The Guns of August

The Guns of August by Barbara W. Tuchman  658 pp.

This book about the lead up to and the first month of World War I won the Pulitzer Prize in 1962. It's hard to fathom just how much occurred during the brief time following the death of Edward VII and the beginning of the war and in the first month of hostilities. Tuchman pulled no punches when it came to portraying the arrogance and selfishness of those in command on both sides and the deadly retaliation by the Germans on anyone who opposed them. The Germans thought defeating France and Belgium would take a matter of days. France, Belgium, and Britain proved to be a stronger adversary than expected in spite of the infighting among commanders. I listened to the audio version and it was helpful to have a map of Belgium and France handy to understand where things were happening.

Art of War

Art of War - Sun Tzu (Translated  and commentary by by Lionel Giles) 224 pages 

The Art of War is a book about military theory, separated into 13 chapters:

• Laying Plans
• Waging War
• Attack by Stratagem
• Tactical Dispositions
• Use of Energy
• Weak points and Strong
• Maneuvering an Army
• Variation of Tactics
• Army on the March
• Classification of Terrain
• Nine Situations
• Attack by Fire
• Use of Spies

While it pretty much self-evident that this book is mostly about war tactics and warfare dating back in the Warring States period in China. BUT most of his theory can actually be applied in everyday life and yes, there is a LOT!!! For instance:

"Appear weak when you are strong, and strong when you are weak." -Sun Tzu

While I really don't have to explain this quote in full detail: "Surprise everybody and Fake it til you make it".   That one of the quotes that literately can be applied in everyday life. From the corporate office to school (especially school *plots revenge on upcoming high school reunion*). Thank God for the commentary too. There were a few parts on this book that had me puzzled until I read the commentary, which gives clarity on particular paragraphs. Suggestion: read a chapter, then read the same chapter with the commentary.