The Essence of War: Leadership and Strategy from the Chinese Military Classics
Editorial Reviews
Book Description
Ralph D. Sawyer, noted scholar of Chinese warfare, provides a comprehensive introduction to the essential views, concepts, and tactical principles of military strategy through this translation of classic texts from ancient China.
From antiquity, the history of China has been marked by invading tribes, warring states, and popular uprisings. This heritage of conflict produced a body of martial literature exploring the fundamental principles of warfare and their methods of employment. Fully aware of the tragic consequences of battle, the authors of these texts emphasized that bloodshed and war should be avoided whenever possible. But, they argued, this is possible only when the principles of leadership and strategy have been mastered and the dynamics of conflict thoroughly analyzed. Over the centuries, these texts have been studied throughout Asia, not only by generals on the battlefield but by leaders of all kinds concerned with the management of human conflict in all its forms. The Essence of War presents eight of these classics (written from 500 B.C.E. to 700 C.E.), including Sun-tzu's Art of War and Sun Pin's Military Methods. The book introduces the core principles of Chinese military science, grouping selected passages and key quotations into five thematic sections encompassing forty-one topical chapters: Fundamentals, Tao of Warfare, Tao of Command, Tactical Essentials, and Tactical Specifics. Translator Ralph D. Sawyer provides here a concise introduction to Chinese military thought and influential materials not only of traditional import, but also for contemporary study and enduring value in both business and military circles throughout the world.
About the Author
Ralph D. Sawyer, one of the leading scholars of Chinese warfare, has also worked extensively with major military and intelligence agencies. After study at MIT, Harvard, and National Taiwan University, and a brief period of university teaching, Sawyer has spent the past thirty years in international consulting work throughout Asia. Working from a strong technical and intelligence background, he has focused his research on the theory and practice of warfare in China, both traditional and contemporary.
The Essence of War: Leadership and Strategy from the Chinese Military Classics,Ralph D. Sawyer,Westview Press,0813390494,Ancient World History,Asia - China,China,History,History - Military / War,Military,Military - General,Military - Strategy,Military Science,Military Tactics And Strategy,Military art and science,War,War & defence operations
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