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The Book of Five Rings (Shambhala Classics) Paperback – December 12, 2000

by Miyamoto Musashi (Author), Thomas Cleary (Translator)
4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars 2,262 ratings
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Here 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 leaders in all professions, the book analyzes the process of struggle and mastery over conflict that underlies every level of human interaction.

The Book of Five Rings —which has become a well-known classic among American business people, studied for its insights into the Japanese approach to business strategy—was composed in 1643 by the famed duelist and undefeated samurai Miyamoto Musashi. Unlike previous editions of The Book of Five Rings, Thomas Cleary's is an accessible translation, free of jargon, with an introduction that presents the spiritual background of the warrior tradition. Along with Musashi's text, Cleary translates 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.
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  1. Print length
    144 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publisher
    Shambhala
  4. Publication date
    December 12, 2000
  5. Dimensions
    6.02 x 0.38 x 9 inches
  6. ISBN-10
    9781570627484
  7. ISBN-13
    978-1570627484
  8. See all details
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Editorial Reviews

Review

"Embraced by many contemporary readers as a manual on how to succeed in life."— Library Journal

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.

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ 1570627487
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Shambhala; New edition (December 12, 2000)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Paperback ‏ : ‎ 144 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 9781570627484
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1570627484
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 2.31 pounds
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 6.02 x 0.38 x 9 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars 2,262 ratings

About the authors

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  1. Thomas Cleary

    Thomas Cleary

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    Thomas Cleary is the preeminent translator of classic Eastern texts, including The Essential Tao, The Essential Confucius, The Secret of the Golden Flower, and the bestselling The Art of War.

    See more on the author's page
  2. Munenori Yagyū

    Munenori Yagyū

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  3. Miyamoto Musashi

    Miyamoto Musashi

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    Miyamoto Musashi (宮本 武蔵?, c. 1584 – June 13, 1645), also known as Shinmen Takezō, Miyamoto Bennosuke or, by his Buddhist name, Niten Dōraku, was an expert Japanese swordsman and rōnin. Musashi, as he was often simply known, became renowned through stories of his excellent, and unique double bladed swordsmanship and undefeated record in his 60 duels. He was the founder of the Hyōhō Niten Ichi-ryū or Niten-ryū style of swordsmanship and in his final years authored the The Book of Five Rings (五輪の書 Go Rin No Sho), a book on strategy, tactics, and philosophy that is still studied today.

    Bio from Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. Photo by User Alkivar on en.wikipedia [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons. Photo by User Alkivar on en.wikipedia [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons.

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Customer reviews

4.6 out of 5 stars
2,262 global ratings

Customers say

Customers find the book interesting and fascinating. They say it's a good book for basic strategies that can be applied to everyday life. Readers also appreciate the concise translation, saying it covers the topic of strategy in 40 pages.

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ReadabilityValue for moneyTranslationArtwork
76 customers mention "Readability"76 positive0 negative

Customers find the book interesting and informative. They say it provides great insight into life and is relatable. Readers also mention the book is a classic and high-quality entertainment.

"Great book. Fast shipping" Read more

"It's not mentioned anywhere on it but this is two amazing books in one. I love this translation of the book of five rings...." Read more

"...that there IS so much missing and unexplained makes this a fascinating read/listen...." Read more

"I like this version, it's relatable" Read more

50 customers mention "Value for money"47 positive3 negative

Customers find the book good value for money. They say it has great life lessons and philosophy that can be applied to everyday life. Readers also mention it's a good reference book for people in the business world. They say it helps with discipline and everyday life.

"...Though it isn't as popular, this book is just as amazing and important as the Book of Five Rings. It is a hidden gem...." Read more

"...Either way its a cheaply priced, reasonably-sized book, and this is one of the better translations out there...." Read more

"...Of possible interest, here’s another book, one that does give specific examples of strategy, tactics, philosophy, and even swordsmanship, and..." Read more

"...An excellent read and mental workout." Read more

37 customers mention "Translation"26 positive11 negative

Customers find the translation concise, easy to read, and outstanding. They appreciate the good reading font and the author's thoughtfulness. Readers also mention it's a quick read that provides great insight into life.

"...its a cheaply priced, reasonably-sized book, and this is one of the better translations out there...." Read more

"...This is a key to understanding the book.Cleverly written, it holds the knowledge to live at peace with the universe...." Read more

"...these widely known strategic concepts, the author does not go into much useful detail...." Read more

"...This version is an easy read that separates each of Miyamoto Musashi’s scrolls into brief sub-sections...." Read more

5 customers mention "Artwork"5 positive0 negative

Customers like the artwork on the cover.

"...Very large text. Overall, looks just like the picture. It is in English." Read more

"...writing of this review, but I am enjoying the book, and love the artwork on the cover...." Read more

"...The book I received was pretty good quality, and was nice looking. It even arrived earlier than it was supposed to...." Read more

"An original work of art. Musashi is magnificent in his explanation of the art...." Read more

A classic book in a simple paperback
5 out of 5 stars
A classic book in a simple paperback
I’ve been a lifelong martial artist and with my recent rekindling of the practice of various styles of swordplay, it was only logical to read the Japanese classic, The Book Of Five Rings. I’ve read this book before but didn’t currently have a copy. Buying it in a simple small paperback version was a practical decision and I’m glad I did. This version is an easy read that separates each of Miyamoto Musashi’s scrolls into brief sub-sections. Being a low cost paperback you don’t mind marking the book with your own notes. I don’t believe the inclusion of the additional Japanese classics were necessary nor relevant as you could have filled the extra pages with notes or commentary. But if you want a pocket size version of this classic - I would recommend this version.
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Top reviews from the United States

Jason
5.0 out of 5 stars Good
Reviewed in the United States on September 25, 2024
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Great book. Fast shipping
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Michael Crain
5.0 out of 5 stars Two books in one
Reviewed in the United States on June 16, 2023
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It's not mentioned anywhere on it but this is two amazing books in one. I love this translation of the book of five rings. I have a few translations and this one is one of my favorites. There's another book at the end called "Family Transitions of the Art of War." Though it isn't as popular, this book is just as amazing and important as the Book of Five Rings. It is a hidden gem. Buy this book, take your time and read it and highlight everything. You will not be disappointed.
2 people found this helpful
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Marc
5.0 out of 5 stars Its better on audio!
Reviewed in the United States on April 23, 2013
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After reading 2 other versions of the book within 4 days, getting this book with cd's to rest my reading part of my brain and turn on the listening part was so refreshing. Id say i listened to this cd just for the tranquility of being a middle-aged martial artist myself, not understanding why this mortal man could have so much energy to practice and I cant get thru a 2 hour non stop workout at my school without wanting to puke. I mean, this guy had to train bare minimum 16 hours a day. He had no girlfriends, no kids, didnt bathe, didnt seem to have any pleasures at all. In fact, he talks about martial arts being a "way" to live that is ultimate, yet the paradox is this man describes almost no joyous moments in his life at all.

Truthfully one must be very suspect as to how stunted emotionally and socially he actually was. You dont defeat/maim/kill 60 men by age 30, and then suddenly stop and do....what????? Wait 30 more years to recieve a request for your autobiography. He seemed very taoist-buddhist in his thinking and actions but a buddhist doesnt slaughter 60 men just to become a "great artist."

What is either amazing or pure fiction on musashis part is how he could have killed his first man at 13 and never lost....and yet never had a teacher. This would only infer he was blessed/taught by the heavens or God himself. Plus, why did only one of his students even come remotely close to his skill. Thats always bothered me about the old martial lore is that the further you go back the better the teacher. Martial arts is the only skill where as time goes on, the student is never quite as good as the teacher. Who got as good as Ueshiba? Yip-Man? Go even to Bruce Lee or Steven Seagal if you want to use modern times.

The fact that there IS so much missing and unexplained makes this a fascinating read/listen. I do have to say that I think it is all publishing hype that this book can be applied to all facets of life today. B.S.! HOW DO COMMENTS LIKE "Step on his sword to crush him" or "Always have the sun to your back" and "move your opponent to your left". How do these things apply to raising children or doing a business deal? LOL Too bad Ueshiba and Musashi did not live in the same place and time. It would be like Ali-Forman. But at least we "know" Ueshiba existed, and how good he was, we can at least guess. But why arent there many, many second hand testimonials of this most remarkable man? True he was a victim of his times with slow transportation and communication. But.............did he exist at all, or was this entirely a self-promotion? Or, to me what was more likely, it was a little bit of neither. He did actually say in his own words that to follow his trail, you could be "unbeatable" like him. Yet he says all other schools were "weak." Id like to hear what other readers felt were missing from this book. Im not a big MMA fan, but every MMA or pro boxer today would eagerly say about him......"Age 60??? Put him in the ring with me,he wouldnt last 15 seconds." I want to believe this guy is true, but heck, we cant even find a pro fighter today who can last past his late thirties and not be punchy, imagine back then when it was life and death. And he got no challenges after he "retired" at age 30 either, right? Hmmmmmm.......

Look at the Japanese culture now of this "Succeed at any cxost-Work toll you drop attitude."Maybe that is why Musashi was lucky to even live till 60. Seems all these fanatical martial artists wear themselves out. Look at Ed Parker-dead at 56. Bruce Lee-33. Joe Louis-47,and on and on.
6 people found this helpful
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Anonymous
4.0 out of 5 stars What can you say, its Musashi
Reviewed in the United States on November 21, 2018
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Reading Musashi is a right of passage. The man was a complete badass, on a level many of us will only ever dream of.

That said, he excelled in killing people, not writing books, and this reads exactly how you would expect a world-renowned killer would write. The passages and subjects are scattered and disjointed, and at times make very little sense. Sometimes hes describing precise sword movements and battle tactics, next hes talking about extremely esoteric ideas in a rambling, stream-of-consciousness sort of way.

I'd say what you get out of the book is entirely subjective. It's been said that this is the Japanese version of Sun Tzu's "The Art of War." All Japanese executives have read it. Martial arts masters have read it. Historical scholars and enthusiasts as well. If you have the ability to take 18th century martial arts tactics and apply it to modern day situations, you could gain a great deal from this book. If you read it literally... well you may just have a laugh and write it off as the crazy mutterings of an old man.

Either way its a cheaply priced, reasonably-sized book, and this is one of the better translations out there. Definitely add it to your collection and give it a go. Plus you'll be able to brag that you've read Musashi, a man who died undefeated with over 60 confirmed kills in martial combat! Total badassery!
40 people found this helpful
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Bananashido
5.0 out of 5 stars Best version
Reviewed in the United States on August 21, 2024
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I like this version, it's relatable
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Top reviews from other countries

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Spencer
5.0 out of 5 stars Looks like the picture
Reviewed in Canada on November 5, 2023
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The book contents has clean formatting and it has the same cover as the picture. No surprises, just a nice book.
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Vinay R
5.0 out of 5 stars Wisdom full book
Reviewed in India on June 3, 2024
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Great writing
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Roxanna236
5.0 out of 5 stars The Book of Five Rings order
Reviewed in France on October 11, 2023
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Bien arrivé, en bon état et j'ai eu une belle surprise en voyant que ce livre contient non seulement la traduction du livre de Musashi, mais aussi la traduction en anglais d'un écrit de l'illustre l'escrimeur Yagyu Munenori.......très intéressant! ;)
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Vinicius Toyohashi
5.0 out of 5 stars Excelente
Reviewed in Brazil on November 27, 2020
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Esse livro é um dos meus favoritos, a formatação e tradução não está tão boa mas o conteúdo é tudo.
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Chris
5.0 out of 5 stars HE KNOWS DA WAE
Reviewed in Germany on February 17, 2019
Verified Purchase
30% through the book, very straightforward and easy to understand so far, the knowlegde can be applied to many things metaphoricly speaking, great inspiration.
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