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The Art of War [Blackstone Version] 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]

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars

Kings, politicians, generals and cannon fodder.

Would you try another book written by translation by John Minford and Sun-Tzu or narrated by Ray Porter and Lorna Raver ?

One never steps in the same river twice. I thought the mix of eastern, western, ancient and modern translations was an important perspective.

What was your reaction to the ending? (No spoilers please!)

I thought the ending was somewhat predictable.

Would you listen to another book narrated by Ray Porter and Lorna Raver ?

An improvement could be made by having both narrators being recorded at the same volume.

If this book were a film would you go see it?

Now that I've listened to the book I think I will have to watch the doco on the book.

Any additional comments?

No matter where or when one comes from, Rulers think they have dominion over the lands and the people to do with as they wish. War along with business is a ruthless and unforgiving environment.

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4 people found this helpful

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    3 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Not a great narrative. But a great content

The content was great, but the narration, where commentary was provided by different sources, was bad. The voice sounded very sober and dull. This is bad for an interesting topic.

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3 people found this helpful

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    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

old time fav

love the book, don't love all the interpretations added to it. less is more in this case.

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3 people found this helpful

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    1 out of 5 stars
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Confusing

Repetetive and confusing. A waste of time in my opinion. A shorter version would be better.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

One of the most important pieces of work.

Parts still relevant in everyday society 2000 years on. Masterpiece with the correct commentary.

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