It is important, I think, to understand when confronted with the plethora of editions we can find today of Sun Tzu (I have at least half a dozen) that they really all go back to the work of one or two translators who gave us the English language versions. I think that what you need to do is find the edition that works for you. Same thing for Clausewitz where each translation is accompanied by its own herd of critics. But do read them.
Thanks, Robert, for the excellent comment! You raise a great point about evaluating a book not just by the author’s credentials, but also the source material they draw from – and in this case the quality of the translation upon which the book(s) rest. Could you help out and let us know what translations you see as the best for Sun Tzu? I have two Sun Tzu books – how ‘good’ would you rate them? Sun Tzu, The Art of War (Translated by Samuel Griffith) Oxford University Press 1963, and Sun Tzu’s Art of War, The Modern Chinese Interpretation by General Tao Hanzhang (translated by Yuan Shibing) Sterling Publishing company, 1987. Thanks in advance! vr/ Phil
The Book Of Five Rings by Miyamoto Musashi is an excellent work on personal leadership, with many lessons applicable to the military and business.
Thanks for the suggestion Terry!
It is important, I think, to understand when confronted with the plethora of editions we can find today of Sun Tzu (I have at least half a dozen) that they really all go back to the work of one or two translators who gave us the English language versions. I think that what you need to do is find the edition that works for you. Same thing for Clausewitz where each translation is accompanied by its own herd of critics. But do read them.
Thanks, Robert, for the excellent comment! You raise a great point about evaluating a book not just by the author’s credentials, but also the source material they draw from – and in this case the quality of the translation upon which the book(s) rest. Could you help out and let us know what translations you see as the best for Sun Tzu? I have two Sun Tzu books – how ‘good’ would you rate them? Sun Tzu, The Art of War (Translated by Samuel Griffith) Oxford University Press 1963, and Sun Tzu’s Art of War, The Modern Chinese Interpretation by General Tao Hanzhang (translated by Yuan Shibing) Sterling Publishing company, 1987. Thanks in advance! vr/ Phil