The Book of Five Rings

By: Miyamoto Musashi, William Scott Wilson - translator

Narrated by: Scott Brick

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

Critic reviews

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

Great guide for a great mindset

Great work, it is quite short though. A lot of the information you will have to investigate thoroughly elsewhere. However, he does put you on the right course for a winning mind set. Really insight into the mind of a man who won over 60 life and death fights.

The book of the five rings

You should investigate this thoroughly study this in great detail. Put it to practice daily

Very enlightening.

Full of a lot of useful information. Classic read and very insightful. Highly Recommended Book

Unbelievably Good

So much wisdom in such a short book. Could not recommend enough. Words that are timeless.

I love the wisdom

this is knowledge you can carry with you and apply in your everyday life. I know that I do.