In modern times, Sunzi Art of War has enjoyed great popularity all over the world. At a meeting with Chairman Mao Zedong (1893-1976) of China in 1961, British field marshal Bernard Law Montgomery (1887-1976) proposed including Sunzi's Art of War as an official textbook of courses conducted at the World Military Academy.

Historians refer to the period from 770 BC to 476 BC in Chinese history as the Spring and Autumn Period. This period was one of drastic social and economic changes, complex political rivalry, frequent military struggles,and brilliant academic and cultural advancement. This was the interim of Chinese civilization between its ancient and medieval periods.

Sun Wu, later honoured as "The Great Military Sage" and titled Sunzi,was born during this period of upheavals and dramatic changes. Rising to the occasion, he devoted himself to fight in the raging battles -- fierce struggles in arms and in blood, pitting his wisdom and military might against his enemy's. Combining the insights he gathered from the battlefield with brilliant strategies, Sun Wu produced the enduring classic The Art of War,which would greatly influence the world.

The Art of War, a military classic, covers widely the subject of strategizing.Containing extensive knowledge, dealt with in great depth, it is a crystallization of human wisdom, and has the potential to change the direction the world is heading. Today, we have witnessed how the applications of strategizing principles has expanded beyond the battlefield into everyday life,revolutionizing what most have taken for granted in the quest for survival. Its influence is felt not only in state administration, but also in business management, public relations and diplomacy, and even sports. Thus we can see how flexibly Sun Wu's strategizing principles can be applied, making it a resource for anyone desiring to meet any challenge.

Prologue

Chapter 1 Initial Assessments Before winning a battle, start planning first

Chapter 2 Waging War A war should be won quickly without being prolonged

Chapter 3 Attack by Stratagem To subdue the enemy without fighting is perfect victory

Chapter 4 Disposition of Military Forces Never go to war unprepared

Chapter 5 Formation Creating Javourable conditions and seizing the opportunity to win

Chapter 6 Weaknesses and Strengths Be adept at moving the enemy to where you wish instead of being moved by the enemy

Chapter 7 Manoeuvring Convert unfavourable factors into favourableones and seize the opportunity to fight

Chapter 8 Nine Variations of Tactics Make flexible adjustment of tactics according to changing circumstances of the battlefieM

Chapter 9 Mobilisation Marching, camping and observation of the battlefield

Chapter 10 The Terrain The military geography should not be neglected

Chapter 11 Nine Types of Strategic Ground To stage a surprise attack against the enemy and penetrate deeply into the enemy territory

Chapter 12 Attack with Fire Act from inside in coordination with forces attacking from outside assisted by fire

Chapter 13 Intelligence Strategic reconnaissance is essential in war