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The Book of Five Rings cover art

The Book of Five Rings

Written by: Miyamoto Musashi, William Scott Wilson - translator
Narrated by: Scott Brick
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Publisher's Summary

Setting down his thoughts on swordplay, on winning, and on spirituality, legendary swordsman Miyamoto Musashi intended this modest work as a guide for his immediate disciples and future generations of samurai. He had little idea he was penning a masterpiece that would be eagerly devoured by people in all walks of life centuries after his death.

Along with The Art of War by Sun Tzu, The Book of Five Rings has long been regarded as an invaluable treatise on the strategy of winning. Musashi's timeless advice on defeating an adversary, throwing an opponent off-guard, creating confusion, and other techniques for overpowering an assailant was addressed to readers of earlier times on the battlefield and now serves the modern listener in the battle of life.

In this new rendering by the translator of Hagakure and The Unfettered Mind, William Scott Wilson adheres rigorously to the 17th-century Japanese text and clarifies points of ambiguity in earlier translations. In addition, he offers an extensive introduction and a translation of Musashi's rarely published The Way of Walking Alone.
©2002 William Scott Wilson (P)2010 Tantor
Eastern Combat Sports & Self-Defense Personal Success Military Eastern Philosophy Japanese Philosophy Martial Arts Training
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What the critics say

"On Wall Street, when Musashi talks, people listen." ( Time)

What listeners say about The Book of Five Rings

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Profile Image for Kimani Mwaura

Great message from a great philosopher

The caption is true, the intro was a bit overbearing but the book was overall what I needed. Those who read this while listening will gain a level of wisdom and awareness not seen today. And learn values and tactics that not only embody how you should treat yourself, those around you, but how to defeat your enemy psychologically and physically. It has great spiritual teachings as well.

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Profile Image for Marek

Excellent

Knowledge applicable to all competitive situations. Excellent book on philosophy of winning and approach to competition.

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