A Book of Five Rings

By: Miyamoto Musashi

Narrated by: Stanley Ralph Ross

Length: 1 hr and 34 mins

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)

The way

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

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.

Five Rings

This book is based on fighting; actual hand to hand combat. I see no way to incorporate it in the business world.

One of the Best!

Fantastic book! Most books you can read once and burn. This one gives the reader something to think about and new insights each time you review it. There is a reason this book has lasted over 400 years and there are many reasons why the author won over 60 life-death battles. Highly recommended in both audio and book format.

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!

Is a classic text on martial arts

The Book of Five Rings" is not only a guide to swordsmanship but also a profound work on strategy, tactics, and the philosophy of combat. Musashi's teachings are often applied to areas beyond martial arts, such as business, leadership, and personal development, making it a timeless and influential work that continues to be studied and revered by people seeking wisdom in various fields.

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.

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.

A true Master

I loved the characters focus and fluidity to his craft. He truly embodies the true mind of the way and took great care at expressing the essence of the five rings. This knowledge transcends time. I will re-read many more times to exact more wisdom.

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".