From antiquity; the history of China has been marked by invading tribes; warring states; and popular uprisings. This heritage of conflict produced a body of martial literature exploring the fundamental principles of warfare and their methods of employment. Fully aware of the tragic consequences of battle; the authors of these texts emphasized that bloodshed and war should be avoided whenever possible. But; they argued; this is possible only when the principles of leadership and strategy have been mastered and the dynamics of conflict thoroughly analyzed. Over the centuries; these texts have been studied throughout Asia; not only by generals on the battlefield but by leaders of all kinds concerned with the management of human conflict in all its forms.The Essence of War presents eight of these classics (written from 500 B.C.E. to 700 C.E.); including Sun-tzu's Art of War and Sun Pin's Military Methods. The book introduces the core principles of Chinese military science; grouping selected passages and key quotations into five thematic sections encompassing forty-one topical chapters: Fundamentals; Tao of Warfare; Tao of Command; Tactical Essentials; and Tactical Specifics. Translator Ralph D. Sawyer provides here a concise introduction to Chinese military thought and influential materials not only of traditional import; but also for contemporary study and enduring value in both business and military circles throughout the world.
#548236 in Books Catholic Univ of Amer Pr 1998-10-01Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 8.50 x .67 x 5.51l; .94 #File Name: 0813209145300 pages
Review
24 of 24 people found the following review helpful. Christianity and Culture ExplainedBy Steve JacksonChristopher Dawson (1889-1870) was a Roman Catholic author and historian. He; along with a number of fellow coverts; created a Renaissance of English Catholic scholarship.This book contains the full text of Dawson's 1960 work; "The Historic Reality of Christian Culture;" as well as several essays touching on the general theme of Christianity and European culture. "The Historic Reality of Christian Culture" is an important work explaining why one can speak of a Christian culture. As Dawson notes; no one would describe Arabic culture without a mention of Islam; but when it comes to Europe; culture is discussed as if Christianity wasn't a significant factor.The essays in this work are excellent. In particular; I liked the essay "The Classical Tradition and Christianity." The merging of Christianity and Classical Culture was one of the most momentous facts in world history. In "The Secularization of Western Culture;" Dawson draws attention to the neglected figure of Tommaso Campanella; whom he regards as the forerunner of modern revolutionary socialism.There is one other collection of essays by Dawson that I'm aware of: DYNAMICS OF WORLD HISTORY. It is a bit lengthier and contains some of the same essays; as well as essays on a broader range of topics. In addition; after this work was published; Catholic University Press started publishing Dawson's Collected Works.35 of 37 people found the following review helpful. Backwards Into The Future; Preserving Our Christian Culture.By Bob MulleDawson was one of the great historians of western; christian culture. He also brought a knowledge of sociology and psychology to the study of the basis for our classic western civilization. His thesis is quite simple; a culture is a reflection of the ethics and beliefs of the people who form the base society. While western culture is much more "diverse" than many contemporary academics wish to admit; the foundation of our art; literature; law; (as well as religion); all lie in our Christian experience and world view. One of Dawson's more prescient points is the correlation between a religious foundation for our civilization and the seperation of same which has recently led to a deterioration of the basic values and mores that have given the western world all that we hold dear. While written several decades ago; many of Dawson's observations prove to be almost prophetic. If you are a fan of the "permanent things"; or are at all concerned with the question of how to restore our way of life; you will want to read this book.
