a serious gap in Western knowledge of Asian thought. Based on the best available classical Chinese manuscripts, some only recently discovered by archaeologists, The Seven Military Classics of Ancient China is a uniquely important contribution to the world's military literature and is essential reading for anyone interested in China's rich cultural heritage or in the timeless principles of successful warfare strategy.
Product Details
- Publication Date: 2007-11-06
- Publisher: Basic Books
- Product Group: Book
- Manufacturer: Basic Books
- Binding: Paperback, 592 pages
- Package Dimensions:
- Dimensions: 910L x 610W x 170H
- Weight: 160
- List Price: $17.95
- ISBN: 0465003044
- ASIN: 0465003044
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Customer Reviews
Average Amazon User Rating: 
china principles of warfare
2010-03-15
Reviewer: H. L. sommers
still reading it; has a lot of good stuff; food for thought; learn principles of warfare
A Great Composition of the Classics
2009-10-05
Reviewer: No Clever Names Yet
Having recently began a Masters couse in Military Studies, this book is a must read for anyone who is interested in such a topic. The compilation is a phenomenal resource and should be able to be utilized for various purposes throughout my studies.
Awesome Book
2009-07-05
Reviewer: Scora
The seven classics in this book are so good that the chinese military classified them so that no up and coming rebels could read them; But nowadays everyone can, and should read them, so do it. It is an essential for those who seek to understand conflict, prosperity, and humanity itself.
Well writen
2009-02-13
Reviewer: Joseph T. Davis
I, for one, enjoyed this book. I am not here to critic, as a few of these other reviews appear to be. One, the book is easy to understand and follow. Meaning, the translations are well recorded. Two, I have recently been curious in Chinese history of warfare and this book was able to show me much Chinese philosophy towards warfare. I recomend it this book to any follower of military history or Chinese warfare. You get your moneys worth.
Excellent
2007-09-01
Reviewer: Susanna Hutcheson
Sawyer knows his subject. He is a master of Chinese warfare and culture. He even teaches you how to pronounce some common Chinese words that we in the west always mispronounce.
The book is great. It covers a lot --- not just The Art of War, though that's included. It is a complete study of the Chinese strategies of war and I recommend it to those interested in this topic.
