Classical Interpretations of Military Strategy (Sun Tzu, Wu Zi, Wu Lie Zi, Sima Fa)

Author: Chu Yulan, Zhang Dangtong (editors)
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2005-01-14
Features: The Art of War is one of ancient China's most renowned military treatises. It summarizes and reveals the universal laws of war, demonstrating the profound depth and enduring vitality of its military thought throughout history. Sun Wu, born into the military family of the Tian clan, built upon the military ideas of his predecessors while integrating his own battlefield experiences to write The Art of War, which is hailed as the "Holy Classic of Military Strategy." The Art of War gained significant attention and widespread circulation during the Warring States period. Han Fei, in The Five Dynasties, mentioned: "Within the borders, 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, The Art of Wu, and Wu Liezi. The original text of The Art of War translated and annotated in this book is based on The Ten Commentaries on Sunzi 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 in the annotations. The Art of Wu 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 combat command experience and outstanding military talent. He served as a general in the state of Lu, where he decisively defeated the Qi army; as the Western River governor of Wei, he engaged in seventy-six battles with the feudal lords, winning sixty-four in full, with the rest resulting in draws, expanding the territory to four directions and 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 The Art of Wu 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 The Art of Wu 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 Explanations of the Seven Military Classics.