Miyamoto MusashiÆs Book of Five Rings: A Completely New Translation of the Original Japanese Text

Miyamoto MusashiÆs Book of Five Rings: A Completely New Translation of the Original Japanese Text by Musashi, Miyamoto. hardcover edition. ISBN: 9784805314760.

Miyamoto Musashi (1584-1645) is the most famous Samurai who ever lived. His magnum opus, the Go-Rin-Sho or Book of Five Rings is a classic that is still read by tens of thousands of people each year--Japanese and foreigners alike. Alex Bennetts groundbreaking new translation of The Book of Five Rings reveals the true meaning of this text for the first time. Like Sun Tzus The Art of War, Musashis book offers unique insights, not just for warriors, but for anyone wanting to apply the Zen Buddhist principle of awareness to achieve success in their endeavors. This book sheds new light on Japanese history and on the philosophical meaning of Bushido--the ancient "code of the Japanese warrior." Unlike other translations that are based on incomplete and inaccurate versions of Musashis work, Bennetts is the first to be based on a careful reconstruction of the long-lost original manuscript. Capturing the subtle nuances of the original Japanese classic, the result is a far more accurate and meaningful English version of The Book of Five Rings text. Richly annotated and with an extensive introduction to Musashis life, this version includes a collection of his other writings--translated into English for the first time. A respected scholar, as well as a skilled martial artist, Bennetts understanding of Musashis life and work is unparalleled. This book will be widely read by students of Japanese culture, history. military strategy, and martial arts. It sets a new standard against which all other translations will be measured.