Items related to Musashi: An Epic Novel of the Samurai Era

Musashi: An Epic Novel of the Samurai Era - Hardcover

 
9781568364278: Musashi: An Epic Novel of the Samurai Era
View all copies of this ISBN edition:
 
 
The classic samurai novel about the real exploits of the most famous swordsman.
Miyamoto Musashi was the child of an era when Japan was emerging from decades of civil strife. Lured to the great Battle of Sekigahara in 1600 by the hope of becoming a samurai-without really knowing what it meant-he regains consciousness after the battle to find himself lying defeated, dazed and wounded among thousands of the dead and dying. On his way home, he commits a rash act, becomes a fugitive and brings life in his own village to a standstill-until he is captured by a weaponless Zen monk.
The lovely Otsu, seeing in Musashi her ideal of manliness, frees him from his tortuous punishment, but he is recaptured and imprisoned. During three years of solitary confinement, he delves into the classics of Japan and China. When he is set free again, he rejects the position of samurai and for the next several years pursues his goal relentlessly, looking neither to left nor to right.
Ever so slowly it dawns on him that following the Way of the Sword is not simply a matter of finding a target for his brute strength. Continually striving to perfect his technique, which leads him to a unique style of fighting with two swords simultaneously, he travels far and wide, challenging fighters of many disciplines, taking nature to be his ultimate and severest teacher and undergoing the rigorous training of those who follow the Way. He is supremely successful in his encounters, but in the Art of War he perceives the way of peaceful and prosperous governance and disciplines himself to be a real human being.
He becomes a reluctant hero to a host of people whose lives he has touched and been touched by. And, inevitably, he has to pit his skill against the naked blade of his greatest rival.
Musashi is a novel in the best tradition of Japanese story telling. It is a living story, subtle and imaginative, teeming with memorable characters, many of them historical. Interweaving themes of unrequited love, misguided revenge, filial piety and absolute dedication to the Way of the Samurai, it depicts vividly a world Westerners know only vaguely. Full of gusto and humor, it has an epic quality and universal appeal.
The novel was made into a three-part movie by Director Hiroshi Inagai. For more information, visit the Shopping area.

"synopsis" may belong to another edition of this title.

Review:

.".. A stirring saga ... not only for readers interested in Japan but also for those who simply want a rousing read." -Washington Post


--Washington Post

About the Author:
EIJI YOSHIKAWA was born in 1892 in Kanagawa Prefecture, near Tokyo. He began his literary career at the age of twenty-two. During his thirties he worked as a journalist while continuing to write stories and novels, reaching a large and appreciative readership through having his work published, often serially, in newspapers and popular magazines. At the time of his death in 1962, he was one of Japan's best-known and best-loved novelists. He received the Cultural Medal, the highest award for a man of letters, and other cultural decorations, including the Order of the Sacred Treasure. CHARLES S. TERRY, the translator, was born in Mississippi in 1926 and graduated from Duke University. He first studied Japanese in the U.S. Navy during WW II and after the war received a master's degree from Columbia University in Japanese history. Resident in Japan since 1952, he also received a master's degree in Chinese history from the University of Tokyo and has since been active as a translator of works on Japanese art, architecture and history. He died in 1982.

"About this title" may belong to another edition of this title.

  • PublisherKodansha America, Inc
  • Publication date2012
  • ISBN 10 156836427X
  • ISBN 13 9781568364278
  • BindingHardcover
  • Number of pages984
  • Rating

Other Popular Editions of the Same Title

9784770018137: Musashi: An Epic Novel of Samurai Era

Featured Edition

ISBN 10:  ISBN 13:  9784770018137
Publisher: Kodansha International Ltd, 1998
Softcover

9784770019578: Musashi

Kodans..., 1995
Hardcover

9780068598510: Musashi

Harper..., 1981
Hardcover

9780870119668: Musashi: An Epic Novel of the Samurai Era

Kodans..., 1990
Hardcover

9784770014665: Musashi

Kodans..., 1990
Hardcover

Top Search Results from the AbeBooks Marketplace

Seller Image

Yoshikawa, Eiji; Terry, Charles (TRN); Reischauer, Edwin O. (FRW)
Published by Kodansha International (2012)
ISBN 10: 156836427X ISBN 13: 9781568364278
New Hardcover Quantity: 5
Seller:
GreatBookPricesUK
(Castle Donington, DERBY, United Kingdom)

Book Description Condition: New. Seller Inventory # 18819731-n

More information about this seller | Contact seller

Buy New
£ 25.75
Convert currency

Add to Basket

Shipping: FREE
Within United Kingdom
Destination, rates & speeds
Stock Image

Eiji Yoshikawa
Published by Kodansha America, Inc (2012)
ISBN 10: 156836427X ISBN 13: 9781568364278
New Hardcover Quantity: 10
Seller:
THE SAINT BOOKSTORE
(Southport, United Kingdom)

Book Description Hardback. Condition: New. New copy - Usually dispatched within 4 working days. The classic samurai novel about the real exploits of the most famous swordsman. Seller Inventory # B9781568364278

More information about this seller | Contact seller

Buy New
£ 25.76
Convert currency

Add to Basket

Shipping: FREE
Within United Kingdom
Destination, rates & speeds
Stock Image

Eiji Yoshikawa
Published by Kodansha Europe Head Office (2012)
ISBN 10: 156836427X ISBN 13: 9781568364278
New Hardcover Quantity: 5
Seller:
PBShop.store UK
(Fairford, GLOS, United Kingdom)

Book Description HRD. Condition: New. New Book. Shipped from UK. Established seller since 2000. Seller Inventory # EB-9781568364278

More information about this seller | Contact seller

Buy New
£ 27.06
Convert currency

Add to Basket

Shipping: FREE
Within United Kingdom
Destination, rates & speeds
Stock Image

Yoshikawa, Eiji
Published by Kodansha International (2012)
ISBN 10: 156836427X ISBN 13: 9781568364278
New Hardcover Quantity: 1
Seller:
Ergodebooks
(Houston, TX, U.S.A.)

Book Description Hardcover. Condition: New. 1. The classic samurai novel about the real exploits of the most famous swordsman.Miyamoto Musashi was the child of an era when Japan was emerging from decades of civil strife. Lured to the great Battle of Sekigahara in 1600 by the hope of becoming a samurai-without really knowing what it meant-he regains consciousness after the battle to find himself lying defeated, dazed and wounded among thousands of the dead and dying. On his way home, he commits a rash act, becomes a fugitive and brings life in his own village to a standstill-until he is captured by a weaponless Zen monk.The lovely Otsu, seeing in Musashi her ideal of manliness, frees him from his tortuous punishment, but he is recaptured and imprisoned. During three years of solitary confinement, he delves into the classics of Japan and China. When he is set free again, he rejects the position of samurai and for the next several years pursues his goal relentlessly, looking neither to left nor to right.Ever so slowly it dawns on him that following the Way of the Sword is not simply a matter of finding a target for his brute strength. Continually striving to perfect his technique, which leads him to a unique style of fighting with two swords simultaneously, he travels far and wide, challenging fighters of many disciplines, taking nature to be his ultimate and severest teacher and undergoing the rigorous training of those who follow the Way. He is supremely successful in his encounters, but in the Art of War he perceives the way of peaceful and prosperous governance and disciplines himself to be a real human beingHe becomes a reluctant hero to a host of people whose lives he has touched and been touched by. And, inevitably, he has to pit his skill against the naked blade of his greatest rival.Musashi is a novel in the best tradition of Japanese story telling. It is a living story, subtle and imaginative, teeming with memorable characters, many of them historical. Interweaving themes of unrequited love, misguided revenge, filial piety and absolute dedication to the Way of the Samurai, it depicts vividly a world Westerners know only vaguely. Full of gusto and humor, it has an epic quality and universal appeal.The novel was made into a three-part movie by Director Hiroshi Inagai. For more information, visit the Shopping area. Seller Inventory # DADAX156836427X

More information about this seller | Contact seller

Buy New
£ 20.57
Convert currency

Add to Basket

Shipping: £ 9.03
From U.S.A. to United Kingdom
Destination, rates & speeds
Seller Image

Yoshikawa, Eiji
Published by Kodansha 9/14/2012 (2012)
ISBN 10: 156836427X ISBN 13: 9781568364278
New Hardcover Quantity: 5
Seller:
BargainBookStores
(Grand Rapids, MI, U.S.A.)

Book Description Hardback or Cased Book. Condition: New. Musashi 2.35. Book. Seller Inventory # BBS-9781568364278

More information about this seller | Contact seller

Buy New
£ 21.90
Convert currency

Add to Basket

Shipping: £ 9.03
From U.S.A. to United Kingdom
Destination, rates & speeds
Seller Image

Yoshikawa, Eiji; Terry, Charles (TRN); Reischauer, Edwin O. (FRW)
Published by Kodansha International (2012)
ISBN 10: 156836427X ISBN 13: 9781568364278
New Hardcover Quantity: 1
Seller:
GreatBookPrices
(Columbia, MD, U.S.A.)

Book Description Condition: New. Seller Inventory # 18819731-n

More information about this seller | Contact seller

Buy New
£ 18.43
Convert currency

Add to Basket

Shipping: £ 12.56
From U.S.A. to United Kingdom
Destination, rates & speeds
Stock Image

Yoshikawa, Eiji
Published by Kodansha International (2012)
ISBN 10: 156836427X ISBN 13: 9781568364278
New Hardcover Quantity: > 20
Seller:
California Books
(Miami, FL, U.S.A.)

Book Description Condition: New. Seller Inventory # I-9781568364278

More information about this seller | Contact seller

Buy New
£ 26.70
Convert currency

Add to Basket

Shipping: £ 5.50
From U.S.A. to United Kingdom
Destination, rates & speeds
Seller Image

Terry, Charles (trn); Yoshikawa, Eiji
ISBN 10: 156836427X ISBN 13: 9781568364278
New Hardcover Quantity: 1
Seller:
Pieuler Store
(Suffolk, United Kingdom)

Book Description Condition: new. Book is in NEW condition. Satisfaction Guaranteed! Fast Customer Service!!. Seller Inventory # PSN156836427X

More information about this seller | Contact seller

Buy New
£ 29.69
Convert currency

Add to Basket

Shipping: £ 2.80
Within United Kingdom
Destination, rates & speeds
Stock Image

Eiji Yoshikawa
Published by Kodansha Europe Head Office (2012)
ISBN 10: 156836427X ISBN 13: 9781568364278
New Hardcover Quantity: 15
Seller:
PBShop.store US
(Wood Dale, IL, U.S.A.)

Book Description HRD. Condition: New. New Book. Shipped from UK. Established seller since 2000. Seller Inventory # WB-9781568364278

More information about this seller | Contact seller

Buy New
£ 33.48
Convert currency

Add to Basket

Shipping: FREE
From U.S.A. to United Kingdom
Destination, rates & speeds
Stock Image

Yoshikawa, Eiji; Terry, Charles [Translator]
Published by Kodansha International (2012)
ISBN 10: 156836427X ISBN 13: 9781568364278
New Hardcover Quantity: 2
Seller:
Ergodebooks
(Houston, TX, U.S.A.)

Book Description Hardcover. Condition: New. Seller Inventory # BKZN9781568364278

More information about this seller | Contact seller

Buy New
£ 25.47
Convert currency

Add to Basket

Shipping: £ 9.03
From U.S.A. to United Kingdom
Destination, rates & speeds

There are more copies of this book

View all search results for this book