{"product_id":"tao-of-deception-unorthodox-warfare-in-historic-and-modern-china-9780465072057","title":"Tao of Deception: Unorthodox Warfare in Historic and Modern China","description":"The history of China is a history of warfare. Wars have caused dynasties to collapse, fractured the thin fasade of national unity, and brought decades of alien occupation. But throughout Chinese history, its warfare has been guided by principles different from those that governed Europe. Chinese strategists followed the concept, first articulated by Sun-tzu in \u003ci\u003eThe Art of War\u003c\/i\u003e, of \u003ci\u003eqi (ch'i)\u003c\/i\u003e, or unorthodox, warfare. The concept of \u003ci\u003eqi\u003c\/i\u003e involves creating tactical imbalances in order to achieve victory against even vastly superior forces. Ralph D. Sawyer, translator of \u003ci\u003eThe Art of War\u003c\/i\u003e and one of America's preeminent experts on Chinese military tactics, here offers a comprehensive guide to the ancient practice of unorthodox warfare. He describes, among many other tactics, how Chinese generals have used false rumors to exploit opposing generals' distrust of their subordinates; dressed thousands of women as soldiers to create the illusion of an elite attack force; and sent word of a false surrender to lure enemy troops away from a vital escape route. \u003ci\u003eThe Tao of Deception\u003c\/i\u003e is the book that military tacticians and military historians will turn to as the definitive guide to a new, yet ancient, way of thinking about strategy.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eAbout the Author\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eRalph D. Sawyer\u003c\/b\u003e, one of America's leading scholars in Chinese warfare, has worked extensively with major intelligence and defense agencies. After studying at MIT and Harvard and a brief stint of university teaching, Sawyer has spent the past thirty years lecturing and doing international consulting work focused on China.\u003cbr\u003e","brand":"Basic Books","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50460292579602,"sku":"9780465072057","price":48.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0831\/4771\/8930\/files\/img_55a49abe-2db2-4d77-9065-97408eaa8aa7.jpg?v=1730035876","url":"https:\/\/surprise-castle.myshopify.com\/products\/tao-of-deception-unorthodox-warfare-in-historic-and-modern-china-9780465072057","provider":"Surprise Castle","version":"1.0","type":"link"}