The Book of Five Rings

A Classic Text on the Japanese Way of the Sword

Miyamoto Musashi, Thomas Cleary

$44.95 $38.17

Paperback

Forthcoming
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English

Shambhala Publications Inc
04 November 2025

Literary essays; Oriental religions; Theory of warfare & military science; Oriental martial arts

A timeless masterpiece from Japan's most renowned swordsman on the subtle art of leadership in the face of conflict.

Over 750,000 copies sold!

The Book of Five Rings

is one of the most insightful texts on the subtle arts of confrontation and victory to emerge from Asian culture. Written not only for martial artists but for anyone who wants to apply the timeless principles of this text to their life, the book analyzes the process of struggle and mastery over conflict that underlies every level of human interaction.

The Book of Five Rings

was composed in 1643 by the famed duelist and undefeated samurai Miyamoto Musashi. Thomas Cleary's translation is immediately accessible, with an introduction that presents the spiritual background of the warrior tradition. Along with Musashi's text, Cleary translates here 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.

By: Miyamoto Musashi
Translated by: Thomas Cleary
Imprint: Shambhala Publications Inc
Country of Publication: United States [Currently unable to ship to USA: see Shipping Info]
Dimensions: Height: 216mm, Width: 140mm,
Weight: 369g
ISBN: 9781645474685
ISBN 10: 1645474682
Pages: 160
Publication Date: 04 November 2025
Audience: General/trade , ELT Advanced
Format: Paperback
Publisher's Status: Forthcoming

Miyamoto Musashi, who lived in Japan in the 1600s, was an undefeated dueler, a masterless samurai, and an independent teacher. He spent the last decades of his life refining and teaching his military science.