Product Description

The first biography of this world-renowned and undefeated swordsman, The Lone Samurai follows the dramatic escapades of Musashi - author of The Book of Five Rings - from his initial victory at the age of 13 to his early 'retirement' at 30 to pursue a more spiritual path. Wilson provides a riveting account of Musashi's trials and his triumphs, as well as a portrait of the turbulent and dangerous times in which he lived. The author supplements the story with fascinating insights into Musashi's mind - how he turned his opponents' strength against them, how he outwitted even the most skilful assailant, how he honed and eventually perfected his style of swordsmanship and philosophy.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #21290 in Books
• Published on: 2004-09
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Hardcover
• 288 pages

Customer Reviews

The Greatest of Samurai?
Miyamoto Musashi has to be one of the greatest Samurai that ever lived and his lives exploits and adventures are thrilling and exciting to read.

Who better then than the highly talented and travelled William Scott Wilson to translate this historical masterpiece.

I'm going to have to read it again so that I can give you a better review. Amazon deleted my last one, (along with 150 other reviews!) which detailed the stories in the book.....but....it's just the sort of well written and EXCITING book that you would want to re-read anyway.

If you're into Japanese culture, history and Budo (Martial Arts), then this title should take pride of place in your library!

This book is the shizzle :-)
William Scott Wilson is a talented writer and translator, and this attempt to uncover the man behind the legend of Miyamoto Musashi is his best work in my opinion. "Lone Samurai" goes very well as a partner to his translation of The Book of Five Rings, but works as a stand alone read for anyone remotely interested in the subject.
It is by no means difficult to read either, and the authors use of a reference section at the back to further explain points in the text is extremely useful.
It is one of the most informative and entertaining books I have ever read.

The Lone Samurai: The Life of Miyamoto Musashi
Yes, you must have heard of him, Musashi the legendary kenshi (sword master) of 17th Century Japan, author of the famous Book of Five Rings. This is a book about the great man. Warrior, philosopher, artist and down-right hard man!

Wilson has written an authoritative and accessible book on the life and times of this master. A master of his chosen martial art when it meant life and death in the most real sense, get it wrong and you die - period! A man of the greatest discipline and training in whatever he turned his mind to. This is a book about a man who fought in real hand to hand battles and became a supreme inspiration and strategist even now 400 years later.

It doesn't matter if you've never handled a sword or even if you never intend to, this is abook written about and inspiration.