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ashultz's review against another edition
5.0
All the Book of Five Rings translations get lumped together but are not at all equal, this is five stars specifically for Kenji Tokitsu's translation. Many others are one-star translations.
This is the only translation of this book I've ever read that understands that Musashi was writing a martial arts manual, not a book of generally applicable philosophy. Most translations of Five Rings try to turn it into a mystic festival of woo woo feelings. That's not what it is, the philosophy that is in here is an outgrowth of his cultural background and attempts to put his style of martial arts into words.
If you're looking for Musashi the martial artist, this is your edition.
This is the only translation of this book I've ever read that understands that Musashi was writing a martial arts manual, not a book of generally applicable philosophy. Most translations of Five Rings try to turn it into a mystic festival of woo woo feelings. That's not what it is, the philosophy that is in here is an outgrowth of his cultural background and attempts to put his style of martial arts into words.
If you're looking for Musashi the martial artist, this is your edition.
8797999's review against another edition
3.0
An interesting book and read, one I think it would take several reads to full appreciate. Very quotable and I am happy to have now read this book to go along with The Art of War and Tao Te Ching.
If I were to rank them by which I got most out of and enjoyment it would be:
1. The Art of War
2. The Complete Book of Five Rings
3. Tao Te Ching
If I were to rank them by which I got most out of and enjoyment it would be:
1. The Art of War
2. The Complete Book of Five Rings
3. Tao Te Ching
kimball_hansen's review against another edition
2.0
This book had the longest intro ever. It's a third of the book. It kinda reminds me of the [b:The Art of War|10534|The Art of War|Sun Tzu|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1453417993i/10534._SY75_.jpg|3200649]. But what was more practical for fighting style with swords and spears. The writing style could have been better and more interesting, though.
Oh, and I hate Scott Brick. He's a terrible narrator. Fortunately this was short so I didn't have to suffer a whole lot.
Oh, and I hate Scott Brick. He's a terrible narrator. Fortunately this was short so I didn't have to suffer a whole lot.
pizzamcpin3ppl3's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
informative
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
relaxing
fast-paced
4.75
chemistry_goodness's review
5.0
My rating isn't one about the original work but my perception of the author's work in translating it. It's a very extensive one with copious notes about background and reasons for the translation choices.
dzengota's review
3.0
The first two section of the Book of Five Rings are what I think most people are there for when they go to this text. That is where some truly interesting philosophy of the sword is placed in a smooth curtness of someone who has made killing a precise art. The later books, and even the translator makes this note, are extremely precise details about individual techniques. Thats pretty interesting at first, reading about following up on certain reactions with a quarter turn of the blade this way or that way, but as it progresses it gets harder to maintain interest in reading without application.
I really respect the flex of, at the end of section of writing, saying: You should dwell on this, or Practice this as I have instructed.
I really respect the flex of, at the end of section of writing, saying: You should dwell on this, or Practice this as I have instructed.
isaach12's review against another edition
1.0
this seemed like a repetive and poor translation of Musashi's work, where it seemed to have pulled a lot from Sun Tsu than anything else. i dont know why this one didnt hold up where the Kauffman translation always seems to be enlightening and invigorating.