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A Book of Five Rings Audible Audiobook – Abridged

Miyamoto Musashi (Author), Stanley Ralph Ross (Narrator), Macmillan Audio (Publisher)
4.4 4.4 out of 5 stars 4,484 ratings
See all formats and editions
It's Japan's answer to the Harvard MBA.

Written over three centuries ago by a Samurai warrior, A Book of Five Rings has been hailed as a limitless source of psychological insight for businessmen or anyone who relies on strategy and tactics to outwit the competition.

Miyamoto Musashi was renowned in his own time as an invincible warrior, a master artisan, an author, and philosopher. Today, his philosophy is still revered by the Japanese and used as a guide for daily decision-making and business strategy. He wrote A Book of Five Rings not only as a thesis on doing battle, but also as a way to approach all aspects of life: "any situation where plans and tactics are used".

When A Book of Five Rings first appeared on North American bookshelves in 1974, its message took the business community by storm. It provided insight into the then-emerging Japanese influence and offered a new way to think about business. It instantly became a vital tool for assured success and has remained so ever since. The principles in this work are as true today as they were over 300 years ago, and are as valid for business negotiations as for hand-to-hand combat.

Based on the principles of Zen and advocating a hands-on approach to mastering the skills needed for winning, A Book of Five Rings is very likely the most perceptive guide to strategy ever written.

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  1. Listening Length
    1 hour and 34 minutes
  2. Author
    Miyamoto Musashi
  3. Narrator
    Stanley Ralph Ross
  4. Audible release date
    October 26, 2006
  5. Language
    English
  6. Publisher
    Macmillan Audio
  7. ASIN
    B000K2Q6R4
  8. Version
    Abridged
  9. Program Type
    Audiobook
  10. See all details
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Product details

Listening Length 1 hour and 34 minutes
Author Miyamoto Musashi
Narrator Stanley Ralph Ross
Audible.com Release Date October 26, 2006
Publisher Macmillan Audio
Program Type Audiobook
Version Abridged
Language English
ASIN B000K2Q6R4
Best Sellers Rank #19,437 in Audible Books & Originals (See Top 100 in Audible Books & Originals)
#13 in Military Science
#28 in Eastern Philosophy (Audible Books & Originals)
#262 in Eastern Philosophy (Books)

Customer reviews

4.4 out of 5 stars
4,484 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find the book easy to read and providing valuable insights into samurai culture and warfare. They appreciate the historical content and cultural significance, describing it as a classic piece of literature. While some consider the translation good, others feel it's not well-done. Overall, customers find the book interesting and worth the cost.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

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ReadabilityKnowledgeHistorical contentSamurai cultureValue for moneyStory qualityTranslation quality
143 customers mention "Readability"132 positive11 negative

Customers find the book readable and useful for martial artists and business people. They appreciate its concise nature and consider it an enjoyable read.

"A must read for all Martial Artists as well as business people" Read more

"Contents are great, but book is very small." Read more

"I used this book for my own personal knowledge and enjoyment. It's a great read. I learned a lot from it." Read more

"Great Read, Kinda Short👍👍👍..." Read more

114 customers mention "Knowledge"103 positive11 negative

Customers appreciate the book's insights into strategy and life. They find the principles applicable beyond swordsmanship and the philosophical wisdom interspersed among the tactical teachings. The lessons are timeless and worth considering deeply.

"...The book is highly quotable, and I found myself reading this short <100 page book over a month's time because every few pages gave me something..." Read more

"...a dispassionate self, centered in the "void." This seeming simple book, is not as it seems and needs to be seen in context and the material..." Read more

"While the book is about swordsmanship it is also a book about life...." Read more

"...Think broadly (in high-level concepts). Think calmly. Disrupt your opponent’s plans and techniques. Strike when he is undecided...." Read more

17 customers mention "Historical content"15 positive2 negative

Customers find the historical content interesting and well-translated. They describe it as a classic work that provides cultural significance and guidelines. Readers also mention that the book is powerful and relevant for creative or martial arts enthusiasts.

"This 460 year old book is interesting from a cultural perspective (it also appears to generate interest amongst the Alpha males/females)...." Read more

"...However, it’s insight into the past is worth the read." Read more

"This book has been wonderfully translated and provides much cultural significance as well as many guidelines...." Read more

"Excellent reading and historical content. I also enjoyed watching the show on the History Channel. Highly recommend this book." Read more

17 customers mention "Samurai culture"17 positive0 negative

Customers find the book interesting and informative about samurai fighting techniques. They say it provides insight into the philosophy of being a warrior and gives an interesting glimpse into Japanese culture from three and a half centuries ago.

"...This is an interesting book from an samurai." Read more

"...There’s a lot of writing about samurai techniques that can be applied to everyday life and obstacles." Read more

"An excellent read offering insight into the Samurai philosophy of being a warrior. Many great lessons can be gleaned from this ancient text." Read more

"A very interesting read of a true samurai. Spirit is the key to this book...." Read more

13 customers mention "Value for money"13 positive0 negative

Customers find the book provides good value for money. They say it's a cheap, excellent read with no fancy appearance.

"...I also recommend the commentaires. It is not expensive and if you want to see though a window into an older period of a fascinating..." Read more

"...The book's construction is solid, and so far it's a good deal." Read more

"There are a few typos in this translation, but it is a cheap, excellent read...." Read more

"...I feel for the price that it is a good book and worth what I paid for it." Read more

9 customers mention "Story quality"9 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the story. They find it interesting and engaging, mentioning it's an excellent story that relates to many things and people.

"This is both fascinating and educational, so much to be digested and pondered within the context of a long-lived samurai and his hard-won advice...." Read more

"It's interesting as to how this man thought and fought. Its not quite a teaching book on his techniques, more of the reasoning behind it." Read more

"The book was an interesting and eye opening take on the Japanese Way of the Sword...." Read more

"This is a great book which relates to many things & people...." Read more

58 customers mention "Translation quality"23 positive35 negative

Customers have mixed opinions about the translation quality. Some find it well-written and clear, with footnotes that help clarify the original text. The size and font are praised. However, others mention issues like spelling mistakes, difficult language, and formatting errors.

"...This one is a challenging read, yes, but definitely a keeper." Read more

"...The book seems to be an adequate translation, but I would recommend two others, except I wish to avoid advertizing them..." Read more

"...a famous warrior, not a scholar... therefore there is a lack of expression and elaboration...." Read more

"The books size is a plus, and the font is ideal. The book's construction is solid, and so far it's a good deal." Read more

Wowoowowow!!!!!!!!!
5 out of 5 stars
Wowoowowow!!!!!!!!!
It's a nice hard back and has beautiful pictures and illustrations in it as well as including all five books of the five rings it also has some delightful insight that wasn't in some of the other books
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Top reviews from the United States

  • Amit Dhaka
    5.0 out of 5 stars great book must read for all!
    Reviewed in the United States on December 26, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    I read this book long ago and it’s one of the best. It’s a foundational book for anyone seeking to master a certain craft and dominate.

    Highly recommended.
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  • SCM
    5.0 out of 5 stars Immediately Applicable and Relatable for anyone studying strategy or training themselves to find and leverage advantage in their
    Reviewed in the United States on May 31, 2017
    Verified Purchase
    I would place Musashi-san's Book of the Five Rings on par with classical teachers like Sun Tzu, Laozi. His book lacks detail compared to some of the classics, but that is one of its strengths. He spends approximately 1/6th of the short book on the movements and tactics for sword-fighting, which may be of varying value to readers - depending on their interest on the subject.

    Sun Tzu's "The Art of War" places emphasis on large scale military operations; which lends itself to modern business (in the mind of the reader, and in many modern expositions on a domain-by-domain basis) - supply chains, market saturation, globalization, operational budgeting, etc., Musashi-san's "Way" is likewise applicable. Musashi-san focuses on large scale and small scale (individual) battle, offering useful comparisons and contrasts. For me, the individual focus was extremely insightful and personal. It may suit individuals who have situations of high responsibility or discretion (e.g., negotiations, debate, martial arts, software development), or cases where an individual does not have an abundance of resources or allies - and opportunity is gained through competition.

    The book is highly quotable, and I found myself reading this short <100 page book over a month's time because every few pages gave me something to think about, research, mull over, and discuss. Almost paradoxically, his vagueness and insistence that the reader practice, research, and train builds toward a thesis - "By learning one thing, one should know 10000 (myriads)."

    As a retired IT person and CIS college instructor - my lesson on any topic was not to memorize procedures or things easily looked up in technical references; but principles, how information flows, how to identify processes (and problems in them), to detect the presence of patterns, or put simply "How is this problem or system similar or different from others you've encountered. I wish I had known about this book sooner, as he does an excellent job demonstrating this approach to learning.
    122 people found this helpful
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  • Scott Combs
    4.0 out of 5 stars AN INTERESTING WINDOW INTO JAPANESE CULTURE THREE AND A HALF CENTURIES AGO
    Reviewed in the United States on April 19, 2016
    Verified Purchase
    This 460 year old book is interesting from a cultural perspective (it also appears to generate interest amongst the Alpha males/females). For me, the book reads as a "how to" strategy for preparing and defeating opponents with the long sword and sword, while maintaining a dispassionate self, centered in the "void." This seeming simple book, is not as it seems and needs to be seen in context and the material merritts additional study (my opinion).

    The book seems to be an adequate translation, but I would recommend two others, except I wish to avoid advertizing them (and possible adding my own prejudices). I add this only because in translations there are differences (and more expense) and these can be meaningful. I also recommend the commentaires.

    It is not expensive and if you want to see though a window into an older period of a fascinating culture I recommend it.
    One person found this helpful
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  • VTRman
    5.0 out of 5 stars wealth of knowledge
    Reviewed in the United States on March 5, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    A must read for all Martial Artists as well as business people
    One person found this helpful
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  • DM
    5.0 out of 5 stars A life lesson
    Reviewed in the United States on May 11, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    While the book is about swordsmanship it is also a book about life. We often čime to situation when we need to “fight for life” and understanding how to do it is contained in this book.
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  • William J. Bahr
    3.0 out of 5 stars A classic?
    Reviewed in the United States on November 16, 2022
    Verified Purchase
    So what are the five rings? The book never says. But certainly not the traditional (from 1912) five Olympic rings said to signify the five continents at the time: Africa, Asia, Europe, Oceania (Australia and New Zealand), and the Americas. Most probably the rings signify five scrolls (viewed as chapters or sections): 1. Earth (intro with housebuilding metaphor of martial arts, leadership, and training); 2. Water (basic techniques and fundamental principles); 3. Fire (heat of battle and timing); 4. Wind (style), and 5. Void (mindlessness; muscle memory?).

    To expand on “ring” 1, Earth, here is some general advice in the way of principles from the author:
    1. "Do not think dishonestly."
    2. "The Way is in training."
    3. "Become acquainted with every art."
    4. "Know the Ways of all professions."
    5. "Distinguish between gain and loss in worldly matters."
    6. "Develop an intuitive judgment and understanding for everything."
    7. "Perceive those things which cannot be seen."
    8. "Pay attention even to trifles."
    9. "Do nothing which is of no use."

    Yes, the book does deal with swordsmanship instruction and mentions the author’s success with a combination of a long and short sword, but recommends only practicing with the long sword and then with just one hand. Unfortunately, no illustrations are available, and the reader is probably left clueless as to what is advised for the best Samurai sword-fighting technique ever, carrying the author to winning sixty-one duels and writing his book around age sixty-one, dying shortly thereafter in 1645 AD.

    Here is some advice throughout the rest of the book: Generally speaking, the Way of the warrior is resolute acceptance of death. Think broadly (in high-level concepts). Think calmly. Disrupt your opponent’s plans and techniques. Strike when he is undecided. Divide and conquer. Put your opponent into inconvenient positions. Discover your opponent’s weaknesses and attack weak points. View the situation from your opponent. Surprise your opponent. Emotions can be catching: throw physicalities and emotions such as yawning, sleepiness, and calmness onto your opponent; then strike. It is often easier to not attack directly; go indirectly…for the “corners.” Shouting can cause confusion in your enemy. Maintain the initiative; don’t let your enemy recover from a strike. Don’t become preoccupied with small, irrelevant details; move to a higher perspective. Confuse, irritate, and terrify your enemy. Become familiar with all aspects of your opponent; don’t focus on any one particular thing, but the whole person and situation. Seize upon your enemy’s disorder and derangement, and so destroy his hope of recovery. Practice; learn, think. Do not be influenced by your opponent. Train diligently to attain this spirit. Know as much as you can about relevant things.

    IMHO, beyond these widely known strategic concepts, the author does not go into much useful detail. He makes no apology for this, often leaving you with just a comment equivalent to “Go think about this for a while.” OTOH, if you’re not familiar with the above concepts, perhaps buying the Kindle version of the book for ninety-nine cents might be a worthwhile investment.

    Of possible interest, here’s another book, one that does give specific examples of strategy, tactics, philosophy, and even swordsmanship, and derives universal, memorable lessons therefrom: Strategic Advantage: How to Win in War, Business, and Life
    28 people found this helpful
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  • Shaun G Rodriguez
    5.0 out of 5 stars Book came as descibed
    Reviewed in the United States on June 11, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    Book came sealed and in perfect condition. Already read the book and satisfied with my purchased.
    One person found this helpful
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  • Judge Effen Mueller
    5.0 out of 5 stars Good size overall
    Reviewed in the United States on March 19, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    The books size is a plus, and the font is ideal. The book's construction is solid, and so far it's a good deal.
    2 people found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

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  • Noel
    5.0 out of 5 stars Perfect
    Reviewed in Canada on February 28, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    Samurais have a code of ethics that they are supposed to follow. I have read some at different times and on different sites. I thought they would be applicable to today as much as they were ages ago. Wanted to find out. Good reading.
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  • Amazon Kunde
    5.0 out of 5 stars toll
    Reviewed in Germany on November 24, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    Exakt, schnell, toll.
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  • Ian Gorman
    5.0 out of 5 stars Book
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on November 2, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    Great quality and fast delivery
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  • Dan
    4.0 out of 5 stars Sadly Non of Musashis art!
    Reviewed in Sweden on September 7, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    I have read this book thousands of times, but I lost my copy a couple of months ago.

    Now my one real complaint about this specific book is:
    It lacks Musashis own art!

    Musashi was an avid artist and prett decent, its rather sad that we dont see his own creations in the book.
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  • Ghosty
    4.0 out of 5 stars Pages weren’t cut fully
    Reviewed in Belgium on May 29, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    I’ve enjoyed reading it but the build quality could be better the pages weren’t cut right and the prints were kinda tilted on some pages
    Customer image
    Ghosty
    4.0 out of 5 stars
    Pages weren’t cut fully

    Reviewed in Belgium on May 29, 2024
    I’ve enjoyed reading it but the build quality could be better the pages weren’t cut right and the prints were kinda tilted on some pages
    Images in this review
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