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The Art of War [Blackstone Version]  By  cover art

The Art of War [Blackstone Version]

By: translation by John Minford, Sun Tzu
Narrated by: Lorna Raver, Ray Porter
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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
  • Unabridged Audiobook
  • Categories: History

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)

What listeners say about The Art of War [Blackstone Version]

Average customer ratings
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  • Overall
    2 out of 5 stars

Tough Read

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.

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37 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    2 out of 5 stars

Not the right medium

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.

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35 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

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.

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30 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    3 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    3 out of 5 stars

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.

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10 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

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.

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10 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    out of 5 stars

Goodbook

Good book

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9 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    2 out of 5 stars

Poor Translation

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.

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8 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars

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.

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7 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    3 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    2 out of 5 stars

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.

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6 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

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.

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6 people found this helpful