The Art of War

By: Sun Tzu

Narrated by: Scott Brick, Shelly Frasier

Length: 2 hrs and 4 mins

Publisher's summary

Written before Alexander the Great was born, this Chinese treatise on war has become one of the most influential works on the subject. Read widely in the east since its appearance 2,500 years ago, The Art of War first came to the west with a French Jesuit in 1782. It has been studied by generals from Napoleon to Rommel, and it is still required reading in most military academies of the world.

Although it was meant to be a practical guide to warfare in the age of chariots, many corporate and government leaders have successfully applied its lessons to battles in the modern dog-eat-dog world. Sun Tzu covers all aspects of war in his time, from strategy and tactics to the proper use of terrain and spies. In this version, Sun Tzu's lessons are brought to life with commentaries from ancient Chinese history, which illustrate both the philosophy and the principles of his teachings.

Public Domain (P)2002 Tantor Media, Inc. Originally published in 1910.

Critic reviews

"Scott Brick's steady, imperative tone conveys Sun Tzu's certainty. Shelly Frasier's smooth counterpoint (her reading of illustrative commentary from several sources) balances Brick's pronouncements. Transitions between the two are flawless, and the quick march towards success is maintained." (AudioFile)

Ancient Books that lay have done so for a reason.

It is fascinating how much can be learned from ancient texts. Everyone has heard of the text, and even those who have never read it will mention it for their own purposes.
It's amazing how "The Art of War" is just as much about the art of avoiding conflict and much can certainly be interpreted as problem resolution.

A short must read for anyone who does business

A book with universal truths and a timeless wisdom that is necessary to understand if you are in business. A critical insight if you do business with ruthless people. Also it imparts the importance of preparation necessary for success in just about anything. I wish I had read it sooner.

Classical wisdom / basis for strategy and tactics

Would you listen to The Art of War again? Why?

It is worthwhile and more could be gleaned from multiple readings. Much is common knowledge but there is always another gem to be gathered.

What was the most interesting aspect of this story? The least interesting?

It isn't as much story as philosophy, but its points are illustrated with artifacts of historical events, it is like being mentored by Genghis Khan.

But it is hard to understand how it is intended to be organized.

Have you listened to any of Scott Brick and Shelly Frasier ’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

Yes, many in fact for Scott. This very well read by both voices.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes, and its duration made that convenient.

A little awkward

A little more than two hours hardly does the famous Sunzu Binfa justice, granted the original bamboo scroll copy of the Sunzu Binfa was not very long (36 treaties), but the commentary in this little volume consists of little more than stories that has little to do with the Sunzu Binfa, one can argue that those history may be inspired by Sunzu, but still, commentary should be more in depth, and it would have been better if the author numbers each treaty in the original order.

it's the art of war.

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

listening to books is better than crap radio stations

What did you like best about this story?

not really a best part, if you are reading this, you probably heard of this book.

Did the narration match the pace of the story?

kinda hokey narration, didnt dig it too much

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

um... the author died in 496BC... no, a follow-up book would suck.

Any additional comments?

great "between the lines" concepts. teaches morals.

Mistaken

Thought I was getting the long version didn't realize until after purchase otherwise outstanding work

Appear weak where you are Strong

Use of the two narrators in the manner that they where used in was extremely insightful. This decision made the understanding and following the continuity measurably easier. As this is a non-fiction work, the "story" mark is really a non-issue, as such I graded on the quality of the matterial contained within. If you have an appreciation for stratagem and tactics then you must indulge in thi book. Even through the monotone dictation of the narrators. A must read/listen.

Excellent

This version uses two vocalists; one for the main text, another for the footnotes and secondary texts. This makes the flow of the book move right along. Almost every line or paragraph is directly applicable to business life.

Good, but superficial

This is a good reading of the text, but provides no more than that. Little if any insight/commentary.

Easy to understand

With most of the commentaries taken out, the actual words of the author are much easier to understand.
Many powerful lessons - for business, not just war.