The history of China is a history of warfare. Wars have caused dynasties to collapse, fractured the thin façade 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 inThe Art of War, ofqi (ch'i), or unorthodox, warfare. The concept ofqiinvolves creating tactical imbalances in order to achieve victory against even vastly superior forces. Ralph D. Sawyer, translator ofThe Art of Warand 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. The Tao of Deceptionis 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.
