Tao of Deception: Unorthodox Warfare in Historic and Modern China

by Ralph D. Sawyer and Mei-Chun Lee Sawyer

Book Overview

The history of China is a history of warfare. Wars have caused dynasties to collapse, fractured the thin fasade of national unity, and brought decades of alien occupation. But throughout Chinese history, its warfare has been guided by principles different from those that governed Europe. Chinese strategists followed the concept, first articulated by Sun-tzu in The Art of War, of qi (ch'i), or unorthodox, warfare. The concept of qi...

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0465072054
• ISBN13: 9780465072057
• Release Date: January 2007
• Publisher: Basic Books
• Length: 512 Pages
• Weight: 1.73 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.6" x 6.5" x 9.5"

Customer Reviews

true to thought processes

While the book is not an easy read, the work provides a welcome understanding of the thought processes and translations of the languages/cultures involved> Therefore, close study and slow reading is rewarded with a fuller understanding of the subject, the times and the present utility - if any. The presentation is a major plus to this kind of work, not a detriment. The detail of authorities is most ipressive. Highly recommended, but not for light reading. There are less difficult works, but none more thorough or historical concerning a culture that is remote in location and time. Best regards to all

Toast

The Tao of Deception is well worth reading but could have contained all material within half the pages. I looked at the reviews on Tao of Spycraft and would be interested in how readers who have read both compare the repetition? Deception from a historical, political and evolutionary thinking allowed me to appreciate content. It is much more than The Art of War. This person saw material as 5 star with presentation 2 to 3 stars.

An enlightening look into the military history of China. . .

"The Tao of Deception" looks into the history of Chinese military strategy. Basically, each chapter covers a period of Chinese history or a reinterpretation of previous theory through the events of the period discussed. Of course everyone is familiar with Sun Tzu and this book covers his basic thoughts as well. What I appreciated about this book was that it also cover much more obscure (to Westerners anyway) military thinkers as well, which gives a much more complete overview of Chinese military thought than just looking at the theories of Sun Tzu alone. The particular strength of this book is that it is not just a book of theory. It provides many historical expamples of battles in which the generals executed the strategies discussed. I really enjoyed the historical aspect of this book. The final chapter introduces how a modern Chinese military could apply these tactics and strategies in a conflict with America. I won't spoil any of the surprising possibilities, but it would be a good idea for American military planners to take a careful look at this book. Overall it is a great read. The only reason I give it four stars instead of five stars is that there are no maps to go along with the historical battles, so if you're not familiar with the battles mentioned, then it will be much harder to follow them. I found the discussion on the battles of the Three Kingdoms period to be fascinating because I am already familiar with those battles and can visualize them easily. However, when battles of other periods were discussed, I found it to be more difficult to visualize. If you're not bothered by the lack of maps, go ahead and get this. Also, I would recommend this if you will be doing business in China.