The Art of War

London: Amber Books, 2022. Purchased NEW. Dual-language edition with editorial notes. The unread book is tight with solid hinges and good tips. The textblock is clean with no writing, bookplate, or markings and not BCE, ex-library, or remaindered. The book is Chinese-bound, which refers to a publishing method that folds the page with writing on the front and back. Holes are created along the sides and the pages are then stitched together. No dust jacket, as issued. 96 pages. 7½ x 10½ tall.

This edition contains the full original 13 chapters on such topics as laying plans, attacking by stratagem, weaponry, terrain, and the use of spies. Sun Tzu addresses different campaign situations, marching, energy, and exploiting your enemy's weaknesses.

Written in the 6th century BC, Sun Tzu's "The Art of War" is still used as a book on military strategy today. Napoleon, Mae Zedong, and Douglas MacArthur all claimed to have drawn inspiration from it. Beyond the world of war, modern-era business and management gurus have also applied Sun Tzu's ideas to politics and corporate strategy.

James Trapp is the author of "Chinese Characters: The Art and Meaning of Hanzi," and "Chinese Proverbs." Trapp teaches Mandarin and is an Education Officer on the China Collection at the British Museum.