The Complete Art of War 8 Books Collection Hardback Box Set

This hardback box set brings together eight works associated with ancient Chinese military and philosophical thought, spanning strategy, governance and human behaviour. Across the collection, the texts explore the relationship between politics, philosophy and battlefield practice, with recurring attention to subtlety, deception, discipline and man-management.

Alongside classic treatises, the set also includes a notebook inspired by Sun Tzu’s The Art of War, designed as a space for writing and reflection. The remaining volumes present a range of approaches, from dialogue and debate to structured “strategies” and methods intended as reference points for rulers, generals and administrators.

Included titles

• 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

Key details

• 8-book hardback box set
• Includes a notebook inspired by The Art of War
• Collection focused on Chinese strategic, military and governance thought

Synopses

Notebook

A journal inspired by Sun Tzu’s The Art of War, with blank pages for notes, reflections, creative writing, planning or daily journalling. The cover is described as sleek and may feature traditional Chinese motifs or quotations from the text.

Questions and Replies

Presented as an exchange between Emperor Taizong and General Li Jing, this work reflects on warfare during the late Tang period. It revisits earlier Chinese strategic writings and weighs differing conclusions, inviting the reader into an ongoing deliberation.

Three Strategies of Huang Shigong

Attributed to the Han general Zhang Liang and dated to the 3rd–2nd century BCE, this text aims to unite military strategy with civilian administration. It is organised into Upper, Middle and Lower Strategies, addressing ritual and rewards, the gap between intent and practice, shifts in power, and ideas of the Way (Tao) and virtue.

Wuzi

Described as an energetic read, Wuzi moves from advice on the moral basis of governance to the advantages of calculated violence. It also outlines the general’s role as a benevolent disciplinarian, combining motivation with rewards and punishments while preparing to face multiple enemies.

Wei Liaozi

This treatise questions reliance on divine omens and often criticises kings and generals, emphasising common sense. It focuses on organising military and civilian affairs when conflict threatens, with attention to discipline, systems, collective punishment and the need for popular support.

The Methods of The Sima

Thought to have been compiled around 500 BCE, this work is framed as a reference manual for good governance. It addresses grand strategy and man-management while asking what rulers and commanders should do for the greater good, drawing on practices associated with ancient sage kings and ideas of harmony, balance of power and public welfare.

Six Secret Teachings of Taigong

Described as an oral tradition later compiled during the Warring States era (475–221 BCE), this work is presented as an early example of Chinese military scholarship. Written with the stated objective of overthrowing the Shang dynasty (1600–1046 BCE), it combines politics and philosophy with battle tactics, advocating subtlety and deception alongside discipline and exemplary man-management, in an accessible case study format.

The Art of War

Attributed to Sun Tzu and thought to have been compiled around 500 BCE, this succinct manual explores strategies that can also avoid war. It considers warfare through politics, geography, espionage and psychology, offering guiding principles alongside conditions under which one may depart from them, with flexibility, unpredictability and deception presented as central.