The Art of War

By: Sun Tzu

Narrated by: Jim Roberts

Length: 1 hr and 15 mins

Publisher's summary

This is the complete text of The Art of War, one of the oldest and most successful books on military strategy in the world. It has also been applied to business and managerial strategies. The translation, by Lionel Giles, is considered one of the best available.

This unabridged edition of The Art of War includes only the most essential translator's notes so that the words and thoughts of Sun Tzu may be easily understood.

Public Domain (P)2009 Jimcin Recordings

You got to hear it

You got to hear it. Perhaps the book is just as simple as it sounds. But in my mind, I think the lessens are about how to repair my finances. It is a Master telling me how to defeat the enemy, (financial problems). Perhaps to some, it is just “how to kick you ass”. Perhaps others, how to defeat the enemy (where the enemy is the trouble with [fill in the blank]. It is also a curios piece. It also is quick and uses economy when composing a phrase. A lot of bang for the buck.

Very Insightful !

Some would probably find it odd that a female would read a book such as The Art of War, however anyone who leaves the comfort of their home and takes on the world to earn a living would likely find the concepts of the book to be insightful. Am I comparing the strategies of war to the working world? YES. Read the book then watch the patterns of those around you, you will see what I mean.

The book is a quick listen and worth the time.

Dry, but Informative

Since the Art of War is an older work, and Lionel Giles has translated this work, I can only comment on Sun Tzu’s general ideas.

The Art of War is a short book, filled with useful tips on making, and fighting war, but the definition of war, as other reviewers have mentioned, can be considered “any conflict, and hope of success.” Some of the points in this audiobook are specifically for physical, and actual war, such as paying attention to the position of the sun, phase of the moon, and dryness of the environment for troop movement, and factors which affect attack processes. Other bits of advice, such as Sun Tzu’s comment on the Suiguin (sp?) snake which is dangerous at both ends. All-in-all, the Art of War is a very insightful work, full of useful information if you can apply it to your current, or future endeavors.

The narrator, Jim Roberts, seems to have recorded this book in his bathroom, or some other small, echoey space. I listened at 1.2 speed for my personal preference.

There are some out of date points in Sun Tzu’s writings, if it isn’t the translation by Lionel Giles. 1. The read statement of there being only 5 musical notes has been updated to 7 (more if the writer/translator also includes flats and sharps, or if we were to use the German musical system with 8 main notes. 2. The comment that there are not more than 5 cardinal tastes, “sour, acrid, salt, sweet, bitter,” is strange since acrid means bitter, so I believe that is a translation error. So the list should be read, “sour, bitter, salty, sugary, and umami,” but umami is a recent globally accepted flavor. Also, some would include metallic and some the fatty tastes.

Sometimes Jim Roberts’ audio quality changes meaning he didn’t control the recording levels/environment.

For the straight-forward approach, this audiobook is good, but very dry. Thankfully, it is short, so this version of the Art of War is fairly easy to get through.

I feel I wouldn’t recommend this audiobook, but I recommend the Art of war as a manual/reference. I might suggest a different audio version, if a better one is available.

Very Disappointed

What could have made this a 4 or 5-star listening experience for you?

I was very disappointed with the presentation of the narrator. I have read this book on several occasions, and thought I would learn something new by listening to it. I was nearly sleep within the first 10 minutes of listening to the narrator.

Hmm?

So many people and leadership books have quote "The Art of War" that I felt it deserved a read.

Now I can nod sagely when somebody quotes it. As far as what I got for leading others - I did get one gem - The Five Dangerous Faults - Recklessness, Cowardice, hasty Temper, Delicacy of Honor (shame), and Over Solicitude for Men.

Horrible narrator. It was a blessing it only lasted 1 hour, 16 minutes, and only cost about $2.

Not what was expected

I ordered this book because my daughter wanted it. She heard it was a really good book. After about 15min of listening she found it was not at all what she had expected and never finished the book.

Dry as a bone.

What disappointed you about The Art of War?

This reads like an antiquated and ambiguous combat manual. I was expecting more on ancient tactics that might be applicable to current situations. Lots of repetition and contradictions.

What could Sun Tzu have done to make this a more enjoyable book for you?

Less ambiguity, less contradictions.

Would you be willing to try another one of Jim Roberts’s performances?

No. His slight Boston accent is grating over time. Also the echoes from the room he recorded in are distracting.

I can save you some time...

This ... book.... sounds.... like.... it... was.... narrated.... by.... a.... alzheimers.... patient.... It's almost like the narrator was trying to extend the material out and it was very annoying. Almost like how Diane Rehm talks. The content of the book was boring enough as it is. The whole book can be summarized in: Be prepared, do the opposite of what your enemy thinks you are going to do, and don't underestimate your enemy.

Worth The Price

I paid just a couple bucks for this book, and I feel I got my money's worth. The reader is competent, but unexciting, which doesn't help with the dry text. Still, for the price this is a can't miss.

Not a Good Book for the Audible Format

The content of this book cries out for note-taking, underlining, and pauses for reflection. I wouldn't choose this in audible format again. It's not the fault of the narrator or Sun Tzu, it's just not good material to try to absorb solely by listening.