The Art of War is a beautifully curated translation of the philosophical classic attributed to Sun Tzu (ca. 5th century BCE), translated by James Trapp and published as part of a series of specially bound works. Due out 14th Aug 2025 from Amber Books, it's 96 pages and will be available in hardcover with a traditional sewn binding and uncut papers as well as ebook formats..

Each two page spread has the original Chinese characters with translation on the facing page. The English translation work is seamless and subtly/pleasingly wrought; understandable and accessible, but also nuanced.

Five stars. This would be an excellent choice for public or school library acquisition, home reference, and gift purposes.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.

A classic work deserves a classic edition. This is a beautifully laid out book with both the Chinese text and English translation on the same double page spread.

Having also read Thomas Cleary's translation, this one is a more literal translation of the Chinese which therefore brings out the rhetorical flourishes in the original text; Cleary's is more idiomatic plus the inclusion of additional material expands on some of the points. Both translations therefore have their merit.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.