The Definitive Edition of Musashi's Wisdom: The Book of Five Rings and Other Writings by Miyamoto Musashi

mitch marvel: I had also purchased "The Book of Five Rings" written by Musashi (which is also included in this book) but this book has his other writings, and helps put into context "The Book of Five Rings" with footnote explanations and historical context. This book also explains the different manuscripts that have been attributed to Musashi and their reliability.
It's a relatively easy and interesting read about a true historical badass and greatest swordsman of Japan.

United States on Sep 24, 2023

Michael Crain: I have a few versions of the book of five rings. This along with Thomas Cleary's version are my two favorites. I've read through and highlighted many parts of this book over and over again. There's always something new to find and with this version you can delve deeper into the mind of the greatest swordsman to ever live. I'm an avid reader and couldn't live without this book.

United States on Sep 08, 2023

Richard Rodrigues de Souza: Comprei junto com outros livros que AINDA vou ler, como os Estoicos, Maquiavel, a arte da guerra, mas Dokkodo, pelo que vi se refere a umas vinte linhas escritas por Miyamoto sobre como viver uma vida disciplinada. De resto todo o livro, fala sobre técnicas de espada.Mrsm assim vou ler.

Brazil on Aug 18, 2023

Kindle Customer: Excellent read.

United States on Jul 25, 2023

Paulo Corte: It's a good translation for a timeless text. High emphasis on armed combat, with a reasonable amount of philosophy. The illustrations were a nice touch too, even though they're right in the middle of the book.

Germany on May 24, 2023

Tony: I was reading another translation of the Five Rings and felt I was missing a lot. This translation is well researched and has numerous endnotes that explain much. Bennett’s knowledge as a martial artist shines through and helps illuminate his explanations.

United States on Feb 08, 2023

Keyboard Crasher: Viele Einsichten, die beim Kenjutsu aber auch allgemeiner im Leben helfen. Besonders interessant für mich war zu sehen, dass Miyamoto in der Lage war sich aus der Spezialisierung des Kenjutsu herauszugeben und verstanden hat, dass das innere Wesen von Kenjutsu das selbe ist wie bei jeder anderen menschlichen Tätigkeit auch, wobei er auf die Zimmerei zu sprechen kommt.

Germany on Feb 26, 2022

rosa bonadonna: translation is Good. He adds alot of backstory on Musashi before getting into the five rings portion, which is great. I would give five stars however the cover of the book had a ripe. now, its not the true cover its the paper cover on the hardcover that is riped. To me I don't care for its look. I care about the read and the read is good. You should buy this ancient classic.(:

Rugby.2004

Canada on Mar 04, 2021

Plotinus: There is no question this translation is effectively perfect. The translator is one of the leading authorities on feudal Japan and Japanese martial arts and the samurai. His introduction and notes are expertly researched and written, importantly cutting away the myth from the real person who was Musashi. I super appreciate this effort and skill on the part of the translator and commentator. I always wanted to know who the real Musashi was and I honestly find this book to give me a very good idea of him! Absolutely wonderful!
Now, I have a suggestion for a second edition. It was evident to me way back when I was a teen and read a translation of the Five Rings that this is in fact a fencing manual. Back then without the internet it was impossible to actually watch modern exponents of Musashi's school performing the movements. I tried very hard to make sense of the 5 movements described in the kata, which is the absolute essence of his method of fencing, but to little avail as there is not enough description of them to allow you to recreate them. Luckily for us his school has survived over the years and it is possible to learn his kata from today's practitioners. What I suggest...

Canada on Mar 24, 2020

Amazon Customer: Anyone seriously studying Japanese Swordsmanship should purchase THIS version of Go-Rin-No-Sho. Bennett sensei immediately dispels many of the myths of Miyamoto Musashi propagated through Pop-culture, and the Yoshikawa Eiji novel. This is a fact based historical account of his life and teachings as a martial artist and is the best translation of "The Book of Five Rings," it clearly explains in full historical context, every obscure reference and history behind the book. Furthermore this is the most accurate translation I have read to date, even going so far to explain the different readings of each word, and what Musashi was implying with each statement.
Furthermore, this book not only included Go-Rin-No-Sho, but also Musashi's other lesser known works. Heiodokyo, Heiho Kakitsuke, Heiho Sanjugo-Kajo, Goho no Tachi no Michi, Dokkodo, Kokura-hibun.

Bennett sensei himself is a master swordsman who not only is a 7dan in kendo, but also the international Naginata-do representative, and co-founder of Kendo-World. Furthermore he holds 2 PHD's and teaches the History of Budo at Kansai University. His credentials in the Japanese swordsmanship community are amazing. This unique...

United States on Nov 13, 2018