'The Art of War' is an ancient Chinese military handbook that dates back to the 5th Century BC. Attributed to the intelligent military strategist Sun Tzu, the title of the work is Master Sun's Rules of Warfare when literally translated from Chinese. Born over 2,400 years ago, warrior, thinker, and leader Sun Tzu lived during a time of great internecine conflict in China. The novel contains thirteen chapters, each of which are dedicated to a single aspect of warfare strategy, tactics, and insights that lead to success. Mastership of warfare and the maintenance of power are the most crucial values in Sun's philosophy, without which there can be no peace or life. According to Sun, studying your enemy, detecting his weakness, allowing him to expose himself, and then acting accordingly is the key to success. But, it is perhaps even more important to master the skill of winning without fighting. Sun's battle-proven strategies have been put into practice by countless leaders, from Mao Tse-tung to Napoleon to the planners of Operation Desert Storm. Filled with practical wisdom and strategy, it is an essential guide for anyone who wants an edge over the competition. Emperor Shenzong of Song deemed it the most important of China's Seven Military Classics in 1080 and it is still one of the most influential strategy texts in East Asia. CONTENTS: 1. Laying Plans 2. Waging War 3. Attack by Stratagem 4. Tactical Dispositions 5. Energy 6. Weak Points and Strong 7. Manoeuvring 8. Variation of Tactics 9. The Army on the March 10. Terrain 11. The Nine Situations 12. The Attack by Fire 13. The Use of Spies
