Has anyone read The art of war by Sun Tzu?????

Question

How easy to read and can you recomend a version of it as there are so many to choose from.

Answer 1

The most popular versions I've come across was the one by James Clavell, author of such novels as Shogun, Tai Pan and Noble House. I also have a version by General Tao HanZhang, a former senior General in the Chinese People's Liberation Army during Chairman Mao's time which uses China's history during the Three Kingdom warring states period as illustrations for the applications of Sun Tzu's theories. Those two I think are easily the best versions I've read so far.
Incidentally, I also own a book of the same title but by another well known author, "The Art of War" by Niccolo Machiavelli. It's a companion book for his first book "The Prince" which deals with how to go about managing a war campaign in 16th century Europe. Other recommended books on strategy are "Go Rin No Sho" or "Book of Five Rings" by Miyamoto Mushashi, and "On War" by Carl Von Clausewitz (a Prussian general who served under Napoleon)

Answer 2

Well, I am sure many people who have read Sun Zi Art of War would have told you that reading it is easier but understanding the wisdom that is read between the lines is very difficult. I have been reading the book for more than 5 years now and I can still find a lot of wisdom hidden in it.

As for the which version to choose from. Being bilingual in Chinese and English, I have read many Chinese and English translated version. Sad to say, those people who are not immersed in Chinese Culture and history and attempted to translate this great work of Chinese Civilization into English had failed to capture the meaning well, with some failed miserably. When I read their translations I find that they do not bring justice to this great work at all. Up till now the best version I have read is written by a Chinese Professor who is effectively bilingual in Chinese and English. His name is Prof Wee Chow Hou. Being a Chinese himself, his work adequately capture the spirit of Art of War in his English translated version.

Hope these answers help.

Answer 3

How easy to read depends on the version. I've come across several versions, some in compilations with similar writings, but the one I like best was a small book with a red cover. It seems to be the one that's the least messed with by the translators and publishers. However I don't remember the name of the translator or publisher, and I don't seem to have a copy handy right now. But it is the only version I've seen with a red cover, so I hope that helps.

Answer 4

I read Chinese version(because I studied Chinese as my 3rd language)...it isnt hard to read it, Sun Tzu used easy vocabularies to express his ideas....but it won be easy to understand the true meaning of the book....The Art of War ain't just a guide to war strategy....it's REALLY DEEP

Answer 5

I have read 2 different translations: one trnslated by RL Wing and one translated by Samuel Griffen. I have always preferred the RL Wing translation. It, to my mind is clearer.

As for whether or not, it is easy to read, yes and no. It isn't difficult to read at face value, the difficulty lies in understanding how it is meant to apply to one's own situation. A friend of mine, who was in the Marines (ROTC) at the time thought it was far too general. While it is general, this is its strength and why its use and study has endured so long; because it is universally applicable.

Answer 6

that's a competent e book, a classic. different books, Machiavelli-Prince, Bushido-Warriors way, e book of 5 rings-Musashi present day authors: "33 techniques of conflict" and "40 8 rules of potential" the two by ability of Robert Greene

Answer 7

I want to read it but is it even in english?

Answer 8

I read part of it and very quickly lost interest.