The Samurai Series: The Book of Five Rings, Hagakure -The Way of the Samurai & Bushido - The Soul of Japan

I purchased this book for my son, but he asked me to read the third book, "Bushido: The Soul of Japan" after he had finished. I was so enthralled with the beautiful philosophy of Zen. I had been reading books about Taoism, but I'm now avidly grabbing up books about the Zen philosophy. This book does triple duty, with 3 complete books... and now 2 out of the 3 people in our household have read it.

A must read for anyone interested in the martial arts. Every year I pick one book that isn't on my summer reading list to keep from going nuts... you know, having to read Virgil and Homer and Faulkner and Updike... So this year, I cheated and picked a book that actually had 3 cool books inside. The Book of Five Rings is a great learning tool for those interested in the martial arts. I also really enjoyed Hagakure. I also really, really enjoyed the illustrations in the book. Now I just need to learn Japanese! :o)

From the formal teaching style of The Book of Five Rings to the almost conversational tone of Bushido and Hagakure, this book presents 3 of the most important classical texts written about the path of the Samurai in Japan. It is invaluable as a reference tool for the student of martial arts, the zen philosophy, ancient swords or classical Japanese texts. This is one of those books that you not only enjoy reading, but also having it around on your coffee table. This edition is full of rich illustrations depicting legendary Ronin, swords and battle scenes, as well as a clean presentation of each of the 3 included works. Definitely my new favorite addition to my book collection.

Very useful compilation of three masterpieces. Although it isnt the most deep edition in terms of commentary or introductions, it certainly delivers the goods on the main texts. (Serious students of Japanese might prefer a bilingual edition of the individual texts).

All three of the books contained in this one volume really should be in the collection of anyone interested in Japanese philosophy, religion or martial arts. It is not often that three really good books get bundled together into one volume but to have three classics together is really extraordinary. The reflections of a master swordsman, the advice of a proper old Samurai and the explanations of a well-traveled scholar fit together synergistically; they add up to much more than the sum of the parts. Although the writers were separated from each other in time, they are united in a coherent view of what constitutes proper conduct and honor. There is enough difference in their styles of expression to illuminate points that might otherwise be obscure and at the same time provide some interesting juxtapositions. Those who are already familiar with one or more of the books contained in this volume will find that having all three of them together is a real plus. Each, on its own, is an important little book; the three of them together form an important big book.