 There are numerous theories concerning when the text was completed and concerning the identity of the author or authors , but archeological recoveries show The Art of War had taken roughly its current form by at least the early Han . Because it is impossible to prove definitively when the Art of War was completed before this date , the differing theories concerning the work 's author or authors and date of completion are unlikely to be completely resolved . Some modern scholars believe that it contains not only the thoughts of its original author but also commentary and clarifications from later military theorists , such as Li Quan and Du Mu . 
