Compiled a lot more than two thousand years ago by a mysterious warrior-philosopher, THE ART OF Battle is still possibly the most prestigious and influential book of strategy in the world. As a report of the anatomy of organizations incompatible, The Art of War pertains to competition and conflict in general, on every level from your interpersonal towards the international. Its goal is invincibility, success without fight, and unassailable power through understanding the physics, politics, and mindset of conflict. This translation features Sun Tzu’s original text message along with commentary from traditional Chinese armed forces thinkers.

Cover image: Portrait of A-yu-hsi, China, Ch’ing dynasty (1644-1912), by Lang Glowing (Giuseppe Castiglione; 1688-1768), collection of National Palace Museum.