Rating: 
Summary: Explanation on Strategy & Politics
Review: 5 star for SunTzu's work
0 star for R.W.Wangs annotaion
3 stars over allSun Tzu's strategy is based on the laws of nature - both human and environment. His treatise is a universal template that shows the way to triumph over conflicts from interpersonal to international. The strategy follows a direct path that escalates until victory is assured. From analysis and projection, through planning and positioning and on to confrontation. Sun Tzu explains such techniques as the use of camouflage the creation of illusion and gathering intelligence. A true victory can be won only with a strategy of tactical positioning so that the moment of triumph is effortless and destructive conflict is averted. Sun Tzu pointed out "Those who win one hundred triumphs in one hundred conflicts do not have supreme skill. Those who have supreme skill use strategy to bend others without coming to conflict". Sun Tzu explores the psychological motivations for power and discipline in 'Art of War'. His work is ostensibly about tactics and day-to-day practice of warfare. As Sun Tzu was a keen observer of human nature, 'the Art of war' is filled with advice useful not only for those engaged in war but also for those carrying on their normal lives. The strategic and tactical doctrines expounded in 'The Art of War' are based on deception, the creation of false appearance to mystify and delude the enemy; the indirect approach; readily adaptability to the enemy situation' flexible and co-ordinate maneuver of combat elements and speedy concentration against point of weakness. The best policy is to attack the enemy plans to prevent him from acting; then disrupt his alliances; creating a wedge amongst the people in state. In the 'Art of War' the underlying tone is discipline. The general has to spend considerable amount of energy in emphasizing the need for discipline. Discipline via fear is however useful only up to a point. There must be a motivating force for all people who aspire to succeed, whether in the field of business, politics, administration, government or warfare. Wars cannot be won by just mere strength but it is on a conglomeration of factors, which need to be accounted. Sun Tzu emphasizes the need to take the moral of oneself and its enemy, the environment and other barriers into consideration. The moral strength and intellectual faculty of men were decisive in war, and that if these were applied war could be waged with certain success. Never to be undertaken thoughtlessly or recklessly, war was to be preceded by measures designed to make it easy to win. The master conqueror frustrates his enemy plans and breaks his alliances; he creates cleavages between the sovereign and minister, superior and inferiors, commanders and subordinates. His spies and agents are active everywhere, gathering information, sowing dissention and nurturing subversion. The enemy needs to be isolated and demoralized and his will to resist broken, thus without battle his army is conquered his cities taken and his state overthrown. Sun Tzu is a very vigilant and keen observer on human psychology.
The commentaries and annotations inserted preceding each chapter by R.W.Wang were lacking in depth; thought and any structure. They are more of an irritant than interesting read. I found myself skipping over his annotations. I found that his annotations had grammatical mistakes and I didn't find an introduction about the author.
Rating: 
Summary: Know your enemy and know yourself.
Review: A classic military treatise used for twenty-five centuries. Shows the way to a success over life's obstacles. Presented in an engaging, rousing, and sensible way. The manual is very well organized and a must have.
Rating:
Summary: profound and worth studying
Review: B. H. Liddell Hart, the great British strategist, said late in his life that all his ideas could be found in Sun Tzu. Maybe so, but even a knowledgeable reader would struggle to see Sun Tzu's ideas in a modern context -- until this beautifully annotated version appeared. Sun Tzu argues persuasively that bold, indirect tactics, intended to disrupt the adversary's will and capacity to fight, are more effective than direct, often costly attacks. He is especially impressive in his treatment of the importance of terrain, intelligence and movement.
R. L. Wing goes beyond straight translation -- actually, some scholars claim his translation is not as good as some others -- to illustrate how each of Sun Tzu's principles can be applied to an individual's internal conflict, conflict with one's environment, conflict with close friends, and conflict in and among organizations. Even if you've read Sun Tzu before, this version is worth having and reading -- and re-reading.
Rating:
Summary: Brilliant! A brilliant piece of a complex whole
Review: Chinese language and culture differ so strongly from American thought and culture that it is impossible to think that a single translation of a classic Chinese text can give the reader the complete experience of having read the text in its original language and context. RL Wing's translation brilliantly shines a light on the ART OF WAR. I came to Wing's translation after having studied and studied the old public domain English translation with its copius notes and explanations. Wing gives the reader a tremendous insight into THE ART OF WAR, the brevity and compactness of Chinese language expression, the morality and thinking of Sun Tzu, and the different ways that the Eastern mind comprehends war from the Western mind. If you are a dedicated student of Sun Tzu's ART OF WAR, this translation belongs in your collection. I don't know if it's the best or not, but it's a vital translation. If peace is your highest aim and the resolution of conflict without coming to violence is your highest aspiration, this book displays the wisdom of the great general in terms that clarify meaning for Western readers.
Rating:
Summary: A must read for anyone who wants to better themself
Review: For years people have been trying to translate Sun Tzu's Art of War, and having read many of these translations myself I can honestly say that not one person has even come close to interpreting this Eastern Classic, until now. RL Wing's book is delightful to read and easy to follow. If you have an open mind, then this book is sure to make your life better.
Rating:
Summary: Powerful!!!
Review: Great book on ancient strategy
Rating:
Summary: A must read for corporate managers.
Review: I have assigned this book as required reading for every manager within my company. Beginning with "The Five Fundamentals of Strategy" and concluding with "The Essence of Strategy" the book leads the reader to an understanding of how to effectively deal with conflict. Armed with this knowledge, any person can become a successful leader and, more importantly perhaps, resolve the conflict within the self and thereby open up a path of true personal growth.
Rating:
Summary: Makes a Chinese Classic Thoroughly Modern
Review: I have read numerous translations of the "Art of War", however "The Art of Strategy" takes the classic Chinese strategy to a level that modern Americans can easily relate. I use this version of the book in a course taught on public relations strategy and it is always well received by the students. It seems to be less militaristic in its presentation and more applicable to modern problems including those of a more personal nature. While I personally prefer Thomas Cleary's translation, there is no question that my students get much out of Wing's new twist. Great book!
Rating:
Summary: Makes a Chinese Classic Thoroughly Modern
Review: I have read numerous translations of the "Art of War", however "The Art of Strategy" takes the classic Chinese strategy to a level that modern Americans can easily relate. I use this version of the book in a course taught on public relations strategy and it is always well received by the students. It seems to be less militaristic in its presentation and more applicable to modern problems including those of a more personal nature. While I personally prefer Thomas Cleary's translation, there is no question that my students get much out of Wing's new twist. Great book!
Rating:
Summary: Makes a Chinese Classic Thoroughly Modern
Review: I have read numerous translations of the "Art of War", however "The Art of Strategy" takes the classic Chinese strategy to a level that modern Americans can easily relate. I use this version of the book in a course taught on public relations strategy and it is always well received by the students. It seems to be less militaristic in its presentation and more applicable to modern problems including those of a more personal nature. While I personally prefer Thomas Cleary's translation, there is no question that my students get much out of Wing's new twist. Great book!
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