Lionel Giles
The translator and editor, providing context and commentary.
Core Belief
"Scholarly integrity demands accuracy, thoroughness, and a critical approach to existing interpretations."
Worldview
The world of scholarship requires dedication, precision, and a constant pursuit of knowledge. He views translation as a crucial bridge between cultures, requiring both linguistic skill and a deep understanding of the historical and cultural context.
Personality
Scholarly, meticulous, and critical, Lionel Giles is dedicated to providing an accurate and accessible translation of Sun Tzu's work. He is thorough in his research, comparing different interpretations and offering insightful analysis. He also exhibits a dry wit and a willingness to challenge existing scholarship.
In Their Own Words
"It contains a great deal that Sun Tzŭ did not write, and very little indeed of what he did."
"From blemishes of this nature, at least, I believe that the present translation is free."
"Towards the end of 1908, a new and revised edition of Capt. Calthrop’s translation was published in London, this time, however, without any allusion to his Japanese collaborators."
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