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The Complete Book of Five Rings

Written by: Miyamoto Musashi, Kenji Tokitsu - editor/translator
Narrated by: Brian Nishii
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Publisher's Summary

The Complete Book of Five Rings is an authoritative version of Musashi's classic The Book of Five Rings, translated and annotated by a modern martial arts master, Kenji Tokitsu. Tokitsu has spent most of his life researching the legendary samurai swordsman and his works, and in this book he illuminates this seminal text, along with several other works by Musashi. These include "The Mirror of the Way of Strategy", which Musashi wrote when he was in his 20s; "Thirty-five Instructions on Strategy", and "Forty-two Instructions on Strategy", which were precursors to The Book of Five Rings; and "The Way to Be Followed Alone", which Musashi wrote just days before his death.

Heard together, these five texts give listeners an unusually detailed, nuanced view of Musashi's ideas on swordsmanship, strategy, and self-cultivation. Tokitsu puts all these writings into historical and philosophical context and makes them accessible and relevant to today's listeners and martial arts students. Tokitsu understands Musashi's writings - and Musashi as a martial artist - unusually well and is able to provide a rare insight into the man and his historical contribution.

©2000 Kenji Tokitsu, English Translation 2004, 2010 by Shambhala Publications, Inc. (P)2014 Audible Inc.
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What listeners say about The Complete Book of Five Rings

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Excellent translation of Musashi’s works!

Everyone should read the main points of “the Way to the Followed Alone” - such a beautiful understanding of life, society, and how to lead a life of focus on your art. Narrator added the contemporary interpretation- and it was perfect. Thank you.

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Great Listen !

I recommend this book to anyone interested in any sort of martial art and are looking to apply interesting concepts with truly deep meaning.

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thank you.

so nice to come back to this.. a forever reread, playing it over, and over, and over again. thank you.

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Very interesting read

I enjoyed this book and the narration. I recommend it if you are interested in strategy.

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Old wisdom

Will serve a purpose in your life. Through allegory or taking it at face value.

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Exceptional

the additional context added by the narrator really brings the philosophy into a better light. His performance is exemplary and he brings a great deal of understanding to a complicated work. The nuances of technical sword technique are of course difficult to understand for someone not familiar with the art of the Japanese sword but that doesn't take away from the rest.

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The way of strategy

A great view in the mind of musashi and his way of strategy. It will give you new insights on how to tackle life and everyday situations. This rendition of the book contains alot of context to help understand.

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This is the best audio book I ever had!

Buy it & enjoy this magnificent story.

This is the best lessons of life from the Greatest Samuraï who ever exist.
The explanations are excellent!

Thank you very much!

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A Masterpiece

An absolute classic on Warrior and everyday life strategy. Although unfair to judge Mushashis context by today's standards, some parts are a little tough to follow but the majority remains timeless.

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Good listen

The narrator did a great job, the book itself is a bit abstract and dense.

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