Sun Tzǔ

Ho Lu

Ho Lu, King of Wu, employed Sun Tzǔ as a military strategist and general, relying on his expertise to build Wu's power.

King of Wu

The King of Wu was Sun Tzǔ's sovereign and patron, commissioning him to train the army and apply his strategic teachings.

Sun Hsing-yen

Sun Hsing-yen is traditionally considered a descendant or later commentator closely associated with Sun Tzǔ's lineage.

Wang Hsi

Wang Hsi was a later commentator on Sun Tzǔ's work, analyzing and expanding upon his military principles.

Tu Mu

Tu Mu was a Tang dynasty poet and commentator who provided extensive analysis of Sun Tzǔ's text.

Prince Chuang of Chʽu

Prince Chuang of Chʽu was a historical adversary of Wu, often used by Sun Tzǔ as an example of a formidable enemy.

Tsʽao Kung

Tsʽao Kung was a major early commentator on Sun Tzǔ, whose annotations became foundational to later study of the text.

King of Yüeh

The King of Yüeh was a historical enemy of Wu, representing the opposing force that Sun Tzǔ's strategies were designed to defeat.

Tu Mu

Tu Mu was a Tang dynasty poet and commentator who provided extensive analysis of Sun Tzǔ's text.

King of Wu

The King of Wu was Sun Tzǔ's sovereign and patron, commissioning him to train the army and apply his strategic teachings.

Ho Lu

Ho Lu, King of Wu, employed Sun Tzǔ as a military strategist and general, relying on his expertise to build Wu's power.

King of Wu

The King of Wu was Sun Tzǔ's sovereign and patron, commissioning him to train the army and apply his strategic teachings.

Preface by Lionel Giles

Author of The Art of War, whose work is the subject of Giles's translation and critique of prior versions.

Sun Wu and His Book

The central figure of the chapter, a native of Chʽi State, author of the Art of War, tested by King Ho Lu, and later appointed general of Wu.

The Text of Sun Tzǔ

Author of the Art of War; his text is the subject of the chapter's textual history.

Appreciations of Sun Tzǔ

Central figure of the chapter; his work is praised by generals and scholars alike.

Apologies for War

Cited as the author of the 13 chapters on war, employed by Wu Tzǔ-hsü, and essential for generals to study.

The Art of War

Author and primary subject of the treatise; presents the core principles of military strategy.

Laying Plans

Author and speaker of the chapter's principles on the art of war.

II: Waging War

Author of the chapter; presents the economic and strategic principles of waging war.

III: Attack by Stratagem

Author and primary voice of the chapter, presenting the principles of attacking by stratagem.

IV: Tactical Dispositions

Author of the chapter, presenting the principles of tactical dispositions.

Energy

Author of the chapter, presenting the core teachings on energy, direct and indirect tactics, and the use of combined force.

VI: Weak Points and Strong

Author of the chapter; presents the core principles of imposing will, concealment, and exploiting weakness.

VII: Manoeuvring

Author of the chapter, providing principles on manoeuvring and tactical deception.

VIII: Variation of Tactics

Author of the chapter, presenting principles on variation of tactics and the five dangerous faults of a general.

IX: The Army on the March

Author of the chapter, providing instructions on encamping and observing enemy signs.

X: Terrain

Author of the chapter, defining six kinds of terrain and six calamities, and emphasizing the general's responsibility.

XI: The Nine Situations

Author of the chapter, detailing the nine situations and principles for commanding an army.

XII: The Attack by Fire

Author of the chapter, presenting the five methods of attacking with fire and the principles for their use.

XIII: The Use of Spies

Author of the chapter, presenting the doctrine on espionage and foreknowledge.

Endnotes

The author of the work; his principles are referenced throughout the endnotes, including the condemnation of generals who prioritize sentiment over strategy.