The Illustrated Book of Five Rings

Written by the master swordsman and undefeated samurai Miyamoto Musashi in 1643, the Book of Five Rings has become a classic on strategy and confrontation. Written not only for martial artists but for leaders in all professions, the book analyzes the process of struggle and mastery over conflict that underlies every level of human interaction. In this exquisite hardbound edition, Thomas Cleary's accessible translation and illuminating introduction (which has sold more than 200,000 copies in four editions) are enhanced by forty full-color illustrations from Japanese sources, including battle scenes, reproductions of fine samurai swords and armor, and art from the Zen tradition. 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.