The classic samurai novel about the real exploits of the most famous swordsman. 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.
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Review
"..a stirring saga ..one that will prove popular not only for readers interested in Japan but also for those who simply want a rousing read." -- Washington Post Book World
"A captivating work." -- Atlanta Journal/Constitution
"Dramatic and exciting." -- Philadelphia Bulletin
"In all ways everything you might expect of a Japanese epic." -- Jan Morris
"A captivating work." -- Atlanta Journal/Constitution
"Dramatic and exciting." -- Philadelphia Bulletin
"In all ways everything you might expect of a Japanese epic." -- Jan Morris
About the Author
EIJI YOSHIKAWA was born in 1892 in Kanagawa Prefecture, near Tokyo. He began his literary career at the age of twenty-two. During his thirties he worked as a journalist while continuing to write stories and novels, reaching a large and appreciative readership through having his work published, often serially, in newspapers and popular magazines. At the time of his death in 1962, he was one of Japan's best-known and best-loved novelists. He received the Cultural Medal, the highest award for a man of letters, and other cultural decorations, including the Order of the Sacred Treasure.
CHARLES S. TERRY, the translator, was born in Mississippi in 1926 and graduated from Duke University. He first studied Japanese in the U.S. Navy during WW II and after the war received a master's degree from Columbia University in Japanese history. Resident in Japan since 1952, he also received a master's degree in Chinese history from the University of Tokyo and has since been active as a translator of works on Japanese art, architecture and history. He died in 1982.
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First Sentence
Takezo lay among the corpses. Read the first page
Front Cover | Copyright | Table of Contents | Excerpt | Back Cover
Takezo lay among the corpses. Read the first page
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Concordance
Browse Sample PagesConcordance
Front Cover | Copyright | Table of Contents | Excerpt | Back Cover
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
17 of 18 people found the following review helpful
By mjh93sa
Format:Hardcover
I can add little to the other reviews other than to confirm that this is an excelent book. Those with an interest in fuedal Japan will be drawn to it, whilst those who shun it because of this, it's length or price are missing a gem. Despite it's length it is too short by half. You'll find yourself immersed in the world of Musashi and staying up late to read just a little more.
The characters are brought to life and are without the idolisation that might have been the case for such an historic figure in Japanese culture. It is so much more than a martial arts inspired book that it has a much broader appeal that it will ever realise. Charting the life, fortunes and falures of Musashi and those close to him it is a love story, action thriller and inspirational text all rolled into one.
Simply put this is the one of the best books I've read and would stand head and shouders above mainstream 'bestsllers'. I would recommend it without reservation to anyone.
6 of 6 people found the following review helpful
By A Customer
Format:Hardcover
This book is just fascinating. It tells a lot about the
nature of life in Japan during the age of the Samurai. It's
a documentary sometimes and a thriller some other times -
but mainly it's just a wonderful *very* long - and still to
short - story with heroes who need some time to become
heroic and villans, who at times are likeable human
beeings too. As a lot of power of this book comes out of the
beautiful language, i should point out, that i read the german
translation. I`ve read thousands of books - but this one is
definetly the Best. I whish i spoke Japanese, so that i could
read all the other works of Yoshikawa, which haven't been
translated yet!
nature of life in Japan during the age of the Samurai. It's
a documentary sometimes and a thriller some other times -
but mainly it's just a wonderful *very* long - and still to
short - story with heroes who need some time to become
heroic and villans, who at times are likeable human
beeings too. As a lot of power of this book comes out of the
beautiful language, i should point out, that i read the german
translation. I`ve read thousands of books - but this one is
definetly the Best. I whish i spoke Japanese, so that i could
read all the other works of Yoshikawa, which haven't been
translated yet!
22 of 24 people found the following review helpful
By "mistybudda"
Format:Hardcover
I read Eiji Yoshikawa's 'Taiko' before I read Mushahi. Although i was impressed by the book I felt the translation let it down a lot. So when I picked up this book I was suprised (like the other reviewers) how hard I found to put this book down.
It takes a lot for me to get gripped by a book and this one draws you in so well you don't even realise your hooked until your over half way through.
I really can't say much more as most of the reviewers have said it for me but I will add that if your looking for a beautifly written and very well translated epic novel then you really can't get much better than this.
Put it like this no-one who has reviewed this book has given it less than 5 stars, need I say more...
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful
By A Customer
Format:Hardcover
What a fabulous read! Having lived in Sagami Hara, Kujukuri, and other places on Honshu for over ten years, I could almost close my eyes and see the blood-tinged dust settling on the plains after a battle. I have read Lao Tsu's "The Art of War," and was a Buddhist for a while as well. Every part of this book was just fabulous, absorbing, and I heartily recommend it to anyone and everyone who is interested in old Japan.
10 of 11 people found the following review helpful
By "rshuck"
Format:Hardcover
If you have any interest in Feudal Japan then you probably already own it. Buy this and the DVD trilogy (Musashi, Duel at Ganryu, Duel at Ichi??) as the book fills in those moments of thought and emotion from the main characters which is difficult to portray in the films, and the films bring the characters to life.
10 of 11 people found the following review helpful
By happy mum
Format:Hardcover
As epic books go this one is the best. It has everything you could hope for : love, war... What makes it different is the focus Yoshikawa adopts. You are witnessing the spiritual growth and development of several people. These characters believe in something and they search and do their best in order to achieve their goals. It is also an exceptional insight into japanese culture. All the places described in the book are real places which makes it come alive for the reader who has been there. The characters are actually real characters. What was not my surprise when visiting Kyoto's Sanjusangendo temple to see a portrait of Musashi! Last but not least Yoshikawa's style is very addictive and once you have started the book, you will not be able to put it down.
10 of 11 people found the following review helpful
By A Customer
Format:Hardcover
I read this book quite some time ago, but the story is still with me now - a testiment to any great book. Eiji Yoshikawa is a master of story-telling and prose, and Charles Terry's translation is, as any good translation should be, undiscernible. The book could very well have been thought written in english, and beautifully so.
The 970 page (over-sized page) epic is difficult to sum-up in a few short sentences... but the basis of the book is the life of the greatest warrior (calling him a 'swordsman' would be like calling Shakespeare s 'scribe') of Feudal Japan.
Close your eyes... envision a full moon on a clear night in ancient Japan, a soft wind caresses your face and cherry blossoms float upon the wind. In the distance, a nightingale's golden voice penetrates the silence as easily as a pebble passes through the water of a pond... soon the soft snow of winter will be upon the fields and and trees... the seasons continue to flow, such is the way of nature... of life.
Musashi is the story of one man's remarkable seasons, of not 'finding', but rather 'making' his place in the world, told with the imagination, subtleness, humour and drama that is life.
The 970 page (over-sized page) epic is difficult to sum-up in a few short sentences... but the basis of the book is the life of the greatest warrior (calling him a 'swordsman' would be like calling Shakespeare s 'scribe') of Feudal Japan.
Close your eyes... envision a full moon on a clear night in ancient Japan, a soft wind caresses your face and cherry blossoms float upon the wind. In the distance, a nightingale's golden voice penetrates the silence as easily as a pebble passes through the water of a pond... soon the soft snow of winter will be upon the fields and and trees... the seasons continue to flow, such is the way of nature... of life.
Musashi is the story of one man's remarkable seasons, of not 'finding', but rather 'making' his place in the world, told with the imagination, subtleness, humour and drama that is life.
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
I took some time reading the book. I have read Clavells "Shogun", but Musashi outclassed it completely. The depth of the characters was well developed. Each realisation of his strength and weaknesses that Musashi has was extremely well covered and provides lessons of all of us even in the present day scenario. Otsu's character though quiet showed awesome strength and love for the man she had chosen. All in all an absolute winner. to be read again and again and easily to part of any collection!!!
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
4.0 out of 5 stars
A Very enjoyable light read
Having only read Bochan and I am a Cat by Soseki I expected that this might be a heavy read in more ways than one (its nearly 1000 pages long) but its a very light enjoyable. Read more
Published 6 months ago by Bryan
5.0 out of 5 stars
Musashi
Musashi story, a sort of continuation of The Taikó, will make you feel like having missed a few centuries and the country, the later unless you have the good luck of living... Read more
Published 13 months ago by MR
5.0 out of 5 stars
One of few books I have re-read and will read again
The writing is complete and completely satisfying, elegant and pristine. No word is wasted, yet the descriptions are lavishly in detail. Read more
Published 13 months ago by Sumangali Morhall
5.0 out of 5 stars
Historical japan as good as it gets
This book brings to life the character of Musashi,and Japan of his time, follows on nicley from Taiko wether you like books set in historical japan or not both are a damn good... Read more
Published 22 months ago by Ray Ludlow
5.0 out of 5 stars
Amazing book
This book is amazing, it has some history and Japanese legends in it which for me personally made the book even better. Read more
Published on 10 May 2011 by T.I.Z
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great Saga
Great Saga of the most revered Samurai who actually lived in Japan during Middle Ages. Written by one the greatest Japanese writers Eiji Yoshikawa, this book is absolutely a must... Read more
Published on 14 Jan 2011 by Adlerinternational
3.0 out of 5 stars
Too many chance encounters.
If you like epic historical fiction (and I do), you will probably agree with everyone else that this is a 5 star book.
So why only 3 stars from me? Read more
So why only 3 stars from me? Read more
Published on 24 Aug 2010 by Rockpile
5.0 out of 5 stars
Musashi
Although only a fictionalised version of this master swordsman's life, the writer actually 'ties in' the majority of his storytelling with actual historical facts and events and... Read more
Published on 17 July 2010 by naginata
5.0 out of 5 stars
A life changing experience
This is my favourite book of all time. I have given this as a gift to several close friends and they have immediately related to the struggles and triumphs of the main character... Read more
Published on 30 May 2010 by M. Franklin
5.0 out of 5 stars
Compelling story In a style reminiscent of Steinbeck
I'm a fan of martial arts and oriental culture generally and so had heard of Musashi as the greatest samurai swordsman Japan ever produced. Read more
Published on 28 April 2010 by A. H. John
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