This graphic description from the Shih Chi depicts the awesome army commanded by Sun Pin, a direct descendent - probably the great-grandson - of the legendary Sun Tzu. Sun Pin studied and adopted many of the ideas found in his predecessor's masterpiece, the Art of War, but he also developed his own distinct strategic style suited to the changing conditions of his time, the fourth century B.C.

In addition to translating this "eighth military classic," Ralph Sawyer has prepared insightful chapter-by-chapter commentaries and a vivid general introduction that describes Sun Pin's life and times, analyzes in detail Sun Pin's tactics in important battles, and compares Sun Tzu's strategic thinking with Sun Pin's.