Sun Wu, the Master of War

Author: Yu Peijie
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-11-01
Features: During the Spring and Autumn Period, outstanding figures emerged one after another. Sun Wu, with his extraordinary military talent, profound logical thinking, and vast moral and compassionate nature, built upon the foundation of his predecessors and combined his own combat experience to complete a comprehensive and systematic treatise on military strategy, which stands unparalleled in history. Sun Wu came from a family renowned for military strategy; his grandfather Sun Shu and uncle Tian Rangju were both famous generals and strategists. After serving in the state of Wu, Sun Wu led the unprecedented battle of breaking Yiyang, conquering the powerful state of Chu with just 30,000 soldiers against their 200,000. Such a feat is rare in the history of world warfare. The Warring States Period strategist Wei Lüozi said, "Who can command 30,000 troops and be unmatched by anyone in the world? It is Sun Wu." Emperor Taizong Li Shimin of the Tang Dynasty said, "Among all military books, none surpass Sun Wu's." Wang Anshi even remarked, "Using just a few words from Sun Wu can lead to success and fame." Li Zan believed, "Sun Wu was the most sacred and divine, unmatched by anyone in the world for all eternity." Ji Xiaolan, in the Siku Quanshu, said, "Sun Wu's military treatise is the of military discussions for generations." Liang Qichao went further, stating, "The Art of War embodies the essence of military strategy, even Napoleon's military tactics could not surpass its scope." Sun Wu was not merely a warrior who used military force to kill; he was also a philosopher who deeply understood human nature and the principles of governance. He was at ease on the battlefield and equally clear-sighted as a court advisor. His wise decision to retire at the right time inspired countless heroes and geniuses. The Art of War has now become a spiritual treasure for people worldwide, its influence extending far beyond the military into fields such as economics, management, and literature. Unfortunately, historical records on Sun Wu's life are scarce, which has posed great challenges for artistic creation. The author of this book, adhering to the principle of combining history and logic, has strived to trace the thinking and behavior of people at that time, capturing the social atmosphere and spirit of the era, thereby achieving an artistic portrayal of this national giant, Sun Wu.