The Art of War

This deluxe hardcover edition of "The Art of War" presents Sun Tzu's timeless instructions regarding military strategy and managing conflict in two forms.
The first part contains "The Art of War" in English, without notes or commentary. This allows the reader to understand the teachings of Sun Tzu, without the distraction of footnotes or excessive comments. As translated by Lionel Giles, the text is succinct and very easy to read.
The second part contains the complete translation by Lionel Giles, along with his definitive critical commentary. Written during the Victorian era, his "Introduction" gives the reader a chance to share the wonder of discovery which Western scholars experienced when approaching Sun Tzu for the first time. Although written in the 6th century BCE, the teachings of Sun Tzu are still found today in the martial arts, legal doctrine, military schools, management seminars and pervasively throughout popular culture.
Excerpt from "The Art of War by Sun Tzu - Classic Edition." Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.
1. Sun Tzu said: Whoever is first in the field and awaits the coming of the enemy, will be fresh for the fight; whoever is second in the field and has to hasten to battle will arrive exhausted.
2. Therefore the clever combatant imposes his will on the enemy, but does not allow the enemy's will to be imposed on him.
3. By holding out advantages to him, he can cause the enemy to approach of his own accord; or, by inflicting damage, he can make it impossible for the enemy to draw near.
4. If the enemy is taking his ease, he can harass him; if well supplied with food, he can starve him out; if quietly encamped, he can force him to move.
5. Appear at points which the enemy must hasten to defend; march swiftly to places where you are not expected.
6. An army may march great distances without distress, if it marches through country where the enemy is not.
7. You can be sure of succeeding in your attacks if you only attack places which are undefended. You can ensure the safety of your defense if you only hold positions that cannot be attacked.
8. Hence that general is skillful in attack whose opponent does not know what to defend; and he is skillful in defense whose opponent does not know what to attack.