Product Description

The Samurai Series brings together three of the most important
books that deal with the Samurai path and philosophy into one volume. It
contains:

The Book of Five Rings which was written by Miyamoto Musashi, a Samurai of
legendary renown, about 1645 AD. It is a masterpiece of simple exposition
written by a master swordsman, who, near the end of his spectacular life,
tried earnestly to explain the essentials of individual combat and the
essence of being a Samurai. His book is widely considered to a cornerstone
of the philosophy of Bushido.

Hagakure - The Way of the Samurai, which means: "Hidden by Leaves", that
was composed from dialogs by the famous Samurai, Yamamoto Tsunetomo, by a
scribe, Tashiro Tsuramoto, about 1716 AD. It explains the major ideas and
philosophy that are essential to the "way of the Samurai", by which is
meant the "way of dying". It contains numerous tales of various Samurai and
their deeds which illustrate their philosophy and practice.

Bushido - The Soul of Japan by Inazo Nitobe which was first published 1899.
It is an extremely literate presentation by a Japanese intellectual who
wished to present Japan and its fundamental philosophy in a way that could
be understood by Westerners. It describes how the Shinto Religion and
Buddhism are the underpinnings of the essentially militaristic view of
honor and life that are inherent in Bushido, the Samurai code.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #248058 in Books
• Published on: 2006-11-30
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 256 pages

Customer Reviews

Great Combination!

All three of the books contained in this one volume really should be in the collection of anyone interested in Japanese philosophy, religion or martial arts. It is not often that three really good books get bundled together into one volume but to have three classics together is really extraordinary.

The reflections of a master swordsman, the advice of a proper old Samurai and the explanations of a well-traveled scholar fit together synergistically; they add up to much more than the sum of the parts. Although the writers were separated from each other in time, they are united in a coherent view of what constitutes proper conduct and honor. There is enough difference in their styles of expression to illuminate points that might otherwise be obscure and at the same time provide some interesting juxtapositions.

Those who are already familiar with one or more of the books contained in this volume will find that having all three of them together is a real plus. Each, on its own, is an important little book; the three of them together form an important big book.