The Art of War

Very little is known for certain about Sun Tzu, and the text was likely compiled over time, but it has been studied in China for more than two thousand years and has influenced military leaders worldwide. This edition uses the translation by Lionel Giles, a British Museum scholar who in 1910 produced the first careful English version. Each chapter is made up of short, numbered statements, easy to read and to remember.

Central ideas run through the book. Careful planning and calculation come before any battle. Knowing both yourself and your enemy is the surest path to success. All warfare is based on deception, so a commander should appear weak when strong and near when far. An army should be flexible like water, adapting its shape to the terrain. Prolonged campaigns drain a state, so swift and decisive action is better. Later chapters discuss maneuvering, different types of ground, attacking with fire and the vital importance of spies. Because the advice is general, readers apply it to business competition, negotiation and sports.

Short, sharp and endlessly quoted. About 96 pages in the Dover Thrift edition.