"The Art of War" is a military treatise written in the 4th century BC by the strategist known as Sun Tzu.

The treatise consists of thirteen chapters, each addressing an aspect of war strategy, providing a comprehensive view of all events and strategies essential for a rational approach to combat.

It is believed that the book was used by numerous military strategists throughout history, including Napoleon, Zhuge Liang, Cao Cao, Takeda Shingen, Vo Nguyen Giap, and Mao Zedong.

Since 1772, European editions have existed (four Russian translations, one German, and five in English), though they were considered unsatisfactory. The first Western edition regarded as a faithful translation dates back to 1927.

"The Art of War" was translated into Portuguese by Caio Fernando Abreu and Miriam Paglia (1995).

Despite its age, no work or treatise is considered as comprehensive and timeless as "The Art of War".

With its aphoristic style, Sun Tzu crafts the figure of a general whose qualities are secrecy, deception, and surprise.

Today, "The Art of War" seems intended to support a different battle: that of companies in the business world. Thus, the book has moved from the strategist’s shelves to those of economists and managers.

Although military tactics have changed since Sun Tzu’s time, this treatise reportedly influenced, according to the *Encyclopædia Britannica*, certain modern strategists like Mao Zedong in his fight against the Japanese and Chinese Nationalists.

In fact, Mao Zedong's military writings include quotes from "The Art of War" by Sun Tzu.

Brazilian General Alberto Mendes Cardoso referred to Sun Tzu's book as a military classic.