The Art of War — book video sample

About the book

A short Chinese treatise on strategy in 13 chapters, covering planning, deception, terrain, intelligence and when not to fight at all. It has been applied to business, sports and negotiation far beyond its military origins.

Public domain: The original text is ancient; the 1910 Lionel Giles English translation used here is in the public domain. Many modern translations are still under copyright. Copyright rules differ by country — check your own. Source text: Project Gutenberg #132 (Lionel Giles translation).

Why it works as a short video

Short, quotable principles are ideal for nonfiction video: one idea, one example, one image. It shows how a nonfiction book can become a daily 'lesson' series.

5 hook lines you could use

1. 'The supreme art of war is to subdue the enemy without fighting.'
2. A 2,500-year-old strategy book that people still read for business.
3. All warfare is based on deception. Here's what that means.
4. Know yourself, know your opponent.
5. Five factors decide every contest. Most people ignore three.

Open with one of these on screen in the first second, then cut straight to the story. More on hooks in How to make a book trailer.

3 video ideas for this classic

• 'One principle a day' series: quote, modern example, single takeaway — 20 seconds each.
• Apply-it clips: the same principle explained for business, sports and everyday negotiation.
• Chapter map: 13 chapters in 13 clips, numbered for binge-watching.

Make your own version

1. Find the text in our public-domain library or upload your own book.
2. Pick the number of episodes and let the AI plan the series.
3. Watch the free 1-episode preview, then download or share.

Writing your own book in a similar genre? See Business book trailers, Self-Help book trailers, Historical Fiction book trailers, or BookTok video ideas by genre.

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