The most prestigious and influential book on strategy and dealing with conflict; beautifully translated for clear; accessible reading. In the words of Sun Tzu; "To win without fighting is best." This timeless Chinese classic captures the essence of military strategy used in ancient East Asia; with lessons on how to handle conflict confidently; efficiently; and successfully. The techniques and instructions discussed in The Art of War apply to competition and conflict on every level; from the interpersonal to the international. Its aim is invincibility; victory without battle; and unassailable strength through an understanding of the physics; politics; and psychology of conflict. Thomas Cleary's translation is a breakthrough achievement that has been a gold standard among translations for three decades; offering the complete text in eminently readable prose with short commentaries by other ancient Chinese strategists and philosophers interwoven throughout.