The Seven Military Classics of Ancient China: Wu Ching Chi Shu (History and Warfare)

Rating:
Summary: Essential for the study of Eastern Martial Philopshy
Review: This is the best complilation of ancient Chinese martial philosophy I have ever come across. The translation is superb, and it is extensively footnoted to give the reader a complete understanding of the context of the translations and their meaning. It's of a much higher quality then most other translations. For example, I enjoyed dearly the Thomas Cleary trans. of "The Art of War" because of the clear and simple text. However, the Sawyer's trans. "The Art of War" had much more of the subtle nuances of the original by expanding the vocabulary and giving extensive footnotes. The rest of the trans. in the book are perhaps lesser known but equally impressive works. Overall, I felt the book provides the reader with a comprensive view of ancient Chinese strategy and is essential for anyone who wishes to study this subject.