The Art of War: Seven Military Classics from Ancient China 8 Books Collection Box Set

Format: Paperback

Titles In The Set:

1. The Art of War
2. The Methods of The Sima
3. Wei Liaozi
4. Wuzi
5. Questions and Replies
6. Three Strategies of Huang Shigong
7. Six Secret Teachings of Taigong
8. Note Book

Book Description:

The Art of War: "Winning each battle is not as laudable as breaking the enemy's will to fight, without having to fight in the first place." If you seek a window into Chinese military thinking, ancient and present, look no further than Sun Tzu's "The Art of War." Thought to be compiled around 500 BCE, this treatise is a succinct war manual that ironically delves into strategies to avoid waging war. It is incisive and layered, subject to multiple interpretations. Sun Tzu orients warfare within the complex dynamics of politics, geography, espionage, and psychology. While presenting guiding principles for a successful military campaign, he also lays out numerous riders under which one may deviate from these dictums. Flexibility, unpredictability, and deception are at the heart of warfare!

The Methods of The Sima: "Handsome victories are not to be rewarded to prevent generals and the army from becoming too self-indulgent." Compiled around 500 BCE, this reference manual for good governance addresses military grand strategy and man-management, emphasizing what a king or general must do for the greater good. "Sima's Methods" are benchmarked upon sound practices followed by ancient sage kings who sought to order society based on harmony, balance of power, and public welfare. Essential reading to understand the evolution of China's strategic culture.

Wei Liaozi: "If a country neither has the capability to wage war externally nor defend itself from within, then its best strategy is to develop markets." Unlike other military classics, Wei Liaozi questions the penchant for seeking divine omens and emphasizes common sense. Surprisingly, it discusses cannons and women in battle, focusing on organizing military and civilian affairs when war clouds loom. The martial part pivots around discipline and systems, with popular support for military campaigns deemed a prerequisite.

Wuzi: "A series of victories does not necessarily result in strategic stability." The 2,500-year-old text by scholar-general Wu Qi is energetic reading. He combines sharp analysis with compassion, seamlessly transitioning from moral governance to calculated violence. The General motivates his men with fervor, rewards, and stern punishments while strategizing against numerous enemies.

Questions and Replies: "Military planners followed The Four Kinds: 'Balance of power and plans form and circumstance', 'Yin and Yang', and 'skill and craft'." This dialogue between Emperor Taizong and General Li Jing captures the changing realities of warfare during the late Tang dynasty. They critically evaluate ancient wisdom to draw lessons for the future, engaging the reader in a timeless deliberation.

Three Strategies of Huang Shigong: "The flexible can complement the unbending." Attributed to Han General Zhang Liang, this classic seeks to wed military strategy with civilian administration. It flags lessons from history, emphasizing the importance of ritual, rewards