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true to thought processes 2010-03-31

Reviewer: an open mind

While the book is not an easy read, the work provides a welcome understanding of the thought processes and translations of the languages/cultures involved> Therefore, close study and slow reading is rewarded with a fuller understanding of the subject, the times and the present utility - if any. The presentation is a major plus to this kind of work, not a detriment. The detail of authorities is most ipressive. Highly recommended, but not for light reading. There are less difficult works, but none more thorough or historical concerning a culture that is remote in location and time. Best regards to all

Toast 2010-03-22

Reviewer: Lewis Eric Weil, Jr.

The Tao of Deception is well worth reading but could
have contained all material within half the pages.
I looked at the reviews on Tao of
Spycraft and would be interested in how readers who have read
both compare the repetition?
Deception from a historical, political and evolutionary
thinking allowed me to appreciate content.
It is much more than The Art of War.
This person saw material as 5 star with presentation
2 to 3 stars.

Boredom In The Extreme 2010-02-12

Reviewer: Patrick Sullivan

There was a lot of interesting material covered in this book. China went through centuries of almost constant warfare. The idea of The Tao Of Deception, was to explain many of the lessons learned from ancient warfare. Sawyer is well researched in the methods of Chinese warfare. The Chinese have a large archive on the history of warfare.
Unfortunately, Sawyer`s book has all the excitement of watching paint dry. I found myself constantly skipping over paragraphs. In fact this would have been a lot better read, in the format of a textbook.
In summary , there are a lot valuable military lessons listed, but this is a very dull read.

An enlightening look into the military history of China. . . 2008-11-09

Reviewer: T. Hooper

"The Tao of Deception" looks into the history of Chinese military strategy. Basically, each chapter covers a period of Chinese history or a reinterpretation of previous theory through the events of the period discussed. Of course everyone is familiar with Sun Tzu and this book covers his basic thoughts as well. What I appreciated about this book was that it also cover much more obscure (to Westerners anyway) military thinkers as well, which gives a much more complete overview of Chinese military thought than just looking at the theories of Sun Tzu alone.

The particular strength of this book is that it is not just a book of theory. It provides many historical expamples of battles in which the generals executed the strategies discussed. I really enjoyed the historical aspect of this book.

The final chapter introduces how a modern Chinese military could apply these tactics and strategies in a conflict with America. I won't spoil any of the surprising possibilities, but it would be a good idea for American military planners to take a careful look at this book.

Overall it is a great read. The only reason I give it four stars instead of five stars is that there are no maps to go along with the historical battles, so if you're not familiar with the battles mentioned, then it will be much harder to follow them. I found the discussion on the battles of the Three Kingdoms period to be fascinating because I am already familiar with those battles and can visualize them easily. However, when battles of other periods were discussed, I found it to be more difficult to visualize. If you're not bothered by the lack of maps, go ahead and get this. Also, I would recommend this if you will be doing business in China.