Suggested Reading List

This page is a list of books you may want to read if you're interested in Three Kingdoms, history, warfare, strategy, and Asian things in general. All books listed are available in English in the United States unless otherwise noted. Read something you'd like me to add to the list? Contact me.

Chinese Classics

Three Kingdoms by Luo Guanzhong, translated by Moss Roberts.
This is the book Dynasty Warriors was based on. If you haven't read it yet, do so! Now! If you can't find it at your local bookstore, special order it, or as a last resort, get it from Amazon.com. Be sure it's the complete 4-volume paperback set translated by Moss Roberts. Don't bother with an abridged version, it's like watered down beer. It's a long book, but I've not yet met a person who read it and didn't like it. (ISBN 7119005901)
Outlaws of the Marsh by Shi Nai'An, translated by Sidney Shapiro.
A classic of Chinese literature. I haven't read it yet myself, but I mean to. The Suikoden video games by Konami were inspired by this book. (ISBN 7119016628)
Journey to the West by Wu Cheng'en, translated by W.J.F. Jenner.
Another classic of Chinese literature. The Dragonball and Saiyuuki series were based off of this story. Loosely, I might add. Haven't read this yet, haven't got my hands on a copy. (ISBN 7119016636)
A Dream of Red Mansions by Cao Xueqin & Gao E, translated by Yang Xianyi.
Yet another classic. No idea what this is about, but it's in the same group as Three Kingdoms and Journey to the West, so I'll read it someday.(ISBN 7119006436)

Strategy, Tactics, Warfare, Leadership

Hitch-a-Ride on the Three Kingdoms, by Khoo Kheng-Hor and Sunny T.H. Goh.
What can ancient Chinese strategists like Zhuge Liang and Sima Yi teach you about crisis management? A heckuva lot. Haven't read this yet, but I am dying to. (ISBN 9832639514)
The Art of War by Sun Tzu, translated by Thomas Cleary.
There at least a dozen translations of The Art of War, but this particular one, this particular edition, is special because it has translations of Cao Cao's own notes on The Art of War. So if you only want one Art of War translation, go with this one, and make sure it's the black Shambhala paperback edition! (ISBN 0877734526)
Mastering the Art of War by Zhuge Liang & Liu Ji, translated by Thomas Cleary.
A translation of Zhuge Liang's own book on leadership and strategy. Personally, I find the information in this book more practical than The Art of War. Highly, highly recommended. (ISBN 0877735131)
The Seven Military Classics of Ancient China translated by Ralph D. Sawyer and Mei-chün Sawyer.
Most people don't know this, but The Art of War is not China's only great work on military stategy: there are seven, and they're all translated in this book. Zhuge Liang and Liu Bei were said to have studied these books. Highly recommended. (ISBN 0813312280)
Fire and Water, by Ralph D. Sawyer and Mei-chün Sawyer.
Covers the development of incendiary and aquatic warfare in China. The Battle of Chi Bi is discussed. (ISBN 0813340659)
The Martial Artist's Book of Five Rings, by Miyamoto Musashi, translated by Stephen F. Kaufman.
The most useful translation of Musashi's Five Rings that I've read. Necessary reading for all samurai fans. (ISBN 0804830207)
The 48 Laws of Power, by Robert Greene.
Ever wanted to become a vicious, amoral dictator like Cao Cao and Nobunaga? This is the book for you. Check out the anecdotes for Laws 5 and 26. :D (ISBN 0140280197)

Other

Empresses and Consorts by Chen Shou and Pei Songzhi, translated by William Crowell and Robert Cutter.
Translations of San Guo Zhi biographies of the ladies from the Three Kingdoms period. Haven't read it. (ISBN 0824819454)

Last updated: 15 April 2008.

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