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Musashi: An Epic Novel of the Samurai Era Hardcover – September 14, 2012

by Eiji Yoshikawa (Author), Charles Terry (Translator)
4.8 4.8 out of 5 stars 4,135 ratings
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The classic samurai novel about the real exploits of the most famous swordsman.

Miyamoto Musashi was the child of an era when Japan was emerging from decades of civil strife. Lured to the great Battle of Sekigahara in 1600 by the hope of becoming a samurai—without really knowing what it meant—he regains consciousness after the battle to find himself lying defeated, dazed and wounded among thousands of the dead and dying. On his way home, he commits a rash act, becomes a fugitive and brings life in his own village to a standstill—until he is captured by a weaponless Zen monk.

The lovely Otsu, seeing in Musashi her ideal of manliness, frees him from his tortuous punishment, but he is recaptured and imprisoned. During three years of solitary confinement, he delves into the classics of Japan and China. When he is set free again, he rejects the position of samurai and for the next several years pursues his goal relentlessly, looking neither to left nor to right.

Ever so slowly it dawns on him that following the Way of the Sword is not simply a matter of finding a target for his brute strength. Continually striving to perfect his technique, which leads him to a unique style of fighting with two swords simultaneously, he travels far and wide, challenging fighters of many disciplines, taking nature to be his ultimate and severest teacher and undergoing the rigorous training of those who follow the Way. He is supremely successful in his encounters, but in the Art of War he perceives the way of peaceful and prosperous governance and disciplines himself to be a real human being

He becomes a reluctant hero to a host of people whose lives he has touched and been touched by. And, inevitably, he has to pit his skill against the naked blade of his greatest rival.

Musashi is a novel in the best tradition of Japanese story telling. It is a living story, subtle and imaginative, teeming with memorable characters, many of them historical. Interweaving themes of unrequited love, misguided revenge, filial piety and absolute dedication to the Way of the Samurai, it depicts vividly a world Westerners know only vaguely. Full of gusto and humor, it has an epic quality and universal appeal.

The novel was made into a three-part movie by Director Hiroshi Inagai. For more information, visit the Shopping area
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Previous page
  1. Print length
    984 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publisher
    Kodansha International
  4. Publication date
    September 14, 2012
  5. Dimensions
    6.22 x 1.51 x 8.53 inches
  6. ISBN-10
    9781568364278
  7. ISBN-13
    978-1568364278
  8. See all details
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Popular Highlights in this book
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  1. “Do not attempt to oppose the way of the universe. But first make sure you know the way of the universe.”
    Highlighted by 1,569 Kindle readers
  2. “I want to lead an important life. I want to do it because I was born a human being.”
    Highlighted by 1,238 Kindle readers
  3. Danger was the grindstone on which the swordsman whetted his spirit. Enemies were teachers in disguise.
    Highlighted by 860 Kindle readers
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Editorial Reviews

Review

"... A stirring saga ... not only for readers interested in Japan but also for those who simply want a rousing read." -Washington Post

Book Description

The classic novel about the real exploits of Japan's legendary swordsman

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ 156836427X
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Kodansha International; 1st edition (September 14, 2012)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 984 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 9781568364278
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1568364278
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 2.31 pounds
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 6.22 x 1.51 x 8.53 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.8 4.8 out of 5 stars 4,135 ratings

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  1. Eiji Yoshikawa

    Eiji Yoshikawa

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  2. Charles S. Terry

    Charles S. Terry

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Customer reviews

4.8 out of 5 stars
4.8 out of 5
4,135 global ratings
In the words of Jocko - "Good."
5 Stars
In the words of Jocko - "Good."
Outstanding read! Great character development, good descriptions of the areas visited, and has definitely stood the test of time. I knew nothing of this book before Jocko Willink discussed it on his podcast, and thank goodness that he did. This is a book that I would describe as essential for the reader in you life, and a purchase that I am extremely happy with.
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Top reviews from the United States

Graniteback
5.0 out of 5 stars Great story. Brilliant narration.
Reviewed in the United States on May 5, 2024
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5 stars in every regard.
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Darrell Gene Amos Jr
5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful book
Reviewed in the United States on March 30, 2024
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Was definitely an up and down journey for this book
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Thomas Parr
5.0 out of 5 stars A martial arts palate cleanser
Reviewed in the United States on January 23, 2024
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Martial arts stories have evolved from the uber serious Bruce Lee films of the 1970s to the triviality of the Kung Fu Panda cartoons. Even if you are aware of the decades of cliches that have been layered onto the subject of martial arts, it may not even occur to you that you are viewing the subject through all those layers and need to remove them. Reading this book will help cleanse your palate. This book is one of the great historical novels of all time; it is about one of the greatest warriors who ever lived, and it successfully communicates the philosophy of life that drove him. Hardly anyone ever lived who strove for perfection more than Musashi, yet even he fell short, as all men do. All but one.
8 people found this helpful
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Gth
4.0 out of 5 stars Book
Reviewed in the United States on November 15, 2023
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Great story
One person found this helpful
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Amazon Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars Musashi
Reviewed in the United States on February 26, 2024
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As good as novels from James Clavell novels.
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Cory Stoker
5.0 out of 5 stars Timeless. Epic. Beautiful. Stands Tall Along With the Best Historical Fiction has to Offer.
Reviewed in the United States on July 14, 2022
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Gary Jennings has been my high bar for well-researched yet totally compelling historical fiction for decades. Not once in all the time since have I felt that anyone came close to his level. Eiji Yoshikawa is just as good. The writing is clear, descriptive, and betrays no hint that the story was published in the 50s. The setting is obsessively detailed. And there's no hint of the social norms or history of the time being discarded in favor of making it more accessible or shoehorning a love story as Clavell's Shogun did. Also unlike Shogun is the doing away of thinly disguised historical figures of the time. The figures portrayed are named and they're wholly believable.

The only complaint I have rests in the translation which substitutes more widely known English words like "governor" in place of "daimyo" instead of simply explaining the word to the reader... But these are just nitpicks. The only other possible downside I see for the average reader is the length. Yoshikawa wants you to linger with him on the sights and sounds and muse about the nature of things. And he takes his time to do it. But not once did I feel the story dragging or losing interest.

If you love historical fiction and you have even a passing interest in Japan... look no further.

I've already ordered every other translated Yoshikawa book I could find. But I don't relish thr search I'll be on after I'm done to find anyone else who can stand up with Mr. Jennings and Yoshikawa san.
15 people found this helpful
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Mad Max
5.0 out of 5 stars Brilliant
Reviewed in the United States on February 9, 2017
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True masterpiece, unique in its kind, and superbly written. This is one of the few books which I've read in a long time that I didn't want the story to end. Despite seeming a dauntingly long and hefty novel, the story flows at a neckbreaking pace, full of surprises and clever plots at every turn. The book I would most compare it to is James Clavell's epic "Shogun", but besides the fact that both stories take place more or less in the same time period in Japan (beginning of Edo period), the comparison ends there. Whereas "Shogun" describes Japan from the eyes of a foreigner, and deals with high-court intrigues, Musashi's fictional story (albeit loosely based on events in his life including all his ill-fated duels) deals with the common day-to-day life in Japan, the peasantry, the samurai, the secret lives of Geishas and pleasure quarters, Buddhist priests and itinerant monks, of families torn by the everlasting conflicts that was raging between North and South daimyo factions at that time (Osaka vs Edo courts), the tribulations of ronin who were left masterless after the battle of Sekigahara and who were roaming the country incessantly in search of odd jobs or who would become evil doers. Such a man was Musashi, who being on the losing side of the Sekigahara battle, started a life long wandering journey throughout Japan, perfecting his sword techniques and becoming, slowly, the most prestigious swordsman of all time. Although the book only recounts 12 years of this journey, these were without doubt his formative years, and the characters he meets, loves or fights with along the way all edge him, little by little, towards achieving his goal, the Way of the Sword. Every encounter Musashi goes through is a lesson of life and death, something that even we, as readers, can apply in our daily lives centuries later. It's timeless advice.
The second thing I thoroughly enjoyed about the book was the translation. The way the story flows, the vocabulary used as well as the dialogues are very well rendered to the point where I was actually believing the text to be written originally in English. There's also quite a lot of light-hearted, downright comical dialogues, which give the story a lighter tone despite the somber aspect and seriousness of the background story. I actually wonder if this is the work of the translator (by the mere fact that eastern languages are not always easy to transpose into western ones) or if Eiji Yoshikawa himself inserted those funny passages. In any case, this novel was a hidden gem that I would highly recommend to anyone looking for brilliant historical fiction or simply who wants to learn more about Japanese culture during the Edo period.
121 people found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

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Selton L.M
5.0 out of 5 stars Capa dura com luva e boa tradução
Reviewed in Brazil on April 6, 2023
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Para os leitores brasileiros de inglês: o livro é traduzido direto do japonês. Leitura muito fluida e impressa num papel confortável e de boa qualidade. Excelente!
2 people found this helpful
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Fernanda
5.0 out of 5 stars Impresionante
Reviewed in Mexico on September 2, 2022
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Está escrito con tal disciplina, estructura, y claridad que se te pueden ir horas y horas leyéndolo; es una gran historia y definitivamente una obra que todos tienen que leer en algún punto de sus vidas, especialmente quienes les gusta hacer volar su imaginación.
One person found this helpful
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Kunjan Rajput
5.0 out of 5 stars Amazing.
Reviewed in India on February 21, 2024
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Finally got my hands on these Epic Saga.
Next thing collect all 12 omnibus volumes.
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Martin Acton
5.0 out of 5 stars Musashi A Masterpiece of Historical Fiction
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on November 21, 2023
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I recently had the pleasure of reading Eiji Yoshikawa san’s epic novel, “Musashi”. It is an outstanding piece of work. From the moment I cracked open the book, I found it almost impossible to tear myself away from the story of Miyamoto Musashi, a legendary swordsman of feudal Japan.
Yoshikawa san’s masterful storytelling immediately drew me into the world of 17th-century Japan, where honour, swordsmanship, and self-discovery intertwine to create a rich tapestry of historical fiction. The depth of his characters, particularly the complex and enigmatic Musashi, kept me utterly engrossed from start to finish. Each page was filled with vivid descriptions, intense action sequences, and profound insights into the human condition.
What truly sets “Musashi” apart is Yoshikawa san’s ability to meticulously blend historical detail with a compelling narrative. His portrayal of the samurai code, the intricacies of Japanese society, and the relentless pursuit of personal enlightenment resonated deeply with me, leaving a lasting impression that goes beyond the boundaries of time and culture.
The pacing of the novel is impeccable, as the plot unfolds with a perfect balance of introspection, intense duels, and moments of unexpected humour. The supporting cast of characters, each with their own distinct personalities and motivations, adds layers of depth to the story, creating a rich and immersive reading experience that I won’t forget.
“Musashi” is an outstanding work of literature that deserves a 5 star ranking. If I could I would give it more. Eiji Yoshikawa san’s meticulous research, coupled with his unparalleled storytelling prowess, has produced a timeless masterpiece that will undoubtedly stand the test of time. I wholeheartedly recommend this book to anyone who appreciates the art of storytelling and the allure of historical fiction. Without a doubt, “Musashi” has earned its place as a timeless classic in the realm of historical literature. - Martin Acton
2 people found this helpful
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Mohammed H
5.0 out of 5 stars Epic
Reviewed in Germany on October 25, 2023
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I have read the manga based on this book and it was amazing.
The book is slightly different and operates on a much larger scope. I enjoyed every bit and page of this amazing novel
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