The Book of Five Rings is a primary text from the Japanese duelist Miyamoto Musashi. Written around 1645, this book is his account of his mental and physical strategies for fighting that made him one of the most famous and cunning Japanese warriors. The book is divided into five subsections: the book of earth, the book of water, the book of fire, the book of wind, and the book of emptiness. Although Musashi incorporates poetry, Buddhism, and philosophical thoughts on "the way of strategy," The Book of Five Rings is largely a martial arts treatise. Musashi is famous, in addition to his success as a samurai duelist, for his unconventional style and willingness to break rules and customs to win, which he explains further in this book. Given that The Book of Five Rings is a valuable primary text by a historical figure, it certainly deserves a five star rating. Although The Book of Five Rings is an accessible for a case study on the life and thoughts of an actual samurai warrior, educators using it for instructional purposes may want to be selective and look for specific sections for focus; Musashi goes into substantial detail on martial arts and rival martial arts schools at times. He goes to great length to describe his recommendations for proper sword technique and mental states while dueling. Still, for those interested in Samurai, feudal Japan, and Japanese martial arts, The Book of Five Rings is a must read.
Samuel Dickson
10 January 2020
Review
