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The Complete Book of Five Rings Audible Audiobook – Unabridged

4.7 4.7 out of 5 stars 488 ratings
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The Complete Book of Five Rings is an authoritative version of Musashi's classic The Book of Five Rings, translated and annotated by a modern martial arts master, Kenji Tokitsu. Tokitsu has spent most of his life researching the legendary samurai swordsman and his works, and in this book he illuminates this seminal text, along with several other works by Musashi. These include "The Mirror of the Way of Strategy", which Musashi wrote when he was in his 20s; "Thirty-five Instructions on Strategy", and "Forty-two Instructions on Strategy", which were precursors to The Book of Five Rings; and "The Way to Be Followed Alone", which Musashi wrote just days before his death.

Heard together, these five texts give listeners an unusually detailed, nuanced view of Musashi's ideas on swordsmanship, strategy, and self-cultivation. Tokitsu puts all these writings into historical and philosophical context and makes them accessible and relevant to today's listeners and martial arts students. Tokitsu understands Musashi's writings - and Musashi as a martial artist - unusually well and is able to provide a rare insight into the man and his historical contribution.

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  1. Listening Length
    5 hours and 3 minutes
  2. Author
    Miyamoto Musashi, see all
  3. Narrator
    Brian Nishii
  4. Audible release date
    December 9, 2014
  5. Language
    English
  6. Publisher
    Audible Studios
  7. ASIN
    B00NLNUZRG
  8. Version
    Unabridged
  9. Program Type
    Audiobook
  10. See all details
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Product details

Listening Length 5 hours and 3 minutes
Author Miyamoto Musashi, Kenji Tokitsu - editor/translator
Narrator Brian Nishii
Whispersync for Voice Ready
Audible.com Release Date December 09, 2014
Publisher Audible Studios
Program Type Audiobook
Version Unabridged
Language English
ASIN B00NLNUZRG
Best Sellers Rank #34,569 in Audible Books & Originals (See Top 100 in Audible Books & Originals)
#30 in Combat Sports & Self-Defense
#60 in Eastern Philosophy (Audible Books & Originals)
#535 in Eastern Philosophy (Books)

Customer reviews

4.7 out of 5 stars
488 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find the book interesting and informative. They appreciate the good translation and background information to better understand Musashi's writings. The pacing is well-presented and the book is well-conceived.

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ReadabilityInsightTranslation qualityPacing
39 customers mention "Readability"39 positive0 negative

Customers find the book easy to read and engaging. They consider it a must-read for anyone interested in budo, covering several writings of one of Japan's most famous swordsmen. The book is praised as a valuable addition to martial arts training and strategy. Readers say it's worth reading along with Sun Tzu.

"...Musashi's text is not easy at the best of times, but it is always rewarding...." Read more

"...down, I wish it went more in depth on certain topics, but overall it was good. It was well written and very interesting to read...." Read more

"Good book" Read more

"...An interesting read for anyone new to martial arts who wants to read more about philosophy of the Samurai." Read more

28 customers mention "Insight"24 positive4 negative

Customers appreciate the book's insights and background information. They find it useful for understanding Musashi's philosophy and aspects of Japanese martial arts. The footnotes provide valuable context and insight into the author's knowledge.

"...They clarify, give extraordinary perspective to, and showcase the power and insight of 'the swordsman's bible'." Read more

"...to include not only the barebone text but also commentary and other details that help understanding the philosophy of this work of art...." Read more

"Good translation with informative additional remarks. This is the version that I recommend." Read more

"...and in suspension of judgment on musashi as a person ,instead review in adequate depth,to my satisfaction that is, the historical precedence in..." Read more

10 customers mention "Translation quality"10 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the translation quality. They find it a good interpretation of Musashi's writings, with background information that helps them understand better. The book is complete and unabridged, with an introduction that includes earlier and later texts he wrote. It also contains all his teachings.

"...historical Japan and the antique Japanese language with a remarkable grasp of English ... and he's a serious martial artist, as well...." Read more

"Good translation with informative additional remarks. This is the version that I recommend." Read more

"...He spends substantial time expounding on his word choices, how they're reflective of the original 'context' but also take into account the speech &..." Read more

"Good translation. I've tried to read other translations, but I couldn't even finish them. I finished this one." Read more

6 customers mention "Pacing"6 positive0 negative

Customers find the book well-presented and representative of the author's thoughts. They say it's well-conceived, outlined, and annotated. The writing is interesting with colorful anecdotes.

"not only was the book well conceived and outlined as well as essentially neutral overall and in suspension of judgment on musashi as a person ,..." Read more

"...It was well written and very interesting to read. I’d recommend this book to anyone." Read more

"...All that said, the majority of the work is well presented and representative of the (original) author's views...." Read more

"Superb, very well annotated and a much more complete look at Musashi than many editions..." Read more

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Top reviews from the United States

  • Anne Beardsley
    5.0 out of 5 stars The finest translation of Musashi.
    Reviewed in the United States on December 7, 2016
    Verified Purchase
    This translation is a thing of beauty.

    Musashi's text is not easy at the best of times, but it is always rewarding. Kenji Tokitsu, the translator, combines being an expert in historical Japan and the antique Japanese language with a remarkable grasp of English ... and he's a serious martial artist, as well.
    It shows.

    When you read this, please read all of Tokistsu's footnotes and appendices. They clarify, give extraordinary perspective to, and showcase the power and insight of 'the swordsman's bible'.
    26 people found this helpful
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  • CF
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great version of a great book
    Reviewed in the United States on December 17, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    Overall I am satisfied with this version; it is meaty enough to include not only the barebone text but also commentary and other details that help understanding the philosophy of this work of art.

    Took me about a week to read it, but you can go back to it to refresh the various sections anytime you want, as this is the type of book you keep on your desk, for when something strike at you and you want to get a clear understanding about what are the right step to be successful
    One person found this helpful
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  • Gerald Kontos
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great and informative
    Reviewed in the United States on May 18, 2022
    Verified Purchase
    Good translation with informative additional remarks. This is the version that I recommend.
    5 people found this helpful
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  • james
    5.0 out of 5 stars thoroughly engaging
    Reviewed in the United States on November 28, 2012
    Verified Purchase
    not only was the book well conceived and outlined as well as essentially neutral overall and in suspension of judgment on musashi as a person ,instead review in adequate depth,to my satisfaction that is, the historical precedence in regards to the overall body of his work using inferences only when necessary to assist in the understanding of concepts perhaps abstract to those of us not familiar with the traditions of the age and culture.
    would strongly suggest to any one seeking enlightenment into far eastern philosophies, in search of proven disciplines or of interest in advancing their conceptualization of martial arts
    4 people found this helpful
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  • wayne arthur
    4.0 out of 5 stars Good, but not as in depth as I would have liked
    Reviewed in the United States on June 6, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    I came across this book via a podcast and was very interested in it. I could not put this book down, I wish it went more in depth on certain topics, but overall it was good. It was well written and very interesting to read. I’d recommend this book to anyone.
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  • Matt
    5.0 out of 5 stars Item exactly as described
    Reviewed in the United States on January 2, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    Good book
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  • Drew
    5.0 out of 5 stars Good insightful reading
    Reviewed in the United States on August 28, 2012
    Verified Purchase
    This book is very insightful for its time, and is relevant as well in today's time. I appreciate the wisdom of the author and the many examples he uses to allow the reader to connect. I would recommend this book to those which are striving to become leaders and strengthen their minds and implement in their work, and life.
    5 people found this helpful
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  • Phoenix81
    5.0 out of 5 stars Enlightening the Way of the Warrior
    Reviewed in the United States on January 8, 2015
    Verified Purchase
    I needed a few books to gain a deeper understanding of the Way of the Warrior and Ancient Japan's Samurai. I had read a fantasy series called the Book of Five Rings and decided I should read the origin of this series and was not let down.

    This translated version seems to have captured the essence of the author and originator of these musings. If you are interested in Japan and it's culture or the samurai, pick this one up. Fairly quick read to boot.
    6 people found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

  • Great
    4.0 out of 5 stars God
    Reviewed in India on August 1, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    Good book for knowledge seeker
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  • Fulvio
    5.0 out of 5 stars ok
    Reviewed in Italy on January 30, 2023
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    ok
    Report
  • jens vr
    5.0 out of 5 stars The essence of a Master
    Reviewed in Germany on July 13, 2021
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    Phenomenal work of literature to sharpen the body and mind.
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  • Veddy Boy
    5.0 out of 5 stars Learn and fight for your beliefs!
    Reviewed in Canada on July 21, 2017
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    A classic!
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  • A.Vieira
    5.0 out of 5 stars Best translation with comments section
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on April 25, 2013
    Verified Purchase
    As Kenji Tokitsu translated this master piece of the east he was careful enough to signalize and analyze the most important passages and meanings. His expertise in martial arts is key in this process.

    The Book of the five rings is in it self aproximatly 54 pages, but this book is some 200. Don't be deterred by this fact. All this extra material is what many would strugle to find. A deep interpretation and analisys of all the context that surrounds Gorin no sho (Book of five ring).

    Together it brings as well the rare texts that preceded the Book of five rings, like "Thirty-five instructions on strategy" and "The way to be followed alone".

    Truly an eye opener.
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