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The Book of Five Rings

A Classic Text on the Japanese Way of the Sword
By Miyamoto Musashi
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Brief Description
A timeless masterpiece from Japan's most renowned swordsman on the subtle art of leadership in the face of conflict. Over 750,000 copies sold! The Book of Five Rings is one of the most insightful texts on the subtle arts of confrontation and victory to emerge from... Read More
Format: Paperback / softback
$4500
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A timeless masterpiece from Japan's most renowned swordsman on the subtle art of leadership in the face of conflict. Over 750,000 copies sold! The Book of Five Rings is one of the most insightful texts on the subtle arts of confrontation and victory to emerge from Asian culture. Written not only for martial artists but for anyone who wants to apply the timeless principles of this text to their life, the book analyzes the process of struggle and mastery over conflict that underlies every level of human interaction. The Book of Five Rings was composed in 1643 by the famed duelist and undefeated samurai Miyamoto Musashi. Thomas Cleary's translation is immediately accessible, with an introduction that presents the spiritual background of the warrior tradition. Along with Musashi's text, Cleary translates here another important Japanese classic on leadership and strategy, The Book of Family Traditions on the Art of War by Yagyu Munenori, which highlights the ethical and spiritual insights of Taoism and Zen as they apply to the way of the warrior.

Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781645474685

Publisher: Shambhala Publications Inc

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 04 November 2025

Country: United States

Imprint: Shambhala Publications Inc

Contributors:

  • Translated by Thomas Cleary

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Width: 140.0mm

Height: 216.0mm

Weight: 250g

Pages: 160

Collections

Arts & Culture Biography & Memoir Boxing, Wrestling & Martial Arts Education & Reference Miyamoto Musashi Non-Fiction Penguin Books Religion & Spirituality Sports

About the Author

Miyamoto Musashi, who lived in Japan in the 1600s, was an undefeated dueler, a masterless samurai, and an independent teacher. He spent the last decades of his life refining and teaching his military science.

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