Polyaenus supported the Roman emperors with a work on Strategika, on strategical tricks. He presents examples from Greek and Roman history from men and women to show the impact of persuasion and surprise, of currying favours and creating anxieties, and not least of deception an trickery to achieve one's aims. The book allows a unique insight into ancient strategical thinking and enables us to transfer its advice for managers of armies to managing businesses - and life.

Kai Brodersen, Universität Erfurt.