About this title: The BOOK OF FIVE RINGS is a legendary Japanese text written in the 17th century by an undefeated samurai, Miyamoto Musashi. Like THE ART OF WAR, it contains a timeless philosophy that has been interpreted over many centuries and applied to many contexts (violent or not) that require strength, fortitude, and focus. This particular translation by ...
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Note: This is a general synopsis. Each listing is described below.
Binding: Paperback
Publisher: Shambhala Publications Inc
Date Published: 2000
ISBN-13:9781570627484ISBN:1570627487
Description: Good. This book is in GOOD overall condition. It shows signs of having been read and has general light wear to the cover, spine and pages. read more
Binding: Paperback
Publisher: Allison & Busby
Date Published: 1982
ISBN-13:9780850314694ISBN:0850314690
Description: Fine. Ex shop-display copy, lightly tanned page edges, neat tight and good value IN STOCK NOW, despatched daily from the UK En Stock, tous les jours de expédiés du Royaume-Uni EN STOCK NOW, despachar diariamente desde el Reino Unido por correo aéreo IN STOCK NOW, auch wenn täglich aus dem Vereinigten Königreich per Luftpost. read more
Binding: Paperback
Publisher: Shambhala Publications Inc
Date Published: 2000
ISBN-13:9781570627484ISBN:1570627487
Description: New. Brand new books, maps and cd's available immediately from a reputable and well rated UK bookseller; despatched promptly and reliably worldwide. read more
Binding: Hardcover
Publisher: Allison & Busby
Date Published: 1973
ISBN-13:9780850310733ISBN:0850310733
Description: Good. **SHIPPED FROM UK** We believe you will be completely satisfied with our quick and reliable service. All orders are dispatched as swiftly as possible! Buy with confidence! read more
Binding: Paperback
Publisher: Eigal Meirovich
Date Published: 2009
ISBN-13:9781607961178ISBN:1607961172
Description: New. BRAND NEW and ready for dispatch. Delivery normally within 4/7 days. Our reputation is built on our Speedy Delivery Service and our Customer Service Team. read more
Edition: Reprint
Binding: Softcover
Publisher: Allison & Busby, London
Date Published: 1983
ISBN-13:9780850314694ISBN:0850314690
Description: Good. Used book. Text clean. This book is the classic Samurai guide to strategy. Written in 1645. The philosophy in this book can affect your whole life. The book is the classic guide to Kendo swordsmanship and an exquisite distillation of the phlosophies of Zen, Shinto and Confucius. 95 pages. read more
Edition: First Paperback Edition
Binding: Soft Pictoral Cover
Publisher: The Overlook Press, New York
Date Published: 1982
ISBN-13:9780879511531ISBN:0879511532
Description: Good. Used softback in good condition, a little shelf wear and fading. Translated by Victor Harris. Few works of literature speak almost equally to the businessman, the philosopher, and the practioner of the martial arts. Musashi's great classic, until now unknown in the West except by reputation, is one which speaks to all three. Famous for over 300 years, this book is likely the most perceptive guide to strategy ever written. read more
Description: Acceptable. Shows definite wear, and perhaps considerable marking on inside. Shipped to over one million happy customers. Your purchase benefits world literacy! read more
Binding: Softcover
Publisher: BANTAM DOUBLEDAY DELL PUBLISHING GROUP
Date Published: 1982
ISBN-13:9780553270969ISBN:0553270966
Description: Published by BANTAM DOUBLEDAY DELL PUBLISHING GROUP in 1982. Paperback. Condition: Acceptable. Reading copy ONLY #7570048 Shipped from UK. Delivery is usually 2-3 working days from order by Royal Mail, International Delivery is by Airmail. read more
Binding: Softcover
Publisher: ALLISON BUSBY
Date Published: 1982
ISBN-13:9780850314694ISBN:0850314690
Description: Published by ALLISON BUSBY in 1982. Paperback. Condition: Good. Used book but in Good Condition for sensible price. #7888466 Shipped from UK. Delivery is usually 2-3 working days from order by Royal Mail, International Delivery is by Airmail. read more
Binding: Trade paperback
Publisher: Overlook Press, New York
Date Published: 1974
ISBN-13:9780879510183ISBN:0879510188
Description: Very good. No dust jacket as issued. The book is a bit faded around the spine due to sun exposure. Otherwise a book in very good condition. Glued binding. Audience: General/trade. Wisdom from a classic Japanese Samurai. read more
Binding: Hardcover
Publisher: The Overlook Press
Date Published: 1974
ISBN-13:9780879510183ISBN:0879510188
Description: Very Good. Minor shelf wear with NO DUST JACKET! ! GoodwillnyBooks is committed to providing each customer with the highest standard of customer service. You may return new items within 30 days of delivery for a full refund. read more
"Pay no attention to my rating, as this is not a judgement on Musashi's book, but rather the audio version of the book. For me, Musashi's Book of Five Rings is a book that, after listening to it, I learned that I could only truly understand his writings by reading it and then, rereading it.
The Book of Five Rings is similar to Sun Tsu's Art of War, in that it was a book written in a different time for a different situation, but even so, it is timeless in it's applications to life, business, martial arts and other areas.
Five Rings seperates itself into Five Books : Earth, Water, Fire, Air and Void. Each of these books deals with a seperate aspect of the whole Way that Musashi teaches.
This book, especially the audio version, is not meant to be understood, let alone applied or mastered upon first venture. This is a study material to return to and reflect upon time and time again.
Because of this, for Miyamoto Musashi's Book of Five Rings I cannot truly give a rating."
"I'll be honest, I only read about halfway through the book. I had wanted to read it because I thought it was about the history and legend of the samurai period of Japan. In actuality, it is a book on strategy and technique for sword fighting, war, and the samurai code. In some ways it is similar to Sun Tzu's The Art of War. The publishers of this edition of the book mentioned several times that businessmen in today's world could use the teachings of Miyamoto to "vanquish" the competition and make their businesses do well. Well yay for them. I just wanted some cool stories of samurai challenges and battles and whatnot. Which I didn't find here."
"Unlike Sun Tzu, this is a very cryptic and almost a purist's philosophical text. Very introspective in nature.
It is infinitely easier to comprehend and process (or at least begin to) with at least a basic understanding of the Kendo martial art before going into it... the psychological disciplines involved moreso than the actual swordsman techniques, though knowledge of both seems like an obvious requirement as some of the examples assume the reader knows how the mind & body flows through certain sword movements.
If one of the following applies to you, it will completely go over your head: 1) You have a politically-correct-knee-jerk-reaction to anything that is pro-warfare 2) You have a morbid fear of the concept of hermitage 3) You're one of those "martial artists" that trains just to feel "tough" about yourself
oh, and skip the intro... read a bio about Musashi somewhere else if need be, but skip it. It is so nullifying (and littered with inaccuracies) that you will need to step away from the book for at least a few hours before feeling purged and fresh again."
"Look, if you don't carry around two swords and challenge other masters, this book may seem like a stretch...but as you gathered I am not dual-sword carrying master and I really enjoyed the short text.
Take-away thesis: - If you choose to engage someone in battle do it entirely, with every intent to vanquish your opponent...this seems like a good rule for anything in life - The Way is beset by many distractions, but all may be overcome with practice, discipline and introspection.
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