Book Description
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 the readers of earlier times on the battlefield, and now serves the modern reader 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 seventeenth-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. This gift-book edition also features original art by Musashi himself as well as new calligraphy by Japanese artist Shiro Tsujimura.
Customer Reviews:
A Classic of World Literature.......2007-10-05
It is astonishing to see some of the inane things said in negative reviews. A good part of the beauty and power of this book is that the student must determine for himself or herself the applicability of the information to any given situation. One of Miyamoto Musashi's main points is that there are not absolute formulas for success. Those looking for templates must look elsewhere. This is a book of how to see and approach action by one who ranks as one of the great warriors of any history.
Beyond this, though I am no Japanese scholar, my Japanese speaking friends say that Wilson's translation is truest to the original while being quite readable in English. It is a beautifully printed little book, and for me treasure to be cherished and studied again and again.
The student should investigate this thoroughly. :)
Loose but effective translation.......2007-09-10
I bought this book for my boss. Thomas Cleary's adaptation is much more accurate, but it's a dry read. Wilson opts for effectiveness rather than accuracy in some places, but it's a great option for those who don't have the attention span to really push through denser text.
Fantastic but careful about translation.......2007-08-23
this book is a must have to those who like japanese culture, specially samurai culture.
But, to those who want to go deeper, the translation from japanese to english has some flaws.
Easy to Read - Difficult to Apply.......2007-07-19
The Book of Five Rings is a superb little book that makes some important points. However, it is all too easy to take what it has to say out of context. The time and place to which it was literally relevant has long since passed. What it has to say about the values one should live by and how one should carry out their mission in life are, on the other hand, timeless.
The same can be said of another important Japanese classic: Hagakure: The Book of the Samauri. Both of these books are important from a philosophical point of view, but difficult to really understand for those who are not immersed in Japanese culture. Both spring from the philosophy of Zen and both do a good job of showing its application is a time of constant warfare and personal danger.
A good choice to put the advice of the Zen warriors into perspective is the book Bushido, the Soul of Japan which gives a broader look at the philosophy and its roots. What Zen is all about and how it may be applied in everyday life - how compatible it is with other philosophies and religions - is well presented.
All three of these books have been bound together into one book: The Samurai Series: The Book of Five Rings, Hagakure -The Way of the Samurai & Bushido - The Soul of Japan, which I can recommend without reservation. Together, these three books add up to much more than the sum of the parts. They are truly synergistic.
This guy knows Japanese.......2006-03-16
I've read several versions of this book and William Scott Wilson seems to have the best understanding of the Japanese language and desire to keep it as "word for word" as he can keep it without making the text obscure. I highly recommend this translation. Oh yeah, and this book is highly valuable for philosophers and martial artists alike. Musashi was a genius of both martial arts and life.
Average customer rating:
- Spirit of Zen
- Classic.
- Worthwhile Strategy
- Good advice
- A study of conflict
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Book of Five Rings: The Classic Guide to Strategy
Miyamoto Musashi
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The Unfettered Mind: Writings of the Zen Master to the Sword Master
ASIN: 0517415283
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Amazon.com
To learn a Japanese martial art is to learn Zen, and although you can't do so simply by reading a book, it sure does help--especially if that book is The Book of Five Rings. One of Japan's great samurai sword masters penned in decisive, unfaltering terms this certain path to victory, and like Sun Tzu's The Art of War it is applicable not only on the battlefield but also in all forms of competition. Always observant, creating confusion, striking at vulnerabilities--these are some of the basic principles. Going deeper, we find suki, the interval of vulnerability, of indecisiveness, of rest, the briefest but most vital moment to strike. In succinct detail, Miyamoto records ideal postures, blows, and psychological tactics to put the enemy off guard and open the way for attack. Most important of all is Miyamoto's concept of rhythm, how all things are in harmony, and that by working with the rhythm of a situation we can turn it to our advantage with little effort. But like Zen, this requires one task above all else, putting the book down and going out to practice. --Brian Bruya
Book Description
Translated by V. Harris. Japan's answer to the Harvard MBA...Written over three centuries ago by a Samurai warrior, the book has been hailed as a limitless source of psychological insight for businessmen-or anyone who relies on strategy and tactics for outwitting the competition.
Customer Reviews:
Spirit of Zen.......2007-10-19
This is actually a great book on practical Zen in a way of swordmanship in medieval Japan. Two heaven sword tehnique is described there but it is difficult to understand for people who doesn't use to martial art.
Classic........2007-06-18
This book is only a translation of the original. You may not find the extensive commentary you seek. While written centuries ago, Miyamoto Musashi, in my judgment, didn't write a book just about how to fight.
Reading this book with an open mind will surprise the reader. Deep thought and reflection will be needed. The areas to which the principles in this book may be applied (such as lessons in leadership and politics) and the success in said application are only limited to the amount of imagination and study put forth by the reader.
It offers a great deal of knowledge for every day life, and even if you never pick up a sword, or raise your fists, you will find his philosophy extends well beyond the realm of martial arts and battle strategy.
To some readers you will not be able to fully grasp all of the concepts and ideas presented after one reading. This book is invaluable and definitely invites repeated readings as new insight is to be found as your understanding deepens. I'm not sure if a single review could do this book justice because each time you re-read this book your thoughts are guaranteed to be provoked and you will definitely walk away each time with a new form of enlightenment and that is my reason for giving it Five stars *****.
Worthwhile Strategy.......2007-06-10
This is powerful book to read and UTILIZE in your life. While it can easily be taken for face value as a book on physical fighting strategy, it is more than that. One can take many of the thoughts and translate them to a more theoretical use on strategy. For example, a quote speaking of "the gaze" relating to seeing an enemy and their movements: "It is important in strategy to know the enemy's sword and not to be distracted by insignificant movements of his sword". This could easily be translated to business, sports, etc. Just substitute "sword" for the essence of the thought to apply to "business", "army", "team", etc.
The first 3rd of the book is a historical account of events of Musashi's life, and also includes many images of artwork created by Musashi. They are black and white however. The rest of the book is the actual "Book of Five Rings". It consists of 5 "books": ground, water, fire, wind and the void. It is to be noted Musashi after a time found he did not need to follow any particular "Way" and practiced many.
Regarding the layout of the book, I like the footnotes at the bottom of many of the pages which help describe words or thoughts you may not have easily or readily known otherwise.
---*** THE BOTTOM LINE ***---
A good book to have, with worthwhile strategy, although, regarding strategy I prefer Sun Tzu's "Art of War".
Good advice.......2007-01-09
The only good advice I ever got from a book came from this one: "Do nothing which is of no use" (p. 49). The Book of Five Rings has a lot of good advice, but that's the one that speaks most clearly to my condition. The Book of Five Rings must be read as metaphor, because life conditions today are so different from those of medieval Japan. But Mushashi was a wise and powerful thinker, and his ideas apply well beyond battle strategy. He lived integrity: unity and purity of thought, word, and deed, and his rare qualities are always worth studying and emulating.
A study of conflict.......2006-08-14
This book is great for anyone interested in personal development. It is a guide in focused self-discipline. It is also a guide to successful navigation of conflict.
This translation is the best I've read. It is free of superfluous footnotes and pedantic commentary. The commentary that is included before each chapter is brief and helpful.
Average customer rating:
- A Great Book!
- Easy to Read - Difficult to Apply
- VERY great book, however...
- A Life Metaphor
- This is how you conquer your enemies and the world
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The Book of Five Rings
Miyamoto Musashi
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The Art of War (Shambhala Classics)
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The Art of War
ASIN: 1590302486
Release Date: 2005-01-11 |
Book Description
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.
Customer Reviews:
A Great Book!.......2007-09-30
I loved it. I'm reading it through for the second time and highlighting the passages that inspire me. I highly recommend this book and the modern day version Understanding: Train of Thought to everyone.
Easy to Read - Difficult to Apply.......2007-07-19
The Book of Five Rings is a superb little book that makes some important points. However, it is all too easy to take what it has to say out of context. The time and place to which it was literally relevant has long since passed. What it has to say about the values one should live by and how one should carry out their mission in life are, on the other hand, timeless.
The same can be said of another important Japanese classic: Hagakure: The Book of the Samauri. Both of these books are important from a philosophical point of view, but difficult to really understand for those who are not immersed in Japanese culture. Both spring from the philosophy of Zen and both do a good job of showing its application is a time of constant warfare and personal danger.
A good choice to put the advice of the Zen warriors into perspective is the book Bushido, the Soul of Japan which gives a broader look at the philosophy and its roots. What Zen is all about and how it may be applied in everyday life - how compatible it is with other philosophies and religions - is well presented.
All three of these books have been bound together into one book: The Samurai Series: The Book of Five Rings, Hagakure -The Way of the Samurai & Bushido - The Soul of Japan, which I can recommend without reservation. Together, these three books add up to much more than the sum of the parts. They are truly synergistic.
VERY great book, however..........2007-06-27
I'm not sure I like the translator for it because being someone who loves and studies Japanese history and Kendo, I can't get over the fact he makes references to modern sports like football or basketball, to make a point. If it were written in a time when these sports existed, then it would be fine, however this is not the case. Overall I like the book. I think the translator isn't all bad and I like the way he explains things, other than what I mentioned. I recommend this book for anyone studying martial arts, bussiness, history, or just want a good read.
A Life Metaphor.......2007-04-10
This advice from a 17th century samurai will teach you self-discipline and strategy for life. Learn how to navigate any conflict life hands you.
This is how you conquer your enemies and the world.......2007-01-12
Musashi and Yagyu have presented here the techniques and philosophies on the winning and losing a conflict. Although the writings of Musashi are geared to the aspect of swordmanship and warfare and Yagyu to politics and psychology, their writings are applicable to any aspect of competition and conflict in life: whether it be buisness negotiations, political diplomacy, arguments with loved ones, a life and death street fight, or leading a legion of soldiers in the battlefield.
The writings are rough and brief but direct and requires a great deal of retrospect. Especially Musashi, his vernacular is that of a modern day football player or military drill instructor. His thoughts are not conveyed elaborately. But there is power and truth in his words.
If you've read the writings of Sun Tzu then the 5 rings (scrolls) is a must for fans of strategy and conquest.
Book Description
Written by the master swordsman and undefeated samurai Miyamoto Musashi in 1643, The Book of Five Rings has become a classic on the arts of strategy and confrontation. Musashi's wise and penetrating advice and observations are applicable not only to martial artists but for leaders in all professions; he analyzes the process of struggle and mastery over conflict that underlies every level of human interaction.
In this exquisite illustrated edition, Thomas Cleary's accessible translation and illuminating introduction are enhanced by forty-five full-color illustrations from Japanese sources, including battle scenes, reproductions of fine samurai swords and armor, and art from the Zen tradition (which had a close relationship with the Japanese martial culture).
Also included is Cleary's translation of 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.
Pages 68–69
Pages 94–95
Pages 120–121
Customer Reviews:
Beautiful Book.......2007-05-07
Book was a Gift for a friend that is into Japanese history. The book was packaged so no damage could occur and New & Unique as described. I definately recommend this seller.
Not Enough of Musashi's Art.......2007-05-06
The title led me to hope that the book would contain photographs of Musashi's fine art. It doesn't. It does contain photographs of works by other artists, some of which are quite well done. That fact, however, did not compensate for its complete lack of photographs of Musashi's works, which are at a level above those of all but a few of the most famous Japanese fine artists.
Book Description
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.
Customer Reviews:
Abstraction of conflict.......2007-01-09
This book is an abstraction of conflict. Its designed to be the manual for any Samurai wanting to learn Musashi's style of life. Since his life was filled with one on one conflicts, he's a natural person to explain how to confront another skilled opponent and win.
This book is often pushed as a business book in the United States and the entire meaning and motivation for that is lost on almost any business person who reads it. In Japan however, its the manual for business. Its a matter of understanding the underlying meaning instead of the surface. The surface is about hand to hand combat, but every single one of its descriptions can be abstracted into any type of conflict.
Overall, if you're looking for a book that has depth, then this is your book. It's in my list of books that deserve to be chewed and digested.
Son's college reading.......2005-10-08
The book was just what was ordered. My son was pleased.
A Work for Martial Artists--Business People Need Not Apply!.......2004-10-20
A copy of Thomans Cleary's translation of Musashi's classic A Book of Five Rings was presented to me several years ago by a fellow martial artist. I have read and re-read the text many times over as I progressed in different martial arts. This is a book written by a martial artist, for martial artists. Musashi wrote this work in order to pass on the truths of martial strategy that he learned from a lifetime spent as a genuine warrior...Musashi was the real deal and had taken many a human life by the time he sat down to write at age sixty. Because of this, it is best that A Book of Five Rings be read with a certain seriousness of purpose and an understanding of why it was written. If you are a serious martial artist, it was written just for you.
It is not an easy read for contemporary western minds because its thoughts are sometimes fragmented and esoteric. However it is anything BUT worthless. Those with a true interest in Japanese (and other Asian) martial arts can gain much from Musashi's wisdom if it is approached with the proper mindset.
A warning: A Book of Five Rings is not, as many would have you believe, a book for business strategists (although I suppose one can take many of Musashi's lessons metaphorically and apply them to business and life in general). If you are not of the martial mind, and are looking for a great book to apply to daily life or business, look elsewhere--you won't get much from this book (unless of course you are looking to appear exotic to your friends for quoting from it). However, if you are interested in a true glimpse of the martial mind and are willing to read it with the proper mindset, you cannot do better.
Bonus Material Not Found in Other Translations.......2004-03-01
This classic text deals with the delicate art of leadership, and was composed originally in 1643 by the famous samurai Miyamoto Musashi. But this book isn't just for those involved in the martial arts, as the previous reviewer suggests, no far from it; it's for anyone who wants to enjoy the neverending wisdom contained within this text. Thomas Cleary's translation of Miyamoto's masterpiece is comprehensible, with an introduction that presents us readers with the spiritual backdrop of the warrior tradition that is vital for the rest that proceeds. This most up-to-date edition also embraces one more important Japanese text - "The Book of Family Traditions on the Art of War" by Yagyu Munenori; here the book highlights insights of Zen and Taoism as they pertain to the way and life of the warrior. Enjoy the book! Cleary is a terrific translator.
the book of five rings.......2004-02-19
This is a great book. You must get this book to become extremly
disciplined. Only great samurai have the ability to master this code and still few suceeded, I for one have suceeded and am now a great ronin warrior. If you buy this book be prepared for extremly onfusing lessons.
Book Description
The Samurai Series brings together three of the most important books that deal with the Samurai path and philosophy into one volume. It contains:
The Book of Five Rings which was written by Miyamoto Musashi, a Samurai of legendary renown, about 1645 AD. It is a masterpiece of simple exposition written by a master swordsman, who, near the end of his spectacular life, tried earnestly to explain the essentials of individual combat and the essence of being a Samurai. His book is widely considered to a cornerstone of the philosophy of Bushido.
Hagakure - The Way of the Samurai, which means: "Hidden by Leaves", that was composed from dialogs by the famous Samurai, Yamamoto Tsunetomo, by a scribe, Tashiro Tsuramoto, about 1716 AD. It explains the major ideas and philosophy that are essential to the "way of the Samurai", by which is meant the "way of dying". It contains numerous tales of various Samurai and their deeds which illustrate their philosophy and practice.
Bushido - The Soul of Japan by Inazo Nitobe which was first published 1899. It is an extremely literate presentation by a Japanese intellectual who wished to present Japan and its fundamental philosophy in a way that could be understood by Westerners. It describes how the Shinto Religion and Buddhism are the underpinnings of the essentially militaristic view of honor and life that are inherent in Bushido, the Samurai code.
Customer Reviews:
A Real Bargain!.......2007-07-11
Here you have 3 really good books in one cover:
"The Book of Five Rings"
"Hagakure - The Way of the Samurai"
and
"Bushido - The Soul of Japan"
The Japanese view of warfare, honor and beauty are intertwined with Zen Buddhism and forms the unique philosophy of Bushido. This assembly of three famous books does a great job of presenting the philosophy of Bushido in a much more complete manner that any one of them by itself. Each of these books is a classic, in and of itself, and is worth the price all by itself, but to get 3 for 1 - What a deal!
Great Combination! - 3 Books in 1.......2007-01-02
All three of the books contained in this one volume really should be in the collection of anyone interested in Japanese philosophy, religion or martial arts. It is not often that three really good books get bundled together into one volume but to have three classics together is really extraordinary.
The reflections of a master swordsman, the advice of a proper old Samurai and the explanations of a well-traveled scholar fit together synergistically; they add up to much more than the sum of the parts. Although the writers were separated from each other in time, they are united in a coherent view of what constitutes proper conduct and honor. There is enough difference in their styles of expression to illuminate points that might otherwise be obscure and at the same time provide some interesting juxtapositions.
Those who are already familiar with one or more of the books contained in this volume will find that having all three of them together is a real plus. Each, on its own, is an important little book; the three of them together form an important big book.
This is my new favorite book!.......2006-12-08
I was so happy for Amazon's fast shipping. I have been eye-balling The Book of Five Rings for quite some time. I've been on a personal quest to understand the history and philosophy of the Samurai, but I confess to not having a lot of time to read any more. Most of my reading ends up being in an airport waiting for a flight. Needless to say, the last thing I need is a bunch of hardcover books to haul around.
I saw this volume and had to do a little Snoopy Dance. Not only did I finally get to read "The Book of Five Rings", but I went on and read "Hagakure" and "Bushido". I feel like I have a real understanding, or at least as much as someone from the West can have about the Samurai's philosophy and way of life. Kudos to Amazon for finding this gem.
Book Description
Often used to explain Japanese business competition, Musashi's Book of Five Rings is more properly a definitive treatise on mortal combat from one of Japan's most formidable warriors - the martial arts luminary Miyamoto Musashi. Famed martial artist Stephen Kaufman has translated this classic without the usual commercial bias, driving straight to the heart of Musashi's incisive martial arts stratagems. The result is an enthralling combination of powerful technical wisdom and the philosophical elucidation offered to martial artists by Buddhism, Shintoism, Confucianism, and Taoism. From the metaphor of the Four Elements and fundamentals of physical practice and strategy to an offering of Zen wisdom on the "way" of nature, Musashi's Book of Five Rings is as profound and important a book on martial arts as you will find.
Customer Reviews:
A Fanciful Interpretation of Musashi's Work.......2006-05-27
I have no doubt about the author's sincerity in offering this personal interpretation of Musashi's original work, "Book of 5 Spheres" (or "The Book of 5 Rings"). The problem I have with what Stephen F. Kaufman has done to Musashi's book deals more with his implied suggestion that this edition is the result of an actual ~translation~ which he was responsible for (see pages xi-xii, "Translator's Note"). In fact, when asked Mr. Kaufman has admitted that this volume (and some others he has written) are not translations at all, but rather his own personal interpretations of English translations done by other authors--something he DOESN'T bother to communicate to his readers. The title of this volume, at odds with the "translator's note" on pgs xi -xii, is actually "...The Definitive _Interpretation_ of Miyamoto Musashi's Classic Book of Strategy". I fail to understand why Kaufman confuses his readers by mixing and matching interpretation with translation. It should be noted that Mr Kaufman himself does NOT speak or read Japanese, and in fact innocently named his own martial arts school "Dojo no Hebi" ("Place of Practice's Snake"), when he was trying for "Dojo of the Snake" (which in Japanese would have been "Hebi no Dojo", meaning "The Snake's Place of Practice"). Innocent mistakes yes, but one would expect a Black belt of the 10th Dan (degree grade) and a proclaimed "Hanshi" (master practitioner) to at least check his spelling with someone who _could_ speak the language he was using.
Kaufman doesn't bother to provide a bibliography of which English translations he used, nor does he include notes explaining _how_ he drew his conclusions from the texts he studied. I am bothered by the fact that many of Musashi's words have been heavily edited, re-arranged, or deleted altogether by this author until they have been removed entirely from their original context. In doing this, Mr. Kaufman has actually ALTERED the _meaning_ of Musashi's work! What remains appears to be little more than a new age self-help guide for modern martial artists which has retained a smidgeon of flavor from Musashi's original work.
A brief example illustrating Kaufman's tendancy to put his own words in Musashi's mouth is in the fourth paragraph on page 6 of Kaufman's book. Kaufman reworks Musashi's words regarding Merchants as a class to read, "Merchants are a ridiculed class because they produce nothing except profit from the work of others." Two other men who have actually translated Musashi's work from the original Japanese suggest nothing sinister in Musashi's original work. Victor Harris in his translation of "A Book of Five Rings" offers: "The way of the merchant is always to live by taking profit" (page 41, 1974). Translator Thomas Cleary offers the same sentence as: "Whatever the business, merchants make a living from the profits they earn acording to their particular status" (page 7, 1993). This is a minor demonstration of the differences between Kaufman's work and those offered by actual translators--the translators make an effort to convey to the reader the actual meaning of Musashi's words in English, while Kaufman crafts a new meaning which never existed in Musashi's original work. Suffice to say, Kaufman's interpretation seems heavily influenced by his modern view of martial arts and his concept of what he feels samurai may have been like four centuries ago. It bears little resemblance to competent translations of Musashi's writings.
I recommend two excellent translations of Musashi's work which stay true to the original Japanese. The first is "A Book of Five Rings" translated by Victor Harris, a mechanical engineer and technical interpreter of Japanese language who not only practiced kendo (Japanese fencing), but studied this art in Japan for 3 years under Ito Kyoitsu at the Seijudo Dojo. A second recommendation is "The Book of Five Rings" by Thomas Cleary, another professional translator. Unlike Kaufman, I did not find translations by these men to be "intellectual exercises in translating Japanese to English" (pg xi). I found legitimate translations by competent translators who were clear and direct...I suspect most scholarly people, whether students of martial arts or not, will draw a similar conclusions upon comparing Kaufman's book to any actual translation.
Read it more than once.......2005-07-29
I recommend that readers reread the book couple of times for writing to show true nature of things to you. While the writing is on the art of sword fighting, principles laid out in the book can be applied in war, business and craftsmanship in a Zen like ways. Especially, if you are a student of martial arts, you may pickup one or two things on what it takes to win the fights.
Overly simple.......2005-07-09
This is the first translation of The Book of Five Rings that I read. I wasn't terribly impressed with it. After reading the translation by William Scott Wilson, I am even less impressed with Kaufman's translation. While Wilson's may be a bit harder to comprehend on the first read, much is lost in Kaufman's translation in terms of language and metaphor. Kaufman's translation may be better for someone looking for a more simple explanation of technique. However, Wilson's translation offers much more for a reader to wrap his/her mind around. Since I have never read the original text, I can in no way claim to know whose translation is is closer to the original. However for those looking for a more cerebral experience, I would suggest Wilson's translation.
Amazon.com
Eric Van Lustbader leads off his Pearl series by mixing science fiction and fantasy into an exciting adventure with The Ring of Five Dragons. Although much of the book's mythology is standard fantasy fare, Lustbader creates intriguing and conflicted characters and spins a complex world of religion, magic, and technology around them.
The Ring of Five Dragons tells the tale of the people of Kundala, who have suffered for 101 years under the oppression of the alien invaders, the V'ornn. The Kundalan people are treated as slaves by the technologically superior and Nazi-like V'ornn, who seek to dominate them and deplete the planet's resources. But even the V'ornn have masters.
The Gyrgon are mysterious technomages who rule the V'ornn and have their own agenda--they want to find the source of the Kundalans' magic. To discover the secret, they must first find the Ring of Five Dragons, which is said to open the Storehouse. It has been written that untold treasures rest in the Storehouse, perhaps including the sacred Pearl. Now only the prophesied Dar Sala-at, who was born at both ends of the cosmos, can save and restore hope to the oppressed Kundalan people.
The Ring of Five Dragons follows the path of many fantasy series, with a prophecy to drive the action and a powerful hero to save the day. However, Lustbader writes rousing action scenes and gives his characters plenty of complex issues to deal with. He nicely switches between the V'ornn intrigue and the struggle of the Dar Sala-at, offering a surprise or two along the way. The Ring of Five Dragons is a satisfying read that sets up a good foundation for the rest of the Pearl series and that includes plenty of untied threads to weave together for future adventures. --Kathie Huddleston
Book Description
A towering epic of fantasy, The Pearl, is launched in The Ring of Five Dragons. Filled with action, color, and the myriad details of another world, The Pearl is the first great fantasy series of the new millennium, set to rival Robert Jordan, David Eddings, George R. R. Martin, Terry Brooks, and Terry Goodkind in popular appeal. This astonishing first volume opens as the Kundalan people have suffered for a century under the viciously oppressive, technologically-superior V'ornn invaders. In the resulting crisis of faith -- why hasn't their goddess Miina saved them? -- Kundalan religion has fallen under the control of evil forces from within who forbid the teaching of traditional sorcery, pretending to have no magic of their own. The V'ornn's mysterious leaders, the Gyrgon, know better, and search for the lost Ring of Five Dragons, the key to the door of the fabled Kundalan Storehouse, and perhaps to Kundalan sorcery as well. But misused, the Ring is the trigger of seemingly inexorable annihilation for V'ornn and Kundalan alike. Now from among the oppressed must arise the hero of prophecy, the Dar Sala-at, who alone can wield the sorcerous power to save the world.Thus begins a huge epic rooted in the conflict between spiritual and technological cultures. The twisting plot raises difficult and provocative moral questions in the course of a constantly surprising, sometimes shocking, fantastic adventure that will transport fantasy readers to new heights of enthusiasm, and make them ask for more.
Customer Reviews:
Not Free SF Reader.......2007-09-03
No ninja. I think that sums up the problem. The suspense, pacing and writing are just not there. This is presumably aimed at a completely different audience, of course, but it completely missed me.
Obviously a non European fantasy, but no way was I going to slog through multiple books of this, having little interest in the characters from the start.
Awful for an old Lustbader fan.......2007-01-22
I loved the Ninja and Sunset Warrior series and think Lustbader is (used to be?) one of the best action sequence writers out there. So where did this trash come from?
The characters are one dimensional. The plot elements read like they are stolen from fantasy written for junior high readers or D&D fans. I couldn't finish it, reading the stinker just got too painful.
Either Lustbader's writing has sunk miserably low, he's using a 14-year old ghost writer or I just liked his writing because I was 14 years old. In any case, get something else. George RR Martin or Robin Hobb are great places to start. So don't waste your time with junk or support mediocre (at best) books with your dollars. You've been warned!
A Reluctant Hero.......2006-09-15
The Ring of Five Dragons (2001) is the first Fantasy novel in The Pearl series. The V'oorn have been nomads since their sun went nova, burning their home planet to a cinder. They have wandered from star to star, conquered the native races, and then moved on to the next system. Then the V'oorn encountered the Centophennni and were severely defeated in battle. Fleeing from enemy pursuit, a segment of the V'oorn had found Kundala and overwhelmed the passive Kundalans. Now they rule from Axis Tyr, exploiting the planet and its population.
In this novel, eighty-five years after the V'oorn invasion of Kundala, the twin sisters Giyan and Bartta are Ramahan novices. Walking north from their home in Stone Border toward the Ice Caves, Bartta sees a tail flick out from under a golden rock. She turns the rock over to show Giyan an ugly lorg. Konara Mossa, their Ramahan guardian, has taught the girls that lorgs are evil creatures that ensnare the souls of dying infants. Giyan believes this to be pure superstition, but Bartta flings a stone at the lorg. Giyan questions her reasons and interferes with her efforts, but Bartta kills the lorg anyway. Three days later, the V'oorn capture Giyan and take her to Axis Tyr as a slave.
Sixteen years later, Konara Bartta is walking along the same dry gully, looking for the golden rock. Twice she walks by it, but on the third try she finds the rock covered with dust and kuello-fir needles. Now the rock is lying across a fissure in the gully bed. Then she hears a sound from the fissure. She backs away from it and starts to flee, but a great horned owl flies over her and swoops over the long flat rock three times. Bartta sees the owl as an omen from the Great Goddess Miina. Reluctantly, Bartta returns to the fissure and climbs down in it, circling the edges of a deeper crevasse, and finds a young girl of about fifteen years dying of duur fever. The girl knows her name is Riane, but most of her memories are gone. Bartta carries her out of the fissure, despite repeated earth tremors, and takes her to Bartta's home in Stone Border.
Annon is the son of the Regent Eleusis Ashera. Kurgan Stogggul is the son of Wennn Stogggul. Both are Bashkir -- the Great Caste from which the regents are selected by the Gyrgon -- and their fathers hate each other. Yet the boys care little about the animosity of their fathers.
Annon and Kurgan are out hunting when they spy a Kundalan girl, Eleana, walking through a stream with her skirts gathered up. They race to the stream and, when Annon starts to gain a lead, Kurgan trips him and reaches the girl first. He rips off her clothes and starts to rape her, but Annon has second thoughts and pulls him off her. Annon tells her to run away, but she lingers, watching the fight as she gathers her clothes. As they are struggling, a gyreagle attacks Annon and Kurgan gains the upper hand. After raping Eleana, Kurgan binds up Annon's wound and helps him back to his home.
Nith Sahor is a Gyrgon, one of Those That Summon. He summons the Regent to the Temple of Mnemonics and interrogates him about the Kundalans, Za Hara-at and Giyan. While apparently understanding the significance of the Kundalan mysteries, Nith Sahor stresses the need for the Comradeship to obtain the Ring of Five Dragons. Eleusis Ashera continues to state that he will not betray Giyan.
In this story, the V'oorn have been stymied in their search for the Kundalan secrets. They have obtained huge quantities of information about the Kundalan religion through informers and torture, but still don't know truth from falsehood. Some Gyrgons follow Nith Sahor in his appreciation of Kundalan practices, but his opponents are suppressing such views. They know about the Ring of Five Dragons and its connection to the Pearl, but misuse the Ring when it falls into their hands.
This novel is an allegory about religion and science, portraying the extremes of each viewpoint. The true heroes in this struggle are the moderates who argue for an accommodation between the two views. Still, the fanatics on both sides seem to be winning.
This story is full of strange words. While both cultures are alien, the constructed vocabulary gets to be overwhelming at times. Yet, these strange words lend an alien flair to the tale. At least the cast of main characters is not very large compared to other such epics.
This story is also very violent. Since it depicts an invasion and conquest, such violence is to be expected. Of course, it has been going on for one hundred and one years; to some extent, such violence has become institutionalized. Thus, the rape of Kundalan girls by V'oorn youths is accepted behavior, at least by the conquerors. After all, who listens to complaints from the losers?
This novel is written by the author of The Sunset Warrior trilogy and the White Ninja series. Some aspects of these prior works are evident in this series, particularly the violence. The Caste structure also may have come from the Japanese background of the White Ninja series; the social order in this story is much like that of the Shogunate period.
Recommended for Lustbader fans and for anyone else who enjoys tales of high adventure, political intrigue and magic.
-Arthur W. Jordin
Dune Comparison.......2006-05-24
Many, arguably most, of the central elements of this book are are "borrowed" from the classic science fiction novel Dune.
Mother a witch with supernatural powers
Son results from forbidden mating of royal father and beloved concubine
The "super being"/savior prophesy
The mysterious drug
The downtrodden people secretly more powerful than their opressors
Baron Harkonnen = Regent Stoggul
For my eight bucks, can't I get an original plot?
Waste of time and space.......2005-06-11
This is the worst book I have read in a LONG time. Everthing about it is bad, I can't believe I read to the end, I must have been stunned that this #### made it to become printed.
Book Description
The astounding transformation of tiny, resource-poor Japan into the world's second largest economy in the span of less than 30 years was due to the ongoing influence of an ancient samurai code of ethics—a code that once made the Japanese unbeatable warriors in hand-to-hand combat and which now makes them formidable strategists in business
and other fields.
The most famous combat strategist in Japanese history was Musashi Miyamoto, a warrior who lived from 1584 to 1645. Musashi fought his first duel to the death when he was 13, killing a veteran warrior more than twice his age. By the time he was 29 he had killed over 60 other warriors in death duels and was a legend in his own time.
Just before he died, Musashi recorded his philosophy, strategies, and tactics in a short treatise entitled Go Rin Sho —"The Book of Five Rings." Samurai Strategies has extracted the fundamentals of Musashi's tactics from this esoteric little book and explains them here in the modern context of business, politics, and war. Musashi's strategies for winning are as valid today as they were in seventeenth century Japan and provide valuable insights for anyone in any field of endeavor—from business, war, and sports to the fields of art, love, and politics.
Customer Reviews:
A Must Read!.......2007-08-01
This book is definitely a must-read for everyone, martial artist or not. It reads fairly quickly, and is one you'll want to read again. Each of the '42...secrets' are life-lessons. They give you insight into the time when Samurai lived, and explains how the lesson applied then and how it applies now. We all have something to learn from their code of Honor, and this book can help everyone.
A Cracking Book and not just limited to Martial Artists!!.......2007-07-22
THE BOOK of FIVE RINGS (Go Rin No Sho) - Summarised!!
I really can not emphasise enough how BRILLIANT this version of The Book of Five Rings is. Most other translations of "Miyamoto Musashi's" book are long and hard to understand, or more precisely, you can read it, understand the words easily enough, but the meaning and the important LIFE saving lessons don't come though very well......
......but this book by Boye De Lafayette Mente is just so well written and laid out. He breaks down all the lessons from "Musashi" into small chapters. Once you've read the book a couple of times all you need to do is just look at the chapter headings for a quick refresher & apply these skills to your life.
THIS IS NOT JUST A BOOK FOR BUDO or MARTIAL ARTISTS!! It's for everyone. Musashi devoted & sacrificed his whole life into discovering how we should live successfully & conduct ourselves. He was the very best swordsman in Japan of his time, never once was he defeated (or even cut). This was all down to his unique approach to his fighting, from the lessons he learnt during duals he was asked at the end of his life to summarise and tell the world how he became so successful.
This really is a cracking book. It takes the "The Book of Five Rings by Miyamoto Musashi" and summarises it (in plain easy to read & understandable English) into 42 easy to follow and understandable chapters & steps.
It can be easily read in a day or two, but its best if it's RE-READ a couple of times at least 'though. It gets straight to the point. Each chapter is dealt with in just a page or three.
Apply these important principles to your life and work, as well as to your chosen Martial Art. Samurai Secrets may have been a better title perhaps?
Do look out for Boye Lafayette de Mente's other titles. His style of writing is very easy going and precise. He makes the subject matter easy to absorb and understand.
For example try "The Japanese Samurai Code" and Enjoy!! If you buy the actual translation of "The Book of Five Rings" then Thomas Cleary's version I think is the best. I say this as there are many translations of the same book and most are in the old classical direct translation style and not easy (for me anyway) to digest.
I really am so surprised that there are no other reviews raving about this translation of this version of the Book of Five Rings.
You really WON'T be disappointed!!
Highly recommended reading for corporate executives and entrepreneurs .......2006-06-08
Musashi Miyamoto was a famous Japanese warrior who lived from 1584 to 1645 who recorded his philosophy, strategies and tactics in a short treatise just before his death. Samurai Strategies: Forty-Two Martial Secrets From Musashi's Book Of Five Rings by Boye Lafayette de Mente adapts Musashi's military precepts and martial arts ideals to the modern world of business. Swiftly carrying readers through the philosophical issues faced in business procedures and identifying the most effective premise from which to work, Samurai Strategies draws from Miyamoto's philosophy and is very highly recommended reading for corporate executives and entrepreneurs for it's conceptual approach to life lessons learned in ancient theaters of war and directly applicable to modern business practices.
Very glad to have found this book...excellent work...also very easy to read!.......2006-06-01
I am very glad to have found this book.
My first encounter with the life story of Miyamoto Musashi, Japan's most renowned combat strategist, was in the early 80's when I started to work for a large heavy & construction equipment conglomerate, which dealt primaily with Japanese principals & their products. For the first time in my life, I was introduced to Japanese management culture, & the first 'Japanese' book I read was 'The Book of Five Rings', translated by a Victor Harris, a mechanical engineer like me.
Coming back to today: The author of this particular book is quite right. Miyamoto Musashi's original work was written for samurai warriors who are steeped into Buddhlist & Shinto precepts, in the code of the samurai, in the long traditions of the samurai, & in allusions that were part of the culture of the times. Like Japanese artists who leave it up to readers to complete their work, Miyamoto Musashi left it up to readers of his work to fill in the details of his allusions & advice from their own store of knowledge.
Henceforth, it wasn't easy for me to read 'The Book of Five Rings.' It took me quite a while to figure out the essence, digest the work & eventually managed to distill about ten strategies which I could understand & apply in my own sphere of work.
In this particular book, the author has attempted to identify & explain, in plain English, the philosophy, the strategy, & the ways of winning that Miyamoto Musashi sought to pass on to his disciples. The original work is about how to fight duels to the death & win! The author has made the fighting principles equally applicable to winning in business, & in virtually all other endeavours. In fact, he has elegantly distilled them all down to 42 strategies (compared to my original ten strategies)!!!
The author's writing is almost straight-talk, & in easy-to-understand language. I would even recommend all teens to read it in order to achieve a quick headstart in life, as the 42 strategies are also applicable in studies & in sports.
Interestingly, the Book of Five Rings is, in Miyamoto Musashi's own words, "a guide for men who want to learn strategy."
In life, eveything is possible. It is just a question of strategy.
On the whole, this is excellent work. It therefore deserves a rating of 5 from me.
Product Description
Born into strife, Miyamoto Musashi ultimately lived to see his country achieve peace; but he never forgot two essential elements of the ancient samurai tradition: keep calm in the midst of chaos, and remember the possibility of disorder in times of order. Devoted to the practical art of war, his strategic classic The Book of Five Rings focuses attention on the psychology and physics of assault. Whether you are looking to gain the advantage in the practice of martial arts or on the corporate battlefield, this book counsels wisely in the ways of confrontation, stressing important subtleties such as rhythm, state of mind, physical bearing, and eye contact, as well as perseverance, self-knowledge, and inner calm. Thomas Cleary's uncluttered translation brings Musashi's work into sharp, accessible focus, as does the inclusion in the same volume of another important Japanese classic, The Book of Family Traditions on the Art of War, highlighting Taoist and Zen aspects of the warrior tradition.
Customer Reviews:
Ancient Wisdom on the Way of the Warrior and Winner.......2007-05-11
This book supposedly originated in 1603, as a guide for would-be Japanese warriors. It is today a popular management source of quotes and inspiration. Some of my favorite quotes:
--You must train day and night in order to make quick decisions. In strategy it is necessary to treat training as a part of normal life with your spirit unchanging.
--It is difficult to know yourself if you do not know other. If you study a Way daily, and your spirit diverges, you many think you are obeying a good Way but objectively it is not ht true Way. If you are following the true Way and diverge a little, this will alter become a large divergence. You must realize this. Other strategies have come to be thought of as mere sword-fencing, and it is not unreasonable that this should be so.
--when you appreciate the power of nature, knowing the rhythm of any situation, you will be able to hit ht enemy naturally and strike naturally.
--Strategy, fixing the eyes mean gazing at the man's heart. In the large-scale strategy the area to watch is the enemy's strength. `Perception' and `sight' are the two methods of seeing. Perceptions consists of concentrating strongly on the enemy's spirit, observing the condition of the battlefield, fixing the gaze only, seeing the progress of the fight and the changes of advantage. This is the sure way to win. In single cob at you must not fix the eyes on details. As I said before, if you fix your eyes on details and neglect important things, your spirit will become bewildered, and victory will escape you.
--There are few men who can quickly reply to the question "What is the Way of the Warrior?' This is because they do not know in their hearts. From this we can see they do not follow the Way of the warrior. By the Way of the warrior is meat death. The Way of the warrior is death. It means choosing death whenever there is a choice between life and death.
Beautiful Photos of Musashi's Art.......2007-03-24
This is a difficult book, written by a brilliant master of both the martial arts and the fine arts. I'm sure it was very hard to translate, and have no idea how faithfully this translation transmits the writer's intent. In my opinion the photos of Musashi's art are the most impressive thing about it. I wish they were color photos.
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