This is an international collection spanning over 2,000 years of history. Two books are from China, one from India, two from Italy, and two from Japan. These works provide insight into the thinking of warlords and kings who ruled across Asia and Europe in ancient times.

Some of these books are focused more on war and military science (Art of War, Book of Five Rings, Hagakure), others are more self-reflective and develop an ethical philosophy (Analects, Meditations), and others still are focused more on politics and ruling (Arthashastra, The Prince). Each of these books provides a unique and historical perspective regarding these topics, and they complement each other in tracing deep insight into the nature of leadership, war, politics, and statecraft.