The Art of War

By: Sun Tzu

Narrated by: Scott Brick, Shelly Frasier

Length: 2 hrs and 4 mins

Publisher's summary

Written before Alexander the Great was born, this Chinese treatise on war has become one of the most influential works on the subject. Read widely in the east since its appearance 2,500 years ago, The Art of War first came to the west with a French Jesuit in 1782. It has been studied by generals from Napoleon to Rommel, and it is still required reading in most military academies of the world.

Although it was meant to be a practical guide to warfare in the age of chariots, many corporate and government leaders have successfully applied its lessons to battles in the modern dog-eat-dog world. Sun Tzu covers all aspects of war in his time, from strategy and tactics to the proper use of terrain and spies. In this version, Sun Tzu's lessons are brought to life with commentaries from ancient Chinese history, which illustrate both the philosophy and the principles of his teachings.

Public Domain (P)2002 Tantor Media, Inc. Originally published in 1910.

Critic reviews

"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." (AudioFile)

always good

This version of the art of war is clear, and gave me no issue on playback. great story for life. #COACHHAWK

WISDOM

A MUST TO HAVE GREAT FOR THE ROAD.COULD NOT GET ENOUGH

Read This for the Wisdom

Any additional comments?

This was fantastic for the wisdom and all that is mentioned here is useful in all areas of life, not just in war. This is very important; read this with no expectations of it reading as a story or anything recabling narration. If you do, you will be really, really, really disappointed.

Approach this as Chinese philosophy and a guide to success. It is a guide, which is why it reads like it. As long as you remember this, you will enjoy it well enough.

Narraters are alright, although Scot could have slowed it down a bit especially because every word counts. Slowing it down would have provides for better digest. I'll have to reread it to ensure I didn't miss anything, but it's a worth while read as long as you remember that the format is no fault of the author.

An insiteful listen.

If you could sum up The Art of War in three words, what would they be?

This ancient text is insiteful, charismatic, and tested by centuries of warfare.

Would you be willing to try another book from Sun Tzu? Why or why not?

Yes. It was worth the time spent.

Good for business trips

To actually study the Art of War, I think you need the text in front of you to mull over. But if you've got to travel a short distance for a meeting or something, this is a great couple of hours to get you pumped up.

A little awkward

A little more than two hours hardly does the famous Sunzu Binfa justice, granted the original bamboo scroll copy of the Sunzu Binfa was not very long (36 treaties), but the commentary in this little volume consists of little more than stories that has little to do with the Sunzu Binfa, one can argue that those history may be inspired by Sunzu, but still, commentary should be more in depth, and it would have been better if the author numbers each treaty in the original order.

Mistaken

Thought I was getting the long version didn't realize until after purchase otherwise outstanding work

it's the art of war.

Would you say that listening to this book was time well-spent? Why or why not?

listening to books is better than crap radio stations

What did you like best about this story?

not really a best part, if you are reading this, you probably heard of this book.

Did the narration match the pace of the story?

kinda hokey narration, didnt dig it too much

Do you think The Art of War needs a follow-up book? Why or why not?

um... the author died in 496BC... no, a follow-up book would suck.

Any additional comments?

great "between the lines" concepts. teaches morals.

Appear weak where you are Strong

Use of the two narrators in the manner that they where used in was extremely insightful. This decision made the understanding and following the continuity measurably easier. As this is a non-fiction work, the "story" mark is really a non-issue, as such I graded on the quality of the matterial contained within. If you have an appreciation for stratagem and tactics then you must indulge in thi book. Even through the monotone dictation of the narrators. A must read/listen.

Not really a business book

If you have ever heard that The Art of War was essential reading for business professionals, let me tell you something - it isn't. I can see why in the 80's this text was the "go-to" for "sharks" and people who wanted to feel like they could "dominate" their co-workers. But here's the fact. This book is just the original text. If you want insights on how to apply it to business, I suggest getting a book that covers how the Art of War correlates to the business world.

On the performance side, Scott Brick does a great job, but for some reason (I still don't get why) the book is also narrated by Shelly Frasier. The problem with co-readers is that it's not clear when they are going to switch places and why. Also, Frasier has a deep southern draw that's both distracting and incompatible with the text. But hey, if you want to be read to by a combination of Gordon Gekko and Scarlett O'Hara, and learn all about war but nothing about business get this book. You can be the person in the office who wears the "I've read The Art of War" badge on their lapel.