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The Art of War

An Illustrated Edition
By Sunzi
3.95 goodreads logo

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( 557,463 ratings, 22,746 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
The Art of War by Sunzi is a timeless Chinese military treatise offering strategic and tactical advice on warfare. It delves into the philosophy of leadership, the importance of understanding both the enemy and oneself, and the value of adaptability and deception in achieving victory. Although primarily focused on military tactics, its insights have been applied across various fields, including business and management.
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Format: Paperback / softback
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

This book may appeal to you if you have an interest in strategy, philosophy, and military history. It offers timeless insights into leadership and decision-making, which can be applied in various aspects of life beyond warfare. Its teachings continue to influence both military and business leaders worldwide.

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Previously published in 1994 under title: Sunzi speaks.

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

A delightfully illustrated version of Sunzi's classic The Art of War by bestselling cartoonist C. C. Tsai. C. C. Tsai is one of Asia's most popular cartoonists, and his editions of the Chinese classics have sold more than 40 million copies in over twenty languages.

This volume presents Tsai's delightful graphic adaptation of Sunzi's The Art of War, the most profound book on warfare and strategy ever writtenβ€”a work that continues to be read as a handbook for success not just by military commanders but also by leaders in politics, business, and many other fields.

Conceived by a Chinese warrior-philosopher some 2,500 years ago, The Art of War speaks to those aspiring to rise through the ranks and help build successful countries. How can that goal best be achieved, and what is the role of warfare, if any, in the process? What are the powers and limits of the general in command? How can you win without going to war?

Sunzi's answers to these and other questions are brought to life as never before by Tsai's brilliant cartoons, which show Sunzi fighting on dangerous ground, launching a surprise attack, spying on his enemies, and much more.

A marvellously rich introduction to a timeless classic, this book also features a foreword by Lawrence Freedman, one of the world's leading authorities on military strategy, which illuminates how The Art of War has influenced Western strategic thought. In addition, Sunzi's original Chinese text is artfully presented in narrow sidebars on each page, enriching the books for readers and students of Chinese without distracting from the self-contained English-language cartoons.

The text is skilfully translated by Brian Bruya, who also provides an introduction.

Series: The Illustrated Library of Chinese Classics

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  • The Art of War
    A delightfully illustrated version of Sunzi's classic The Art of War by bestselling cartoonist C. C. Tsai. C. C. Tsai is one of Asia's most popular cartoonists, and his editions of the Chinese classics have sold more than 40 million copies in over twenty languages. This volume presents Tsai's delightful graphic adaptation of Sunzi's The Art of War, the most...
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  • The Way of Nature
    A delightfully illustrated selection of the great Daoist writings of Zhuangzi by bestselling cartoonist C. C. Tsai. C. C. Tsai is one of Asia's most popular cartoonists, and his editions of the Chinese classics have sold more than 40 million copies in over twenty languages. This volume presents Tsai's delightful graphic adaptation of the profound and humorous Daoist writings of...
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  • The Ways of Zen
    From bestselling cartoonist C. C. Tsai, a delightfully illustrated collection of classic Zen Buddhist stories that enlighten as they entertain. C. C. Tsai is one of Asia's most popular cartoonists, and his editions of the Chinese classics have sold more than 40 million copies in over twenty languages. In The Ways of Zen, he has created an entertaining and enlightening...
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    From bestselling cartoonist C. C. Tsai, a delightful graphic version of the stories and teachings of the important Chinese philosopher Mencius. C. C. Tsai is one of Asia's most popular cartoonists, and his graphic editions of the Chinese classics have sold more than 40 million copies in over twenty languages. In A Cure for Chaos, he uses his virtuosic artistic...
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  • Dao De Jing
    From bestselling cartoonist C. C. Tsai, a delightfully illustrated version of the classic work of Daoist philosophy. C. C. Tsai is one of Asia's most popular cartoonists, and his editions of the Chinese classics have sold more than 40 million copies in over twenty languages. Here, he works his magic again with a delightful graphic adaptation of the complete text...
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Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

Tsai's adaptation of The Art of War breathes new life into the ancient text by effectively condensing its content and infusing a unique illustrative style. The Disney-influenced drawings add an entertaining layer, making the book engaging for both comic enthusiasts and military strategists. Through creative visuals, Tsai's version cleverly balances humour with Sunzi's timeless military insights.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780691179780

Publisher: Princeton University Press

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 19 June 2018

Country: United States

Imprint: Princeton University Press

Edition: An Illustrated Edition

Illustration: 126 b/w illus.

Contributors:

  • Translated by Brian Bruya
  • Illustrated by C. C. Tsai
  • Foreword by Lawrence Freedman
  • Illustrated by Brian Bruya

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Width: 216.0mm

Height: 235.0mm

Weight: 250g

Pages: 144

About the Author

C. C. Tsai is one of East Asia's most beloved illustrators. His bestselling editions of the Chinese classics have introduced generations of readers to the wisdom of such luminaries as Confucius, Zhuangzi, and Laozi. Born in Taiwan, Tsai now lives in Hangzhou, China. Brian Bruya is professor of philosophy at Eastern Michigan University, where he teaches Chinese and comparative philosophy. He has translated many of Tsai's books into English. Lawrence Freedman is professor emeritus of war studies at King's College London and the author of Strategy: A History.

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