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Complete Musashi: The Book of Five Rings and Other Works
Definitive New Translations of the Writings of Miyamoto Musashi - Japan's Greatest Samurai!
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Format: Paperback / softback
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Complete Musashi: The Book of Five Rings and Other Works
$2799
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?
The culmination of 25 years of research, Alex Bennett's groundbreaking English translation of Miyamoto Musashi's The Book of Five Rings reveals the true meaning of the original work
Tuttle Publishing
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Description
The culmination of 25 years of research, Alex Bennett's groundbreaking English translation of Miyamoto Musashi's The Book of Five Rings reveals the true meaning of the original work.
This piece of writing by famed samurai Musashi (1584-1645) is the single-most influential work on samurai swordsmanship, offering insights into samurai history, the Zen Buddhist state of "no-mind" that enables warriors to triumph, and the philosophical meaning of Bushido - 'the way of the warrior.'
Until now, English translations of The Book of Five Rings have been based on inaccurate copies of Musashi's long-lost original manuscript. Bennett's translation is the first to be based on a careful reconstruction of the original text by Japan's foremost Musashi scholar. By identifying discrepancies among the existing copies, adding missing texts, and correcting over 150 incorrect characters, this source is the closest representation of Musashi's original work possible.
Utilising this new source, Bennett captures the subtle nuance of the classic Japanese text, resulting in the most accurate English translation of The Book of Five Rings available.
This book also includes translations of five other known works by Musashi—three of them translated for the first time. The texts are richly annotated by Bennett, who includes an extensive introduction on Musashi's life and legacy.
The Complete Musashi: The Book of Five Rings and Other Works will be widely read by those interested in Japanese culture, Samurai history, and martial arts—setting a new standard against which all other translations will be measured.
Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?
Complete Musashi: The Book of Five Rings and Other Works is praised for its artful translation by Alexander Bennett, featuring colour illustrations that enhance this classic edition. Bennett's profound expertise in Japanese bushido and traditional martial arts is highly regarded. This edition is noted for its comprehensive introduction and inclusion of all six works attributed to Musashi, providing valuable context for understanding his evolving views.
Book Details
INFORMATION
ISBN: 9784805316160
Publisher: Tuttle Publishing
Format: Paperback / softback
Date Published: 02 March 2021
Country: Japan
Imprint: Tuttle Publishing
Audience: General / adult
DIMENSIONS
Width: 127.0mm
Height: 191.0mm
Weight: 250g
Pages: 240
About the Author
Alex Bennett holds two doctoral degrees in Japanese literature and history from Kyoto University and the University of Canterbury (NZ). He teaches courses in Japanese history, martial arts, and Budo theory at Kansai University. He is Vice President of the International Naginata Federation, International Committee Member of the All Japan Kendo Federation, Director of the Japanese Academy of Budo, and Head Coach of the NZ Kendo national team. He co-founded and edits Kendo World, the first English-language journal dedicated to Kendo. He holds black belt grades of Kendo Kyoshi 7-dan, Iaido 5-dan and Naginata 5-dan. He has competed successfully in many international competitions, taking second place in the World Naginata Championships in 2011, and best 8 in the team event at the World Kendo Championships in 2012. His published works include Bushido: The Samurai Code of Japan, Hagakure, Kendo: Culture of the Sword, Bushido Explained, Japan: The Ultimate Samurai Guide and numerous translations of Japanese martial arts texts. Foreword writer Graham Sayer has been president of the New Zealand Kendo Federation since 1987. He attained 4th Dan grade in Japan before moving back to New Zealand in 1985. He has represented New Zealand and competed in Kendo Championships around the world since then. Today he holds the rank of Kyoshi 7th Dan and also serves as auditor for the International Kendo Federation.
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