The Book of Five Rings - Softcover

Miyamoto, Musashi; Musashi, Miyamoto

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0850314690 ISBN 13: 9780850314694

Publisher: Allison & Busby, 1982

Synopsis

Written by the master swordsman and undefeated samurai Miyamoto Musashi in 1643, The Book of Five Rings has become a classic on the arts of strategy and confrontation. Musashi's wise and penetrating advice and observations are applicable not only to martial artists but for leaders in all professions; he analyzes the process of struggle and mastery over conflict that underlies every level of human interaction.

In this exquisite illustrated edition, Thomas Cleary's accessible translation and illuminating introduction are enhanced by forty-five full-color illustrations from Japanese sources, including battle scenes, reproductions of fine samurai swords and armor, and art from the Zen tradition (which had a close relationship with the Japanese martial culture).

Also included is Cleary's translation of another important Japanese classic on leadership and strategy: The Book of Family Traditions on the Art of War by Yagyu Munenori, which highlights the ethical and spiritual insights of Taoism and Zen as they apply to the way of the warrior.

About this title

Review

To learn a Japanese martial art is to learn Zen, and although you can't do so simply by reading a book, it sure does help--especially if that book is the Book of Five Rings. One of Japan's great samurai sword masters put down in decisive, unfaltering terms the certain path to victory, and like Sun Tzu's Art of War, it is applicable not only on the battlefield but in all forms of competition. Always observant, creating confusion, striking at vulnerabilities--these are some of the basic principles. Going deeper, we find suki, the interval of vulnerability, of indecisiveness, of rest, the briefest but most vital moment to strike. In succinct detail, Miyamoto records ideal postures, blows and psychological tactics to put the enemy off guard and open the way for attack. Most important of all is Miyamoto's concept of rhythm, how all things are in harmony, and by working with the rhythm of a situation, we can turn it to our advantage with little effort. But like Zen, this requires one thing above all else, putting the book down and going out to practice. --Brian Bruya

Review

" Embraced by many contemporary readers as a manual on how to succeed in life." — "Library Journal"

"Embraced by many contemporary readers as a manual on how to succeed in life."— "Library Journal "

"Embraced by many contemporary readers as a manual on how to succeed in life."-- Library Journal

Edition details

• Publisher: Allison & Busby
• Publication date: 1982
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0850314690
• ISBN 13: 9780850314694
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 104