The Art of War is a seminal work on military strategy that is today as important and influential among politcians and business executives as it is among military leaders. Written over twenty-five hundred years ago by a mysterious Chinese warrior-philosopher, the book has become one of the most revered handbooks for success of all times. 'Feign weakness to create over-confidence in the enemy,' Sunzi cautions. 'When attacking nearby, make it appear that you are attacking a distant point. When attacking a distant point, make it apear that you are attacking nearby.' These words of wisdom and psychological insight rein as true today as they did centuries ago-and can easily be applied to situations far removed from the battlefield.

In Sunzi Speaks, the great warrior's wisdom is retold through the enchanting and entertaining cartoon illustrations of Tsai Chih Chung. As with Tsai's previous books, the original Chinese notes are contained in the margins of each page as a decorative device-and as an aid to potential scholars and Chinese-speaking readers. Tsai Chih Chung brings the essence of this classic Chinese text vividly and enduringly to life.

Tsai Chih Chung is a world-renowned Taiwanese cartoonist and popularizer of Chinese philosophy whose books have sold over eighteen million copies and been translated into a dozen languages. The first English translation of his work, Zhuangzi speaks: the Music of Nature (Princeton University Press), was published in 1992; Zen Speaks (Anchor Books) was published in 1994. He lives in Taipei, Taiwan.

Brian Bruya is a professional tanslator with a B.A. in philosophy and Chinese from the University of Washington. His previous work includes the translation of Zhuangzi Speaks and Zen Speaks. He lives in Seattle, Washington.

Contents

Translator's preface
Introduction
The life of Sun Wu
1 Calculation
Calculation
The Dao, Heaven, Earth, Command, Law
The Dao
Heaven
Earth
Command
Law
The Seven Calculations
Subterfuge
Taking advantage of the enemy
Temple decisions
2 Waging War
A million dollars a day
Protracted war is disadvantageous
Victory not duration
Gain strength through defeating the enemy
The general who knows
3 Strategic Offensive
The principles and tactics of warfare
Attack strategy
The strategic offensive in war
Powers of the commander
Know thyself,know thine enemy
4 Tactical disposition
The objective of strategy
Seek victory before fighting
The circumstances of decisive battle
5 Force
Frontal and surprise
The implementation of frontal and surprise attacks
Force
Creating force
6. Strengh and Weakness
Conrol others without being controlled
Concentration against fragmentation
Like water
7. Manuever
Make the crooked straight
Advantage and disadvantage
Wind, forest, fire, mountain
8 Alternatives
Alternatives
9 On the march
Deloyment
10 Terrain
Terrian
The six kinds of defeat
A great general is a national treasure
11 Ground
Strategies of ground
Dividing the enemy
the army of the supreme sovereign
Wage war like a serpent
Like a maiden
12 Incendiary warfare
The five methods of incendiary warfare
Move only when it benefits you
13 Espionage
Spies
The five spies
Guide to pronunciation