Synopses & Reviews
In 1972, The Lost Art of War was discovered in an ancient Chinese tomb. The first complete manuscript ever found from the legendary military strategist Sun Tzu II (commonly known as Sun Bin, a lineal descendent of the great Sun Tzu), this sophisticated manual delves even deeper than The Art of War into the complex principles and practices of organizations, tactical formation, strategic maneuvering, and adaptation. Like those of his distinguished ancestor, Sun Tzu II's insights and strategies can be applied to life situations far beyond warfare - including government, diplomacy, business, relationship, and social action. Renowned scholar Thomas Cleary, universally praised for his ability to capture the often cryptic meanings of Chinese texts, has masterfully translated the subtle and challenging original text of The Lost Art of War and has contemporized Sun Tzu II's strategic insights with his own illuminating and accessible commentary. An ancient version of Sun Tzu's The Art of War was also found in the tomb, which differs significantly from previously known editions. Thus, Cleary additionally offers a fascinating analysis comparing the teachings of The Lost Art of War to those of the classic The Art of War as it is presented in this newly discovered version. Sun Tzu II draws on other traditions of strategic thinking while extending the teachings of his ancestor.
Synopsis
The Lost Art of War by Sun Tzu II (commonly known as Sun Bin) was unearthed in 1972 in an ancient Chinese tomb. Translated into English for the first time, this stunning discovery has been hailed as a worthy sequel to The Art of War. Packed with precise strategies and detailed tactics that can be adapted to any organization, this sophisticated manual builds upon Sun Tzu’s phenomenally popular teachings and offers powerful insights into such principles as strategic manoeuvring, tactical formation, and adaptation.Renowned scholar Thomas Cleary brings the sometimes cryptic meanings of Sun Tzu II’s ancient Chinese wisdom to life. Like his translation of The Art of War, Cleary’s rendering of The Lost Art of War is an absorbing and practical work, whose military metaphors can be adapted to the complexities of business, government, diplomacy, relationships, and social action.