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)

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.

Just your basic Art of War translation

If you have never read the Art of War then buy this one or some other, you will not be disappointed. It is one of the best books I have ever read. It applies to so many aspects of life that anyone from soldier to businessman can learn from it.

If you have read it before you will get nothing special from this one. It was not much different from any of the other translations that are out there.

Stratigum

If you could sum up The Art of War in three words, what would they be?

Revealing, Life and Death.

What was the most compelling aspect of this narrative?

Sun Tzu's Stratigum give a clear cutting approach to problem solving. Seeing war as art stretches my mind, however, we all battle elements of our lives, and we command a powerful army with every idea that we pursue, protect, or promote. The Art of War has survived for good reason, it captures the simplicity of our nature to survive against the odds, strips the life and death emotion away revealing the structure of dominance. Every Artist owes it a read.

A must read for every hopeful business owner

Many of the greatest lessons learned from war can be used in everyday life. It is an excellent guide for managing people.

Outdated info

There are several timeless principles and a bunch of outdated information. it is also too short l.

Timeless

This book is s classic and offers an intimate look at sttategy and success through the eyes and perceptions of an ancient Chinese general. Though touted as a military strategy work, Sun Tzu related the principles in such a way that they can easily be applied to everyday life. I am no military strategist, but I have been able to apply many of the tacticts and sttategies to my life today with amazing results.

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.