The Illustrated Art Of War

Compiled more than two thousand years ago by a mysterious warrior-philosopher, 'The Art Of War' is still the most prestigious and influential book on strategy in the world today, as eagerly studied by business executives and politicians as it has been by military leaders since ancient times. As a study of the anatomy of organizations in conflict, the book applies to competition and conflict on every level, from the interpersonal to the international. Its aim is invincibility, victory without battle, and unassailable strength through understanding the physics, politics, and psychology of conflict.

This translation presents the classic from the point of view of its background in the great spiritual tradition of Taoism, the origin of psychology, science, and technology in East Asia and the source of the insights into human nature that underlie this most revered handbook for success. Included are selections from a classical collection of commentaries on Sun Tzu's text by eleven Chinese strategists and military leaders, edited by Thomas Cleary to bring out their inner meaning of the principles of strategy.

This illustrated edition of 'The Art Of War' includes some of the finest works of art from China, Japan, and Korea, selected from museums, galleries, and private collections in countries throughout the world.