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The Art of War (Translated by Ralph D. Sawyer)

Contributors

By Sun Tzu

Translated by Ralph D. Sawyer

Formats and Prices

On Sale
Sep 29, 2026
Page Count
384 pages
Publisher
Basic Books
ISBN-13
9781541609389

Price

$40.00

Price

$51.00 CAD

Format

A quintessential guide to strategy, The Art of War has influenced leaders for over a thousand years. Beyond the battlefield, people have long turned to its wisdom for advice on succeeding in competitive situations, and companies worldwide now make this book required reading for their executives.  
 
Ralph Sawyer’s compelling translation and expert annotations bring to life for modern readers Sun Tzu’s masterful insights on conflict, competition, and human dynamics. Readers will discover a rich perspective steeped in centuries of military thought, making ancient wisdom resonate in today’s world.  
 
An invaluable resource for anyone seeking to refine their decision-making and leadership skills, this elegant hardcover edition invites repeated engagement, enhancing any collection with its timeless principles and captivating design. 

  • "A tour de force. Sawyer puts this most famous of the classic Chinese military writings into context and shows that Sun-tzu was not just a solitary genius, but the product of a remarkably rich martial culture."
    Publishers Weekly
  • "A tour de force. Sawyer puts this most famous of the classic Chinese military writings into context and shows that Sun-tzu was not just a solitary genius, but the product of a remarkably rich martial culture."
    Robert L. O'Connell, author of Fierce Patriot
  • "I am convinced that this translation...will prove to be the definitive edition for many years to come."
    Robin D.S. Yates, McGill University
  • "Fills a serious gap for anyone interested in the history of ancient warfare...a fascinating book."
    Arther Ferrill, author of The Origins of War

Sun Tzu

About the Author

Ralph D. Sawyer is a renowned translator and leading scholar of Chinese warfare. With degrees from MIT and Harvard, he has spent over fifty years consulting and lecturing internationally, collaborating with major intelligence agencies. His many other books include The Tao of Spycraft and The Seven Military Classics of Ancient China. He resides on Cape Cod. 

Learn more about this author