2008-10-11 A good translation

The translator in this book was Lionel Giles, I have his translation of this, in a more extensive version. The translation I have is most amusing because Lionel Giles enters into discussion of the commentaries and also enters into a critique of the other contemporary (circa 1908) and prior translations. Lionel Giles is bitchy and vituperative about the other European translators (particularly one unfortunate Captain Calthrop), which is most entertaining to read. The Art of War itself is a short book, and Giles' translation is probably as good as we are going to get, so if the book itself is all you need, get this. If you want information and entertainment, purchase a longer version of the Giles translation, it is both enlightening and hugely entertaining.