The Art of War [Blackstone Version]

By: translation by John Minford, Sun Tzu

Narrated by: Lorna Raver, Ray Porter

Length: 12 hrs and 29 mins

Publisher's summary

For more than two thousand years, The Art of War has stood as a cornerstone of Chinese culture, a lucid epigrammatic text that reveals as much about human psychology, politics, and economics as it does about battlefield strategy. The influence of Sun-Tzu's text has grown tremendously in the West in recent years, with military leaders, politicians, and corporate executives alike finding valuable insight in these ancient words.

In this crisp, accessible new translation, eminent scholar John Minford brings this seminal work to life, presenting the core text in two formats, first the unadorned 13 chapters of the original work by Sun-Tzu followed by the same text with extensive running commentary by classical Chinese scholars as well as Minford himself. The result is an opportunity for Western readers to experience Sun-Tzu's work in all its intensity as it applies to many aspects of our lives.

©2002 John Minford (P)2008 Blackstone Audiobooks

Critic reviews

"Modern warriors, warrior-wannabes, and world leaders would be advised to heed Sun-tzu's wisdom. Reader Lorna Raver's skill with voices adds to the inscrutable nature of the text and increases the listener's attention." ( AudioFile)

Wonderful for the Western mind

This audio book is a very thick 'document' in that the use of the very direct, very thought provoking comparisons of the western actions and history thrown into the usage and history of some of the other commentary's bring the clarity of intent Master Sun was giving to those of his place and time to a new understanding. I feel that I am more able to understand and digest this document as it was intended by its author (or authors depending on your belief or understanding.) All in all a wonderful collection of thought and explanation, although in order to grasp it all, the book itself needs to be in place or at hand to use for the many reference point given.

great book

great book, but i would like a more organized sense of reading when it came to the papers/essays portion.

Excellent book on tactics and strategy

If you are looking for a book that dissects the mechanics of skillful warfare then this book is what you are looking for. The actual book itself is not very long but over six hours of commentary and background information are appended after it which give interesting and useful facts about the book and its theories.

Worth Reading but Not Life-Altering

I downloaded this book and Machiavelli's "The Prince" at the same time. Having now read both, I feel that at this point what has been written and said about these famous works is probably more significant than the works themselves. Unlike Machiavelli's work, "The Art of War" is at least interesting throughout. It's fairly brief, but always intriguing.

In the case of this particular version, the commentary on the work (included as part of the audiobook) is much more extensive than the work itself. For anyone who would listen to this version in the future, I would recommend listening to both "parts" of the audiobook.

Listen to the introduction, as that allows you to get some background and facts about the work. Then listen to the unannotated version so that you can form your own ideas about it. Many readers would be inclined to stop there but I would suggest going on to part II. Don't let the length of part II (almost 7 hours long) deter you from giving it a try. It definitely helps to bring depth to the work and it's interesting to hear the different commentators' theories.

I was somewhat surprised that I never tired of the commentary. I feel like I got much more out of this audiobook than I would have if I had stopped after part I. I really wish the audiobook of "The Prince" had included a similar annotated version along with the unannotated work.

A great work! Loved the commentary.

A great work! You may- or may not be an officer in charge of military command but somehow this book can be applied to many different areas of life. Life is ever changing, therefore, we must learn to adapt as water takes form transcending any obstacles that comes before it.

very disorganized presentation

very disorganized and repetitive. Also, sounds bad but something not right about listening to a book about ancient war when it's read by an elderly lady. She does a great job and no offense. It's kinda like listening to Clint Eastwood say make my day in your grandma's voice.

mixed view

A meandering ancient text is disected here, and that is both good and bad. It is interesting for a time, and the disection is thorough, but eventually this becomes repetitive and a little boring. I have found that ancient works can be tough enough to follow, and this book is made more difficult because it probably originated as a series of notes, not a "read" book. A lot was made of the the core book (The Art of War) recently and the study of it is probably better than a straight read, but in the end you need to want to understand it to get anything out of it.

Great Advice

Would you listen to The Art of War [Blackstone Version] again? Why?

Yes. The info stands the test of time. We all can learn from times gone by.

Any additional comments?

This is a great listen. Every man and woman who likes to think strategically will enjoy the Art of War.

Enduring classic

The Art of War is excellent. Several of my peers at work recommended it and I so glad I checked it out. Sun Tzu is a master and his teaching are relevant in so many area of my life.

Not an easy book to listen to.

Is there anything you would change about this book?

Perhaps I would make the book a study rather than just listening to it.

What was most disappointing about Sun-Tzu and translation by John Minford ’s story?

Very disjointed and repetitive.

What do you think the narrator could have done better?

Lorna Raver and Ray Porter did an excellent job.

Did The Art of War [Blackstone Version] inspire you to do anything?

Yes, buy the book, and study it and then come back to the audible version another time.