Classical Interpretation of Military Strategy: Sun Tzu, Wu Zi, Wu Lie Zi, and The Art of War

Author: Chu Yuanyan / Zhang Datong (editors)
Publisher:
Publishing Date: 2005-01-01
Features: The Art of War is one of ancient China's most renowned military treatises. It summarizes and reveals the general laws of war with universal significance, demonstrating the profound depth and enduring vitality of its military thought throughout history in various conflicts. Sun Wu, born into the military-minded Tian family, built upon the military ideas of his predecessors while incorporating his own battlefield experiences to write The Art of War, which is hailed as the "Holy Canon of Military Strategy." The Art of War gained prominence and widespread circulation during the Warring States period. Han Fei, in his work The Five Carriers, mentioned: "Within the state, everyone speaks of war; every household possesses copies of Sun Wu and Wu Qi's books." The military theories in The Art of War had a clear influence on later military treatises such as Sun Bin's Art of War, Wu Zi, and Wu Liezi. The original text of The Art of War translated and annotated in this book is based on Sun Wu Shi Jia Zhu from The Collected Works of the Hundred Schools of Thought. In some places, references were made to the Song Dynasty edition of The Seven Military Classics and unearthed Han bamboo slips, with minor textual corrections added to the annotations.
Wu Zi is one of ancient China's highly influential military treatises, traditionally attributed to Wu Qi of the Warring States period. Wu Qi, a native of Wei during the early Warring States period, possessed extensive experience in military command and outstanding strategic talent. He served as a general in Lu, where he decisively defeated the Qi army; as the Western River governor in Wei, he engaged in 76 battles with the feudal lords, winning 64 in full, drawing even in the rest, and expanding the territory by four sides, conquering a thousand li of land; and as the Prime Minister of Chu, he pacified the Baiyue in the south, annexed Chen and Cai in the north, repelled the Three Jin States, and launched campaigns against Qin in the west. The current edition of Wu Zi consists of six chapters: Mapping the State, Assessing the Enemy, Organizing the Army, Discussing Commanders, Adapting to Change, and Inspiring the Troops. The original text of Wu Zi translated and annotated in this book is based on the Song Dynasty edition of The Seven Military Classics, with minor textual corrections made in reference to The Direct Interpretation of the Seven Military Classics.