Essential Pocket Classics

Sun Tzu’s The Art of War offers the wisdom of ancient China for the modern reader Originally written in the 5th century, The Art of War is a masterpiece of military strategy and Chinese philosophy that has influenced countless leaders, both on the battlefield and in the boardroom. The exhortations and advice from The Art of War have echoed throughout the centuries as pieces of timeless wisdom, no matter the foe you may be facing. This edition of the timeless classic uses Lionel Giles’s brilliant translation of the original text, re-designed with a modern look and a pocket-size trim that’s perfect for gift giving. Whether they’re students or salespeople, readers everywhere will benefit from Sun Tzu’s profound insights into human behavior.

Blending Eastern mysticism and psychoanalysis, Hermann Hesse presents a strikingly original view of man and culture and the arduous process of self-discovery, reconciliation, harmony, and peace. This classic novel of self-discovery has inspired generations of seekers. With parallels to the enlightenment of the historical Buddha, Siddhārtha Gautama, Hesse's Siddhartha is the story of a young Indian Brahmin's quest for the ultimate reality—nirvana. His quest takes him from the extremes of indulgent sensuality to the rigors of asceticism and self-denial. After encounters with wandering ascetics, the famous Buddha Gautama, known as the Enlightened One, and his Buddhist monks, a courtesan named Kamala, and a ferryman, he learns that wisdom cannot be taught — it must come from one's own experience and inner struggle. Steeped in the tenets of psychoanalysis, Eastern philosophy, and mysticism, Siddhartha presents a strikingly original view of man and culture, and the arduous process of self-discovery that leads to reconciliation, harmony, and peace. Siddhartha Includes a glossary of Indian terms. Hermann Hesse uses Pali and Sanskrit interchangeably. Hesse incorporates the teachings of Hinduism in Siddhartha's life choices as a student, householder, forest hermit, and wandering ascetic. Nominated as one of America's best-loved novels by PBS's The Great American Read. Translated by Stanley Appelbaum. Dover's Thrift Editions library of classic literature is a top choice for teachers, students, librarians, and recreational readers around the world, offering exceptional value in classic fiction, nonfiction, plays, and poetry.