The Art of War · Chapter
Bibliography explained
This chapter lists and annotates the oldest Chinese treatises on war after Sun Tzǔ, drawing from the Ssǔ kʽu chʽüan shu chien ming mu lu.
What happens
This chapter lists and annotates the oldest Chinese treatises on war after Sun Tzǔ, drawing from the Ssǔ kʽu chʽüan shu chien ming mu lu. It discusses the authenticity, style, and historical context of works such as the Wu Tzǔ, Ssǔ-ma Fa, Liu Tʽao, Wei Liao Tzǔ, San Lüeh, Li Wei Kung Wên Tui, Li Ching Ping Fa, Wu Chʽi Ching, and several attributed to Chu-ko Liang. It also provides references to major Chinese encyclopedias and historical bibliographic sections.
Themes in this chapter
Self-Knowledge and Preparation
The chapter emphasizes the importance of knowing the true origins and content of military texts, distinguishing genuine works from forgeries.
Economy of Force and Minimal Bloodshed
The older treatises like Sun Tzǔ, Wu Tzǔ, and Ssǔ-ma Fa focus on practical military matters rather than metaphysical arts, aligning with efficient use of resources.
Characters to notice
- Wu Chʽi
Author of the Wu Tzǔ, a genuine work on war, died 381 BC.
- Ssǔ-ma Jang-chü
Wrongly attributed as author of the Ssǔ-ma Fa; the work is early but not by him.
- Tʽai Kung
Attributed as author of the Liu Tʽao, but the work is a later forgery.
- Wei Liao Tzǔ
Attributed author of the Wei Liao Tzǔ, studied under Kuei-ku Tzǔ.
- Li Ching
Great general of Tʽai Tsung; the Li Wei Kung Wên Tui is ascribed to him but considered a forgery.
- Chu-ko Liang
Several works on war are falsely attributed to him, including the Shih Liu Tsʽê, Chiang Yüan, and Hsin Shu.
- Tʽai Tsung
Tang emperor who appears as a dialogue partner in the Li Wei Kung Wên Tui.
Key passages
“The following are the oldest Chinese treatises on war, after Sun Tzǔ.”
This chapter lists the earliest Chinese military writings that came after Sun Tzǔ's work.
Opening statement setting the scope of the bibliography.
“The Ssǔ Kʽu Chʽüan Shu remarks that the oldest three treatises on war, Sun Tzǔ, Wu Tzǔ and Ssǔ-ma Fa, are, generally speaking, only concerned with things strictly military.”
The Imperial Catalogue notes that the three earliest military texts focus purely on military matters, unlike later works.
Highlights the contrast between early and later military writings.
“None of these has the slightest claim to be considered genuine.”
None of the works attributed to Chu-ko Liang are authentic.
Dismisses the authenticity of several texts falsely ascribed to Chu-ko Liang.