The Art of War was written over 2,300 years ago in what is now North China. Yet it still remains a contemporary lesson on how to attain victory without going to battle. Modern-day warriors find its ancient strategies helpful regardless of whether the conflict dwells in the boardroom or the bedroom. Despite numerous references to enemies, generals, and armies, The Art of War is about nonaggression. At its core, The Art of War offers a sophisticated lesson on "taking whole," meaning staying openhearted and relaxed in order to sidestep a fight--whether you are a field commander, a CEO, or a frustrated mother putting a resistant son to bed. This particular translation comes from the Denma Translation Group, led by scholars Kidder Smith and James Gimian (publisher of Shambhala Sun magazine). Because of the text's obscure wording (even the Chinese find the original document cumbersome), the translators have inserted helpful commentary that removes some of the linguistic barriers.

　　Lead, Follow or Get Out of the Way Sun Tzu's The Art of War is undisputedly one of the bestselling leadership books of all time. This new translation by the Denma Translation GroupAled by Kidder Smith (Sung Dynasty Uses of the I Ching), an Asian studies expert at Bowdoin College, and James Gimian, publisher of the Shambhala Sun magazineAhelps bridge the gap between the ancient Chinese oral tradition and today's modern reader. It's supplemented with essays and commentary that demonstrate just how much this message of victory without aggression still resonates with how we conduct all aspects of our lives today.