For generations, scholars have been trying to figure out who Sun Tzu was–if he existed at all. Legend has it that he was a Chinese military leader in an era known as the Spring and Autumn Period. [...]
|
|||||
|
Lao Tzu was the father of Taoism. In his Tao Te Ching, Lao Tzu outlined the basic concept of Tao. Chuang Tzu and Lieh Tzu were Lao Tzu’s most important followers who expounded and expanded the basic principles set forth by Lao Tzu. Together, the sayings of these three sages, which make up this volume, are the foundations for the philosophy of Tao. [...] The Warring States period Warring States Period 475-221 BCE is a history of constant warfare, of alliances and counter-alliances, and of treaties made and broken. The nature of warfare evolved during the period. During the Warring States period, political stability was impossible to gain by adventurous military action. With the advent of swelling ranks of soldiers, protracted sieges, and an ever increasing drain on state treasuries, warfare became a serious matter for study. [...] Gertrude Stein was at heart an artist’s writer. She became well-known to the literary mainstream with “The Autobiography of Alice B. Toklas,” and was at her most accessible with her speech and autobiographical writing of her later years. It is with collections such as “Geography and Plays,” however, that Stein showcased the possibilities of the English [...] [...] The book is about how to seize the advantage in all battles, including those you choose not to fight. While The Art of War is quite literally about warfare, assuming it’s about seeking combat as the best option is very far from the real Sun Tzu. In fact, a major theme of The Art of War is “He who knows when to fight and when not to fight will win.” [...] Sun Tzu, depending on the translation you read, was either a great warrior, a compilation of several writers in ancient China or a fictional character. The consensus among historians, however, is that he did indeed exist and lived during Wu Dynasty between the sixth century and the third century BC, coming to prominence around 519 BC and slipping into obscurity prior to his death. [...] Sculptor, painter, architect, and poet Michelangelo was the greatest artist in a time of greatness. He lived during the Italian Renaissance, a period known for its creative activity. Civilization made huge strides in science and invention, in literature, and in politics. In art, the age’s great achievement, Michelangelo led all others. A short, wide-shouldered man with [...] [...] |
|||||
|
Copyright © 2012 Special Edition Books - All Rights Reserved. |
|||||
