This document provides a summary of the forward and first chapter of Sun Tzu on the Art of War translated by Lionel Giles. In 3 sentences: 1) The forward explains that Lionel Giles' 1910 translation of Sun Tzu on the Art of War is considered the standard English translation and that Giles was uniquely qualified to translate given his background. 2) The first chapter covers the five constant factors that must be considered when determining military conditions - the Moral Law, Heaven, Earth, The Commander, and Method and Discipline. 3) Sun Tzu states that understanding these five factors is essential for a general to be victorious in battle.