The Five Rings: Miyamoto Musashi's Art of Strategy

I was introduced to Miyamoto Musashi's writings and books some time ago. And over the course of years, I constantly go back to his 'teaching' to refresh my knowledge and thoughts. A premier writer who was ahead of his time when it came to his philosophies and thoughts about life. He was a great samurai but wasn't noted for his writing until later. Through his writings and through his history, he has a way of capturing simple everyday experiences and provide the reader with insight and wisdom to take you through your life. This is not a book about "his" life. It is about his experiences and how it 'changed' his life and with some insight can change yours. Taking the aspects of Bushido, developing the perfect fighting warrior, and then adapting that ideology and slowly, but deliberately making it your own. Well worth the time and effort to read it and hopefully grasp the time-honored traditions of the master teaching the student how he should live and fight the battles of life with honor, integrity, and discipline.

Love it so far. Have a deep desire to learn more military history and methods. And this book doesn’t disappoint. Super quality on beautiful paper. Looks pricy. But isn’t.

I cannot recommend this book highly enough. The physical quality is superb, but more importantly, it is translated by the ideal Japanese 'warrior-scholar'. Groff is a meticulous researcher, an accomplished practitioner of various martial arts, and very well versed in traditional Japanese culture. His prose feels at once modern and timeless, and is never overwrought--a danger, given the age and gravity of the source material. A true pleasure to read.

It’s a great read, I’m not going to go into detail. It’s like trying to describe a sunset, I honestly can’t do it justice.

First I would like to state how well made this book is. The material covered hard back is very upscale. The illustrations are also exceptional. I purchased this translation from reading other reviews stating how true the wording is. Do not hesitate to order this book. Cheers.

Like a lot of Americans, I've always found Japanese history in general and Samurai history in particular to be fascinating. But I've never made a serious study of either. David Groff does a good job of providing a casual reader like me with enough background to put this fascinating work in context, without getting bogged down in copious footnotes that kill the beauty of the language. Speaking of beauty, the book itself is gorgeously presented. I've given out a couple of copies as gifts. (And for the record, the recipients were very appreciative.)

...learn from the past to create a better future!

A hard read, but the insights into the mind of a true warrior are worthwhile. I like this translation, but it is direct and sometimes difficult. Read slowly. As Musashi says “think on these things.”

Love this book From the legendary samurai Miyamoto Musashi Must read for martial artists and samurai lovers.

This was a Christmas gift and I was delighted when it arrived before Christmas, rather than January. The recipient is very happy with it.

Best translation. Beautiful quality.

This is my favourite version of the classic work on strategy: The Book of Five Rings. A fascinating reference to the ancient art of samurai warfare.

I looooove this edition. It's well made, heavy and well printed. A must for anyone into budo history and Japan to some extent.