The Art of War

Sun Tzu doesn't waste words--he doesn't summarize, doesn't review. He makes his point and moves on. You'll need to listen to THE ART OF WAR more than once if you want to follow--or just remember--his guidelines for success. This audiobook delivers two-plus hours of his direct orders. You may be entertained by some of what you hear, but the author's primary purpose is to whip you into shape. 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. T.J.W. (c) AudioFile 2003, Portland, Maine

November 1, 2002
Sun-tzu's The Art of War has led military strategists, economists, politicians and other leaders for more than 2,000 years, and has been translated numerous times. Scholar Minford takes a crack at it here, offering a new translation, introduction and commentary. This fundamental volume could be one of the best in recent years, as it features notes on pronunciation, suggestions for further reading, a chronology of Chinese dynasties and historical events, and more. After these briefings, Minford separates the book in two: first, a straightforward translation of Sun-tzu's book, and second, the translation coupled with commentary. "The Art of War is both inspirational and worrying. It is beautiful and chilling....It lends itself to infinite applications," Minford writes. Indeed, this new translation is accessible to anyone seeking guidance, whether they're learning to drive defensively, ironing out relationship kinks or conducting war.

This ancient Chinese treatise on battle strategies and waging war, like Machiavelli's THE PRINCE, is still consulted by despots, generals, and captains of industry. Indeed, the Western world is coming to believe that its Taoist wisdom applies to all sorts of competitive situations. The reliable George Guidall narrates the extensive translator's notes. But first Joe Mantegna, star of TV's FIRST MONDAY, forays through Sun Tzu's admonitions. Mantegna has an unexpressive voice. However his timing, especially his manipulation of pauses and rhythms, is so apt that it --plus a fascinating text -- carries him victoriously through the fray. Y.R. (c) AudioFile 2002, Portland, Maine