The Complete Book of Five Rings

This translation is a thing of beauty.Musashi's text is not easy at the best of times, but it is always rewarding. Kenji Tokitsu, the translator, combines being an expert in historical Japan and the antique Japanese language with a remarkable grasp of English ... and he's a serious martial artist, as well.It shows.When you read this, please read all of Tokistsu's footnotes and appendices. They clarify, give extraordinary perspective to, and showcase the power and insight of 'the swordsman's bible'.

The translator takes great pains to explain his approach to the original work, since there are so many other versions of this text. He spends substantial time expounding on his word choices, how they're reflective of the original 'context' but also take into account the speech & vernacular of current times. Truth be told, some further adjustments could be made utilizing more precise English vocabulary.All that said, the majority of the work is well presented and representative of the (original) author's views. There is both knowledge and wisdom contained in the work, much of it befitting Musashi's reputation, capabilities and personality. Other areas where 'extra' text from different copies and different works of his with similar (albeit earlier and/or less refined in focus) information, can become tedious to follow due to the author's choice of organizational format. The chosen format divides & essentially delivers it like it were being cataloged... not a format 'fit-for-consumption'.I still readily recommend this version.

Great book covering several writings of one of Japan's most famous swordsmen. I've read the earlier version sold originally as a "business" book, but this one provides the reader with in-depth background information to better understand Musashi's writings, which makes it easier to apply his philosophies to your own life philosophies (if that is what you are seeking).

I bought this as a gift and condition wise it arrived fine. He was really happy to get it, but isn't finished reading it. The only thing he mentioned was that sometimes it is hard to understand/follow.

I needed a few books to gain a deeper understanding of the Way of the Warrior and Ancient Japan's Samurai. I had read a fantasy series called the Book of Five Rings and decided I should read the origin of this series and was not let down. This translated version seems to have captured the essence of the author and originator of these musings. If you are interested in Japan and it's culture or the samurai, pick this one up. Fairly quick read to boot.

I can't imagine how hard it was to translate this book into English. But this timeless in formation is outstanding and required reading along with Sun Tzu.

Good translation. I've tried to read other translations, but I couldn't even finish them. I finished this one.

lots of translation out there of Musashi's 5 rings, some less accessible than others...if your a budoka then this one is in the top 3....translated by an a native speaker and Musashi scholar who is also a practicing martial artist...insightful and fills in a lot of contextual 'gaps'....destined to become a classic...get Tokitsu's "Miyamoto Musashi: His Life and Writings" too...benchmark stuff...arigato sensei!

As Kenji Tokitsu translated this master piece of the east he was careful enough to signalize and analyze the most important passages and meanings. His expertise in martial arts is key in this process.The Book of the five rings is in it self aproximatly 54 pages, but this book is some 200. Don't be deterred by this fact. All this extra material is what many would strugle to find. A deep interpretation and analisys of all the context that surrounds Gorin no sho (Book of five ring).Together it brings as well the rare texts that preceded the Book of five rings, like "Thirty-five instructions on strategy" and "The way to be followed alone".Truly an eye opener.

While more thorough and painstaking in it's presentation than a few other versions I have read of this book at least one of those other (shorter) versions seemed a little easier to get the gist of what Musashi was trying to teach...maybe.

Amazing book. I think that it is very difficult but not unreachable to apply some of the principles to the modern way of life. The discipline and the balance to achieve excellence in long term , is just remarkable. I strongly recommend this book to everyone who wishes to enrich his knowledge into strategy and to the development of his spirit.

I can't wait to finish reading it!

Brilliant