The Art of War [Blackstone Version]

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.

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.

Part 1 of this work was interesting -- not life-altering, but interesting. What I didn't know is that, by long tradition, editions of this book are published with elaborate commentaries in the margins. Thus, after Part 1 finishes presenting Sun Tzu's treatise, Part 2 attempts to present the work all over again with all the marginalia -- and I didn't find the audio format conducive to any integrated consideration of the text and margin notes.

Two stars for Part 1, and none for Part 2.

I can only comment on the first part, the raw reading of the text, since I wasn't able to get through much of it. It is definitely not for listening to while driving. Obviously, Sun Tzu's writing is not straight forward modern western commentary, rather an eastern expository on principles of fighting and war which repeats itself and speaks in metaphor. The narrator's voice was also difficult to listen to, because it was slow and somewhat monotone. Although this may convey Sun Tzu's mood, it was not enough to keep me engaged.

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

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

Why the translation is alright, this person reads it in today's english rather than leaving it in the order of words that Sun Tzu intended. There are other versions that sound alot better and are in the traditional order. If you are wanting something that would be more in the modern then it would be great, but not if you are wanting the traditional wording.

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.

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.

The format was hard to follow, bouncing around from topic to topic then back, I would have less out of order commentary.

I may listen to another version of this book at a later date to see if I can take in the entire work better.

If this version was better laid out it would stand alone well.

When you think the book is done it starts back up in a random place then goes back through most of what you already heard but with new commentary. It was confusing and unfocused. In my opinion it did not capture the spirit of the original.

The readers did fine.

I didn't realize that the "Art of War" was a mere 10% of this book. Is this a book that people rave over and do not actually read? The book was approximately 90% analysis. -- I wanted to enjoy this book, I could not.