The Book of Five Rings: Including the Book of Family Traditions on the Art of War by Yagyu Munenori

The Book of Five Rings: Including the Book of Family Traditions on the Art of War by Yagyu Munenori - Paperback

$19.95
$19.95
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The Book of Five Rings: Including the Book of Family Traditions on the Art of War by Yagyu Munenori
  • The Book of Five Rings: Including the Book of Family Traditions on the Art of War by Yagyu Munenori
The Book of Five Rings: Including the Book of Family Traditions on the Art of War by Yagyu Munenori - Paperback

The Book of Five Rings: Including the Book of Family Traditions on the Art of War by Yagyu Munenori - Paperback

by Miyamoto Musashi
$19.95
$19.95

Book Overview

by Miyamoto Musashi (Author), Thomas Cleary (Translator)

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.

Author Biography

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.

Number of Pages: 160
Dimensions: 0.6 x 8.4 x 5.5 IN
Publication Date: November 04, 2025
ISBN9781645474685
Author Miyamoto Musashi
PublisherShambhala
GenreHistory, Technology, and Philosophy
FormatPaperback
PublishedNovember 2025
LanguageENG- English
Pages160
Weight1.0 lb
Target AudienceAdults
Print SizeStandard Print

Related Subjects

History Nonfiction Philosophy Technology & Engineering

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About Miyamoto Musashi

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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