The Complete Art of War 8 Books Collection Hardback Box Set

Introduction:

Delve into the profound wisdom of ancient Chinese military and philosophical thought with this compelling 8-book set. Spanning treatises that have shaped strategic thinking for centuries, this collection offers unique insights into warfare, governance, and human behavior. It captures the essence of Chinese strategy, combining politics, philosophy, and battle tactics with a focus on subtlety, deception, and disciplined man-management. Each book in the set provides a rich source of knowledge and reflection, perfect for scholars, strategists, and anyone fascinated by the intricate interplay of strategy and philosophy.

Titles In This Set:

Notebook

Questions and Replies

Three Strategies of Huang Shigong

Wuzi

Wei Liaozi

The Methods of The Sima

Six Secret Teachings of Taigong

The Art of War

Description:

Notebook:

This is an elegantly designed, versatile journal inspired by the timeless strategies of Sun Tzu's classic treatise, "The Art of War." This notebook features a sleek cover, often adorned with traditional Chinese motifs or quotes from the text, providing a sophisticated and inspiring aesthetic. Inside, the blank pages offer ample space for personal reflections, creative writing, strategic planning, or daily journaling. Perfect for enthusiasts of military strategy, history, or anyone seeking a thoughtful and stylish medium for their notes and ideas.

Questions and Replies:

Thought to have occurred almost 1,500 years ago,  Questions and Replies Between Emperor Taizong  and General Li Jing captures the changing realities  of warfare at a time when the late Tang dynasty would  begin its 300-ycar reign.  

It was a world where Barbarians' shared an uneasy  co-existence with the Han. Central Asia was both  a strategic threat and opportunity. Amid such volatile  times, the astute Emperor Taizong and his capable  advisor General Li Jing critically evaluate ancient  Chinese wisdom captured by scholars like Sun Tzu,  Taigong, Wuzi, and Zhuge Liang to draw lessons for  the future.  

The beauty of this book is that it is at once  straightforward, accessible, and yet profound,  There is considerable disagreement upon the  conclusions drawn by the ancients and even among  the two protagonists themselves. The reader cannot  help but be an energetic third participant of this  timeless deliberation

Three Strategies of Huang Shigong:

Three Strategies of Huang Shigong, attributed to the  Han General Zhang Liang dates back to the 3rd-2nd  century BCE. The classic publication seeks to wed  military strategy with civilian administration into a  meritorious and seamless whole. It has been compiled  to flag lessons from history to a beleaguered era  

Of the three strategies, the Upper Strategies uphold  the importance of ritual and rewards. They differentiate  between the malicious and brave and distinguish success  from failure.  

The Middle Strategies delve into the frequent  incompatibility between good intent and practice  They also probe shifts in the balance of power.  

The Lower Strategies enlighten us about the Way (Tao)  and virtue. They look into issues that create insecurity  among people and explain the mechanics of treating  deserving people and dealing with unscrupulous ones.

Wuzi:

The 2,500-year-old Wuzi is an energetic reading. Scholar-general Wu Qu is part Chanakya and part  Sun Tzu. He is at once sharp, detached, analytical and  confident. Most importantly, his deeds match his words.  The journey from advising the king on the moral basis  of governance to the advantages of calculated violence  seems seamless  

There is compassion in cold logic and vice-versa,  This approach assuages an insecure ruler, people, and  soldiers at a particularly unstable point in China's  chequered history. Wars were almost everyday  occurrences, and the king was at once an administrator  X.  and near-religious figure.  

The General has much the same role on the battlefield.  He is a benevolent disciplinarian. He motivates his men  with fervour and then follows up with concrete rewards  and stern punishments. All along, he strategizes and  prepares to confront his many enemies.

Wei Liaozi:

Unlike other Chinese military classics Wei Liaozi  questions the penchant for seeking out divine omens.  The treatise does not adopt a praiseworthy tone at all times either. Kings and generals are often criticised.  Common sense is emphasised.  

Surprisingly for a book of its vintage  (around 500-200 BCE), the book talks about cannons and women in battle. It is also not shy of referencing the Art of War from time to time.  

The thrust is very much on organising military and  civilian affairs when war clouds loom. The martial part  is pivoted around discipline and systems. Among other aspects, collective punishment is a favoured theme,  The people angle is more well-rounded. Popular support  for military campaigns is stated to be a pre-requisite  Don't kill the goose that lays golden eggs  is the motto that China followed then and now.

The Methods of The Sima:

The Methods of the Sima, thought to be put together  around 500 BCE, is designed as a reference manual for good governance. While it does address military grand strategy and minutiae of man-management, the thrust  is very much on 'what must a king or general do for the  greater good'. 'Sima's Methods' are benchmarked upon  sound practices followed by ancient Sage (wise) kings  who sought to order society based upon considerations  of harmony, balance of power and public welfare  

The breadth of thought is sweeping but the hand is light,  Subtlety is a much-valued trait in Chinese culture then and now. Essential reading to understand the evolution of the dragon-country's strategic culture.

Six Secret Teachings of Taigong:

Thought to be over 3,000 years old as oral tradition  and compiled during the Chinese Warring States era (475-221 BCE), Taigong's Six Secret Teachings  is probably the oldest known work of Chinese military  scholarship. Written with the stated objective of  overthrowing the Shang dynasty (1600-1046 BCE)  it insightfully combines politics and philosophy with  often brutal battle tactics. It is still very relevant for  military planners in that it advocates a lethal  combination of subtlety and deception, with  discipline and exemplary man-management  The content is presented in an easily accessible  and case study format

The Art of War:

If you seek a window into Chinese military thinking,  ancient and present, look no further than Sun Tzu's  The Art of War. Thought to be compiled sometime  around 500 BCE, the treatise is a succinct war manual  that ironically delves on strategies to avoid waging war  in the first place. It is incisive and straight talking.  But as is typical of the Chinese mind, it is layered and  subject to multiple interpretations-probably why there  are many versions of this book. Sun Tzu orients warfare  in complex dynamics of politics, geography, espionage  and most interestingly psychology. The fascinating part  is that while he presents a set of guiding principles to  wage a successful military campaign, he also lays out  an equally large number of riders under which one may  deviate from these dictums. Flexibility, unpredictability  and deception is after all at the heart of warfare!