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  • The Art of War

  • By: Sun Tzu
  • Narrated by: Aidan Gillen
  • Length: 1 hr and 7 mins
  • 4.6 out of 5 stars (41,381 ratings)

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The Art of War

By: Sun Tzu
Narrated by: Aidan Gillen
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Publisher's summary

The 13 chapters of The Art of War, each devoted to one aspect of warfare, were compiled by the high-ranking Chinese military general, strategist, and philosopher Sun-Tzu. In spite of its battlefield specificity, The Art of War has found new life in the modern age, with leaders in fields as wide and far-reaching as world politics, human psychology, and corporate strategy finding valuable insight in its timeworn words.

Aidan Gillen - who has learned a thing or two about strategy through his roles as skilled manipulator Petyr "Littlefinger" Baelish (Game of Thrones) and ambitious politician Tommy Carcetti (The Wire) - brilliantly performs this ancient classic. His experience in portraying insightful and, at times, cunning characters makes him a natural fit for this ancient collection of battlefield epigrams whose influence has grown tremendously in the modern world.

Public Domain (P)2015 Audible Inc.
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Featured Article: 60+ Quotes from The Art of War to Teach You Strategy and Leadership


Written as a war treatise in the 5th century BC, The Art of War by Sun Tzu may not seem relevant to life in the 21st century at first glance. However, once you start to read Sun Tzu’s words, you may realize that they have very real applications to modern life, especially if you are in a position of leadership or if you deal regularly with strategic questions. These musings can be applied to practical problems as well as more theoretical reflection.

What listeners say about The Art of War

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Game of War

The Art of War is a time tested classic of strategy and martial wisdom. The reputation of this book is extremely well known, so I won’t bother reviewing Sun Tzu. If you’ve ever been interested in this text, go for it.

If you’re reading this review, my guess is that you’re wondering about the performance. In short, Aidan Gillen knocks it out of the park. If you’re a fan of Aidan Gillen (or Game of Thrones in general) what could be cooler than being schooled in the art of war by Lord Petyr Baelish himself? You owe it to yourself to give this a listen. Highly recommended!

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106 people found this helpful

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Great performance

This ancient text may apply to many people's work. Anyone who works in a competitive environment can benefit from it, even if only a little. Even if you can't benefit from it, this work might help the listener to understand historical works dealing with wars better.

The reading is excellent. Aidan Gillen does a great job reading the text. I don't know if it's because I've been watching Game of Thrones for four seasons, but it sounds like he's using a kind of Littlefinger voice here, which adds to the effect. I'd recommend this audiobook to pretty much anyone, even if they don't have an army.

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91 people found this helpful

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The Classic “The Art of War”

The art of war is a densely compact book. Sun Tzu’s rhetoric and manner of explanation is to be recommended. I would recommend listening to this many times as, whilst you will pick up many things said the first time all of what has been given requires active thought. I was delighted to discover that some of the advice given can be used in our daily lives, perhaps not leading men into battle but preparing for confrontation will always be necessary.

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Sun Soo slayed a very good book

I am a history buff and I have heard of this book my entire life until today never had a chance to listen to it or access to it this makes my second time listening to this exact book and now I want to keep a copy on my tablet for future use thank you it was a good luck

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A good overview, but a little fast pace and rushed

development of ideas a little lacking and does not develop the concepts enough to allow working knowledge to be anchored into useable level. A brief summary so if you want a fast paced overview it works for those wanting a brief review.

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Sun Tsu was the og pacifist

Great info that most will never be able to put into practical use unless, of course, time travel is involved. Also why, in all the firelit rooms and conversations had by tv villains over the years while they were planning world domination, sipping cognac, and quoting Sun Tzu, did they never mention how much he hated war?

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Excellent! Along with the perfect narrator.

I've read the book before but the narration made the content of the book more enjoyable to listen to.

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Petry Baelish narrates?!

Freaking perfect, Audible. Get Little Finger to narrate every book on warfare. His voice is the best for the job.

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A great story

It was very Entertaining and full of knowledge, it was a great listen and very well explained!

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fantastic

learn buddy you have to learn this stuff for customer training you how to be better

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