Roots of Strategy

A Collection of Military Classics

This collection contains the five greatest and most influential military classics written prior to the nineteenth century.

The first, The Art of War by Sun Tzu, is not only the oldest military work in existence but is unquestionably the greatest military classic in any language. It has had little influence in the western world, but has guided Chinese and Japanese military thought for 2400 years.

All the works contained in this volume are out of print in English and all are an indispensable part of an officer’s military education and the foundation of a military library.

Saxe’s Reveries and Frederick the Great’s Secret Instructions to his Generals are newly translated by Major T. R. Phillips from the most authentic foreign editions.