The Art of War. The Art of Life.

The Art of War, probably one of the most recognized books in today's society. A book that has inspired everyone from emperors of the authors time, to the most popular rap groups of our time. Sun Tzu, the original author, and a contemporary of Confucius, wrote these words as advice to his emperor. Sun was a chief military advisor for the state of Wu. His words on war, are by far the wisest to be spoken.

The Books
There are 13 books to The Art of War, each contain information to a specific subject of war. Each book only contains information on the subject that is on the title. The number of pages vary in each book, and for those worrying about having to buy multiple books, don't worry. The books of The Art of War, are all written in one single book, and are what we would refer to as chapters in any normal book.

Surveying
Surveying means exactly what it sounds like it means. That is, this book deals with getting to know things. When dealing with war, or the prospects of war, we must know, how many troops we have, and how many troops the enemy has. We must have good leader ship, and know if we have bad. To set up good leadership, so that people will be willing to fight for you. You must know the terrain surrounding your soldiers, and the terrain your soldiers might be fighting on. In short, know yourself, your soldiers, your enemies, and the geography.

Mobilizing For Armed Conflict
Raise a strong army, and spend a lot of money. Make sure they are well provided for, and that they never go hungry. That seems to be the advice of this book. It also lists the dangers of going to war against another country, by going into their territory, instead of waiting for them to come to you.

Planning An Offense
Plans on offense, not necessarily physical attacking. Advises that the best way to win, is by annexing a battalion, not destroying it. Teaches that the best way to win a war is by finding a peaceful solution around it. Only resort to physical battle, if it's necessary.

The Other Books
I won't go into any more detail about the book, or there'd really be no point in you buying it yourself. However the other books are just as filled with information as the sample I gave. They all provide relevant information upon the various aspects of war. Strategy, and planning, as well as advice. The remaining books are named:

4.Control
5.Combat Power
6.Superiority and Inferiority
7.Armed Contention
8.The Nine Adaptations
9.Troop maneuvers
10.Terrain
11.The Nine Zones
12.Attacks Using Fire
13. Espionage.

For those wondering why I started at 4, it's because I already listed off three of the books, and went in chapter order. So anyway, the art of war is a book of wise information, worth the read. Worth the buy, or if you can find it online, worth the download. Au'revoir!