Miyamoto Musashi: His Life and Writings FROM THE PUBLISHER
"Undefeated swordsman, master of battlefield strategy, martial arts icon - Miyamoto Musashi, who lived in Japan in the 1600s, is the most famous samurai of all time. His masterwork, the Book of Five Rings (Gorin no sho), is one of the most insightful texts on the subtle arts of confrontation and victory to emerge from Asian culture." "Over the centuries, Musashi's reputation has grown to mythic proportions, but, in fact, much about Musashi and his life remains a mystery. Here, Kenji Tokitsu, a modern martial arts master and scholar, turns a critical eye on Musashi's life and writings, separating fact from fiction, and providing a view of the man and his ideas that is accessible and relevant to today's readers and martial arts students." Tokitsu provides a biography and a translation of the Book of Five Rings, along with four other texts on strategy, all with extensive commentary. He is a thoughtful and informed guide, putting the historical and philosophical aspects of the text into context.
SYNOPSIS
Japanese-born Tokitsu has taught karate in Paris since 1971 and has doctorate degrees in sociology and Japanese language and civilization. Here he recounts the life and translates the principle works of Musashi, the legendary 17th-century sword master, painter, sculptor, and calligrapher. The original Miyamoto Musashi: Maitre de Sabre japonais XVIIe siﾽcle was published in 2000 by Editions Desiris. Annotation ©2004 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR
FROM THE CRITICS
Library Journal
Miyamoto Musashi (1584-1645), the most famous of all samurai, fought and won 60 duels during his lifetime and was a master military strategist and a skilled artist. In the latter part of his life, he formed a martial arts school and trained many disciples. Tokitsu, an expert in martial arts with a doctorate in sociology, here provides a new translation and commentary of Musashi's major work, The Book of Five Rings, which gives his teachings on sword technique, military strategy, martial arts training, and general philosophy. Tokitsu also offers a biography of Musashi, which helps give context for understanding his thought. Beyond this, the work includes chapters discussing key topics in Japanese martial arts, such as budo, as well as a substantial glossary. The recent Tom Cruise film The Last Samurai may have heightened interest in Japanese martial arts. This excellent book might well capture the interest of a significant audience. Recommended for both public and academic libraries.--John Jaeger, Dallas Baptist Univ. Lib. Copyright 2004 Reed Business Information.
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