The Art of War -- Basic Collection of Chinese Family Classics

Author: Song Tao Translated and Annotated
Publisher:
Publishing Date: 2003-01-01
Features: At this time, some lobbyists advised the six states to unite against Qin, while others advised them to align with Qin. The former was called "Hegemonic Alliance" (), meaning uniting the northern and southern states, while the latter was called "Hegemonic Alliance" (), meaning uniting the eastern and western states—with Qin being the only western state. The representative of the Hegemonic Alliance faction was Su Qin, while the representative of the Hegemonic Alliance faction was Zhang Yi; they could represent all the lobbyists of the Warring States period. —Zhu Ziqing, Classics for Beginners
When Su Qin was piercing his leg with a needle, he fiercely declared, "How can a lobbyist fail to obtain gold, jade, brocade, and silk, or fail to attain the dignity of a minister or an advisor?" This perfectly reflects the mindset of the Warring States lobbyists. Relying on their wisdom and eloquence, they devised strategies and handled diplomacy; whichever ruler employed them, they would assist them. They were professionals, seeking their own fame, fortune, and status; they helped you when you needed it, but when you didn’t, they might harm you. —Zhu Ziqing, Classics for Beginners
The Warring States Strategies (), often abbreviated as Strategies of the Warring States (), is said to have been compiled by historians or strategists from various states during the Warring States period, with different names such as Strategies, State Affairs, Discourses, Short and Long, and Long Books. This book primarily records the political proposals and strategies proposed by advisors and strategists when they persuaded or debated with rulers of various states. It reflects the sharp and complex contradictions and struggles between states and factions during the Warring States period. The text is vivid and fluent, making it an important source for studying the history of the Warring States period. The Warring States Strategies is a timeless classic that has left a profound impact, serving as a treasury of strategy, debate, and literature. It records the grand and dynamic Warring States era, where advisors and strategists skillfully maneuvered and argued with sharp wit and eloquence. It is a vivid portrayal of the heroes and geniuses of the time formulating strategies and persuading or debating with political figures. Among its numerous discourses on persuasion and debate, many are celebrated for their literary brilliance and profound meaning, becoming timeless masterpieces. For thousands of years, The Warring States Strategies has been widely applied in politics, economics, military affairs, diplomacy, and public relations, achieving remarkable success and.
The Warring States Strategies and The Guiguzi are both renowned works of the school of strategists and debaters, but The Guiguzi consists mostly of concise philosophical aphorisms and abstract principles, which are obscure and difficult to understand. In contrast, The Warring States Strategies is composed of numerous cases featuring vivid characters and events, serving as a vast treasury of eloquence and strategy for applying and proving the principles of The Guiguzi. This book is based on the annotated edition of The Warring States Strategies published by Shanghai Ancient Books Publishing House in 1978, with additional references to other editions and documents such as Records of the Grand Historian and Strategies of the Warring States Faction.