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A Book of Five Rings  By  cover art

A Book of Five Rings

By: Miyamoto Musashi
Narrated by: Stanley Ralph Ross
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Publisher's summary

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.

©1974 Victor Harris (P)1990 Audio Renaissance, a division of Holtzbrinck Publishers, LLC

Critic reviews

"On Wall Street, when Musashi talks, people listen." (Time)

What listeners say about A Book of Five Rings

Average customer ratings
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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars

A Book of Five Rings

I love having this book to listen to while I drive and work.

There is so much to learn each time I listen. I highly recommend this book!

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2 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Amazing narrator, Amazing voice

The Narrotor really does a great job of reading the go rin no sho.
Its as if Miyamoto Musashi himself is explaining you the way of strategy.

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1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    1 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    4 out of 5 stars
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    1 out of 5 stars

Lacking

Abridged version is highly edited and very short. Feels like I’m left without much of a story. Have not read unabridged version yet.

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  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    2 out of 5 stars

The way

While you were all partying, I was studying the blade. While you were all having premarital sex, I was studying the blade.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Tangible information for a boxer.

As an older male, that has been boxing training for a year & about to have my first competition, this book offered much tangible insight to help me improve my skills.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Musashi Had great insight

This book is great for keeping on the path of the warrior, whether in Business, Relationships or Life. Miyamoto Musashi was years ahead of his time.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Teachings of a Legendary Master

These teachings are not meant to be taken literally. Taking them literally is not the way. Reflect and ponder, analyze, analogize, metaphorize, and begin walking "the way".

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

excellent book

great for applying strategy and knowledge from the samurai to modern day applications. give it a go

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Great Book

I purchased the audio and kindle books. Years ago I purchased two Ken Ryu katana swords through Amazon, and frequently practice Tai Chi and sword techniques with my swords. I also listen to the Tao Te Ching, Dhammapada daily, and the Art of War. I say all this up front to make my evaluation of this book more relevant. If one is familiar with the teachings this book is based on and one knows how to wield their mind like one wields a hand held weapon, this book makes more sense. I have also been involved in Karate, Jui Jitsu of and on and so for me, I can picture what Miyamoto Musashi is saying. Even if you just pick this book up, do as he says. Read, picture in your mind, and reflect.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars

Things that make you go Hmmmm

The book is fine, the narrative is fine, the Japanese philosophy lost me. I listen to it once in between each of my other books hoping I might grasp something.

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