The Art of War [Blackstone Version]

By: translation by John Minford, Sun Tzu

Narrated by: Lorna Raver, Ray Porter

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)

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.

An Ancient Classic

Would you say that listening to this book was time well-spent? Why or why not?

The way this book was presented grew repetitive.

How would you have changed the story to make it more enjoyable?

I would have changed the editing to make the book shorter.

What aspect of Lorna Raver and Ray Porter ’s performance would you have changed?

I am not sure how I would have changed the actual performance.

If this book were a movie would you go see it?

No.

Any additional comments?

Not a book to read merefy for enjoyment,

A masterpiece

Well read. Well translated. Well commented. You will be better off after listening to this because you will appreciate the difficulty in attaining peace internally, in relations, in a family and in and between nations.

Not the best version of this classic in my opinion

Is there anything you would change about this book?

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

What do you think your next listen will be?

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

Do you think The Art of War [Blackstone Version] needs a follow-up book? Why or why not?

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

Any additional comments?

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.

tough concentration required

My expectations were not accomplished. It is a tough reading or listening because there are so many data that is perfect for an investigator but not for somebody that needs practical knowledge. To long and not so practical, after this book you need to look for another that translate the wide base of the first in a practical knowledge.