The art of war (rare books )

If you know the enemy and know yourself, you need not fear the result of a hundred battles. If you know yourself but not the enemy, for every victory gained you will also suffer a defeat. If you know neither the enemy nor yourself, you will succumb in every battle….

These are the words of ancient Chinese philosopher Sun Tzu, whose now-classic treatise,The Art of War, was written more than 2,500 years ago. Originally a text for victory on the battlefield, the book has vastly transcended its original purpose.

Here is a seminal work on the philosophy of successful leadership that is as applicable to contemporary business as it is to war. Today many leading American business schools use the text as required reading for aspiring managers, and even Oliver Stone’s award-winning film Wall Street citesThe Art of Waras a guide to those who strive for success.

Now acclaimed novelist James Clavell, for whom Sun Tzu’s writing has been an inspiration, gives us a Newly editedArt of War. Author of the best-selling Asian saga consisting ofShogun,Tai-Pan,Gai-jin,King Rat,Noble House, andWhirlwind, Clavell first heard about Sun Tzu in Hong Kong in 1977, and since thenThe Art Of Warhas been his constant companion–he refers to it frequently inNoble House. He has taken a 1910 translation of the book and clarified it for the contemporary reader. This New edition ofThe Art Of Waris an extraordinary book made even more relevant by an extraordinary editor.