Written by the master swordsman and undefeated samurai Miyamoto Musashi in 1643, the Book of Five Rings has become a classic on strategy and confrontation. Written not only for martial artists but for leaders in all professions, the book analyses the process of struggle and mastery over conflict that underlies every level of human interaction. ReviewsWritten by legendary Japanese swordsman Musashi, this 17th-century exposition of sword-fighting strategy and Zen philosophy has been embraced by many contemporary readers, especially business school students, as a manual on how to succeed in life. There are many English translations, but every one, including this one, suffers from inadequate cultural, literary, and philosophical commentary. Musashi's work should be studied, not simply read, and Cleary's translation lacks commentary; it also makes the prose seems flat and the philosophy simplistic. Yet what makes this new translation worthwhile is the second text, buried deep in the back like an appendix: Yagyu Munenori's The Book of Family Traditions on the Art of War . This text, also an exposition on sword fighting and Zen philosophy, is difficult to find in an English translation, and its availability is welcome. Recommended for academic libraries generally.-- Glenn Masuchika, Chaminade Univ. Lib., Honolulu "Embraced by many contemporary readers as a manual on how to succeed in life."-- "Library Journal " |
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– Customer review on 28/07/2011 
