Classic Reading: The Art of War

Author: Zeng Xiaofeng, Zeng Junwei
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2004-01-01
Features: The Art of War consists of 13 chapters and approximately 6,000 characters, written by Sun Wu during the Spring and Autumn Period in China over 2,500 years ago. It is the oldest surviving military treatise in both China and the world, revered by generations of politicians, military strategists, merchants, and scholars. Since its inception, the book has had a profound and far-reaching impact on the development of ancient Chinese military theory and has been honored as the "Bible of War" and the "Forefather of Military Strategy for Generations." Military strategists and political leaders throughout history have drawn nourishment from it to guide warfare and advance military theory. The Art of War is not only a treasure trove of Chinese strategy but is also renowned worldwide. Today, it has been translated into 29 languages and is widely disseminated across the globe. Anyone who has read this treatise is captivated by its profound and mysterious dialectical content, its vast and profound military philosophy, its fresh and distinctive practical style, and its literary language as exquisite as pearls. Despite its ancient origins, the philosophical thinking embedded within the book, as well as the principles and laws of war articulated under these philosophical and cultural influences, continue to shine with brilliance to this day, earning it the title of a rare and awe-inspiring masterpiece.