TOP-RATED ART OF WAR BOOKS
The most common question we receive from our readers is "Which Art of War version should I buy?"
Currently there are hundreds of Art of War editions available online and in bookstores, but their quality and scholarship can vary widely. For example, the buyer must beware of the recent proliferation of repackaged public domain works with simply new book covers. So it's easy to be tricked into buying a book you might not want.
Listed below are our independent ranking and reviews of the top seven best Art of War books and their corresponding translators for your collection and library.
Although they are ranked, we recommend them all, because they are original translations from the most reputable Art of War scholar-translators in the world. You can't go wrong by choosing any one of them.
(To maintain our impartiality, we did not rank the official Sonshi edition.)
Currently there are hundreds of Art of War editions available online and in bookstores, but their quality and scholarship can vary widely. For example, the buyer must beware of the recent proliferation of repackaged public domain works with simply new book covers. So it's easy to be tricked into buying a book you might not want.
Listed below are our independent ranking and reviews of the top seven best Art of War books and their corresponding translators for your collection and library.
Although they are ranked, we recommend them all, because they are original translations from the most reputable Art of War scholar-translators in the world. You can't go wrong by choosing any one of them.
(To maintain our impartiality, we did not rank the official Sonshi edition.)
Cleary
(#1) Thomas Cleary
PAPERBACK - 224 pages - Shambhala Pub - October 2004
Compared with previous Art of War renderings, Dr. Thomas Cleary's translation (first published in 1988) is considered by many to be the most accessible.
Beginners can easily grasp difficult passages because he used clear, concise words. He neither overwhelms readers lacking an academic background nor does he intimidate readers lacking military experience. In short, he is among the few authors responsible for opening up the text to the masses. The popularity of his book to this day illustrates just how much he has influenced a generation of Sun Tzu students.
In addition, Dr. Cleary redefined The Art of War by linking it to Taoist thought found in classics like the I Ching and Tao Te Ching. He purposefully highlighted "a profound undercurrent of humanism" to an often misunderstood book about warfare. Most Sun Tzu scholars have followed these viewpoints ever since.
Thomas Cleary holds a Ph.D. in East Asian Languages and Civilizations from Harvard, and has written 80 books translated from eight different languages.
We encourage readers (especially those starting out) to read the Cleary translation. It is by far the most understandable rendering of all the major translations, but don't assume however that it is simplistic -- it is extremely accurate as the English words he chose were made with care, depth, and relevance. [ Buy this book ]
Learn more about Thomas Cleary.
PAPERBACK - 224 pages - Shambhala Pub - October 2004
Compared with previous Art of War renderings, Dr. Thomas Cleary's translation (first published in 1988) is considered by many to be the most accessible.
Beginners can easily grasp difficult passages because he used clear, concise words. He neither overwhelms readers lacking an academic background nor does he intimidate readers lacking military experience. In short, he is among the few authors responsible for opening up the text to the masses. The popularity of his book to this day illustrates just how much he has influenced a generation of Sun Tzu students.
In addition, Dr. Cleary redefined The Art of War by linking it to Taoist thought found in classics like the I Ching and Tao Te Ching. He purposefully highlighted "a profound undercurrent of humanism" to an often misunderstood book about warfare. Most Sun Tzu scholars have followed these viewpoints ever since.
Thomas Cleary holds a Ph.D. in East Asian Languages and Civilizations from Harvard, and has written 80 books translated from eight different languages.
We encourage readers (especially those starting out) to read the Cleary translation. It is by far the most understandable rendering of all the major translations, but don't assume however that it is simplistic -- it is extremely accurate as the English words he chose were made with care, depth, and relevance. [ Buy this book ]
Learn more about Thomas Cleary.
Mair
(#2) Victor Mair
HARDCOVER - 256 pages - Columbia University Press - October 2007
Dr. Victor H. Mair's 2007 scholarly book, The Art of War: Sun Zi's Military Methods (published by Columbia University Press), provides not only an accurate translation of The Art of War but also the most recent research into its origin.
With a knack for Sinitic etymology, Sinitic lexicography, and the origins and evolution of Chinese script, Victor Mair pushed for Chinese language reforms in exceptional efforts such as how Chinese dictionaries should be best arranged. Dr. Mair's expertise allows him to break new ground in his Art of War translation and book which contains bold and original data, analyses, and theories.
Like a scientist, he methodically asserts evidences to challenge our current knowledge and leaves us with renewed scholarship and appreciation for The Art of War. You won't regret owning this refreshing, authoritative, and well-researched edition.
Victor Mair is a professor of Chinese language and literature at the University of Pennsylvania. He graduated from Dartmouth College (where he was captain of the Dartmouth basketball team and tasked to guard Bill Bradley from Princeton), served in the Peace Corps in Nepal, and holds a master's degree from University of London and a Ph.D. from Harvard University. He has taught at Kyoto University in Japan and at Sichuan University in China. [ Buy this book ]
Learn more about Victor Mair.
HARDCOVER - 256 pages - Columbia University Press - October 2007
Dr. Victor H. Mair's 2007 scholarly book, The Art of War: Sun Zi's Military Methods (published by Columbia University Press), provides not only an accurate translation of The Art of War but also the most recent research into its origin.
With a knack for Sinitic etymology, Sinitic lexicography, and the origins and evolution of Chinese script, Victor Mair pushed for Chinese language reforms in exceptional efforts such as how Chinese dictionaries should be best arranged. Dr. Mair's expertise allows him to break new ground in his Art of War translation and book which contains bold and original data, analyses, and theories.
Like a scientist, he methodically asserts evidences to challenge our current knowledge and leaves us with renewed scholarship and appreciation for The Art of War. You won't regret owning this refreshing, authoritative, and well-researched edition.
Victor Mair is a professor of Chinese language and literature at the University of Pennsylvania. He graduated from Dartmouth College (where he was captain of the Dartmouth basketball team and tasked to guard Bill Bradley from Princeton), served in the Peace Corps in Nepal, and holds a master's degree from University of London and a Ph.D. from Harvard University. He has taught at Kyoto University in Japan and at Sichuan University in China. [ Buy this book ]
Learn more about Victor Mair.
Sawyer
(#3) Ralph Sawyer
PAPERBACK - 375 pages - Westview Press - February 1994
This book is very popular with Sonshi.com readers. Ralph Sawyer's rendering from the Chinese is incredibly accurate; it is high on readability as well.
Published in 1994, it didn't use much of the Yin Chueh Shan -- stating the Ming edition (Sung dynasty, 960 - 1126 AD) was tested throughout history and the two versions' contents didn't vary much despite the age disparity. A fair statement.
Detailed Chinese historical and military information along with an excellent section on weaponry and equipment. Exceptionally detailed footnotes. Overall, this book should be on any serious strategist's bookshelf. (Another book by Ralph Sawyer, The Complete Art of War, has both Sun Tzu's and Sun Pin's Art of War, but without his in-depth analysis of Sun Tzu.) [ Buy this book ]
Learn more about Ralph Sawyer.
PAPERBACK - 375 pages - Westview Press - February 1994
This book is very popular with Sonshi.com readers. Ralph Sawyer's rendering from the Chinese is incredibly accurate; it is high on readability as well.
Published in 1994, it didn't use much of the Yin Chueh Shan -- stating the Ming edition (Sung dynasty, 960 - 1126 AD) was tested throughout history and the two versions' contents didn't vary much despite the age disparity. A fair statement.
Detailed Chinese historical and military information along with an excellent section on weaponry and equipment. Exceptionally detailed footnotes. Overall, this book should be on any serious strategist's bookshelf. (Another book by Ralph Sawyer, The Complete Art of War, has both Sun Tzu's and Sun Pin's Art of War, but without his in-depth analysis of Sun Tzu.) [ Buy this book ]
Learn more about Ralph Sawyer.
Denma
(#4) Denma Translation Group
PAPERBACK - 320 pages - Shambhala Pub - June 2009
A new standard has been set.
The Denma Translation Group's Sun Tzu rendering shows extraordinary accuracy. As stated in the book, they "argued over every word." We are quite impressed to see very little paraphrasing. And though this emphasis does sometimes break up the reading flow, the group did an admirable job minimizing its overall effects.
In addition to the translation, this book has the finest essays analyzing the many Art of War concepts. Then in an entirely different section, the authors presented their Art of War again, but now within the translation skillfully explained its passages.
The group's work took them a decade to complete. It is based mostly on the Yin Chueh Shan text, deciphered from bamboo strips (dated 140 - 118 B.C.) discovered in 1972. The Yin Chueh Shan text predates all previously known Sun Tzu copies by 1,000 years.
Accurate translation, informative essays, and insightful commentaries. Needless to say, The Art of War: The Denma Translation is one of our top picks and we at Sonshi.com highly recommend their book. [ Buy this book ]
Learn more about the Denma Translation Group.
PAPERBACK - 320 pages - Shambhala Pub - June 2009
A new standard has been set.
The Denma Translation Group's Sun Tzu rendering shows extraordinary accuracy. As stated in the book, they "argued over every word." We are quite impressed to see very little paraphrasing. And though this emphasis does sometimes break up the reading flow, the group did an admirable job minimizing its overall effects.
In addition to the translation, this book has the finest essays analyzing the many Art of War concepts. Then in an entirely different section, the authors presented their Art of War again, but now within the translation skillfully explained its passages.
The group's work took them a decade to complete. It is based mostly on the Yin Chueh Shan text, deciphered from bamboo strips (dated 140 - 118 B.C.) discovered in 1972. The Yin Chueh Shan text predates all previously known Sun Tzu copies by 1,000 years.
Accurate translation, informative essays, and insightful commentaries. Needless to say, The Art of War: The Denma Translation is one of our top picks and we at Sonshi.com highly recommend their book. [ Buy this book ]
Learn more about the Denma Translation Group.
Griffith
(#5) Samuel Griffith
PAPERBACK - 197 pages - Oxford Univ Press - September 1971
This edition from the late Samuel Griffith, who was a brigadier general, has excellent and unique sections on Sun Tzu's influence in Japan and on Mao Tse-Tung, and a foreword by the legendary B.H. Liddell Hart. Just those items alone are worth acquiring the book.
First made public in 1963, this translation from Gen. Griffith is considered the finest rendering of Sun Tzu since 1910. We can find few faults with his rendering of Sun Tzu (edition from the Qing dynasty, 1644 - 1911 A.D.). The book has commentaries within the text itself; good history and analysis. In fact, a lot of analyses.
A must-have book on your shelf if you are interested in Sun Tzu and strategy. This translation has been accepted into the Chinese Translation Series of the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). All of us at Sonshi.com highly recommend it. You may want to upgrade to Griffith's hardcover edition for your home library. [ Buy this book ]
Learn more about Samuel Griffith.
PAPERBACK - 197 pages - Oxford Univ Press - September 1971
This edition from the late Samuel Griffith, who was a brigadier general, has excellent and unique sections on Sun Tzu's influence in Japan and on Mao Tse-Tung, and a foreword by the legendary B.H. Liddell Hart. Just those items alone are worth acquiring the book.
First made public in 1963, this translation from Gen. Griffith is considered the finest rendering of Sun Tzu since 1910. We can find few faults with his rendering of Sun Tzu (edition from the Qing dynasty, 1644 - 1911 A.D.). The book has commentaries within the text itself; good history and analysis. In fact, a lot of analyses.
A must-have book on your shelf if you are interested in Sun Tzu and strategy. This translation has been accepted into the Chinese Translation Series of the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). All of us at Sonshi.com highly recommend it. You may want to upgrade to Griffith's hardcover edition for your home library. [ Buy this book ]
Learn more about Samuel Griffith.
Minford
(#6) John Minford
HARDCOVER - 288 pages - Viking Press - November 2002
Retired Professor John Minford is only a handful of people who truly understand the essence of the Art of War: "It is beautiful and chilling." He has been a translator and teacher of the Chinese language since 1977, and had chaired the Department of Chinese and Bilingual Studies at the Hong Kong Polytechnic University and the Department of Asian Languages at the University of Auckland.
Dr. Minford's translation is extremely concise yet complete -- much to our pleasant surprise -- and is truer to the original Chinese format than all previously published Sun Tzu versions. Our analysis shows great care was given to rendering each and every word. Incorporating the conventionally accepted text, Shiyijia zhu Sunzi, along with commentary from various ancient and modern sources, his book is perfect for someone who wants both an accurate translation and an extensive explanation of its many concepts and principles.
The book is broken out into two major parts: the first part presents the core text unadorned, and the second part has the same text with well-selected commentary.
Just when we thought a new Sun Tzu "The Art of War" translation is not needed, John Minford's masterful work proved us wrong. Indeed, we are certain the value of his Art of War will only increase over time. [ Buy this book ]
Learn more about John Minford.
HARDCOVER - 288 pages - Viking Press - November 2002
Retired Professor John Minford is only a handful of people who truly understand the essence of the Art of War: "It is beautiful and chilling." He has been a translator and teacher of the Chinese language since 1977, and had chaired the Department of Chinese and Bilingual Studies at the Hong Kong Polytechnic University and the Department of Asian Languages at the University of Auckland.
Dr. Minford's translation is extremely concise yet complete -- much to our pleasant surprise -- and is truer to the original Chinese format than all previously published Sun Tzu versions. Our analysis shows great care was given to rendering each and every word. Incorporating the conventionally accepted text, Shiyijia zhu Sunzi, along with commentary from various ancient and modern sources, his book is perfect for someone who wants both an accurate translation and an extensive explanation of its many concepts and principles.
The book is broken out into two major parts: the first part presents the core text unadorned, and the second part has the same text with well-selected commentary.
Just when we thought a new Sun Tzu "The Art of War" translation is not needed, John Minford's masterful work proved us wrong. Indeed, we are certain the value of his Art of War will only increase over time. [ Buy this book ]
Learn more about John Minford.
Ames
(#7) Roger Ames
HARDCOVER - 321 page - Ballantine Books - February 1993
We have found new appreciation for this book after over a decade, which signals a timeless classic in the making. Published in 1993, Dr. Roger Ames's book not only has the complete original Chinese text but also an excellent English translation of Sun Tzu.
This edition claims to be "the first English translation incorporating the recently discovered Yin Chueh Shan texts." Thus it used the latest discovered Sun Tzu text (140 - 118 B.C.) found in 1972. The book only comes in hardcover -- wrapped around by a subdued, professional dust jacket.
Of all the Sun Tzus on the market, it has the most perfect balance between accuracy and readability. The author's emphasis is on the cultural and philosophical aspects of The Art of War. Well done section with photographs on glossy paper of the extremely fragile Sun Tzu wooden strips and other discoveries in China. In general a fine edition, and a book to buy and keep forever. [ Buy this book ]
Learn more about Roger Ames.
HARDCOVER - 321 page - Ballantine Books - February 1993
We have found new appreciation for this book after over a decade, which signals a timeless classic in the making. Published in 1993, Dr. Roger Ames's book not only has the complete original Chinese text but also an excellent English translation of Sun Tzu.
This edition claims to be "the first English translation incorporating the recently discovered Yin Chueh Shan texts." Thus it used the latest discovered Sun Tzu text (140 - 118 B.C.) found in 1972. The book only comes in hardcover -- wrapped around by a subdued, professional dust jacket.
Of all the Sun Tzus on the market, it has the most perfect balance between accuracy and readability. The author's emphasis is on the cultural and philosophical aspects of The Art of War. Well done section with photographs on glossy paper of the extremely fragile Sun Tzu wooden strips and other discoveries in China. In general a fine edition, and a book to buy and keep forever. [ Buy this book ]
Learn more about Roger Ames.