Product Description This is a translation of an important classic on Zen swordfighting. Yagyu Munenori was so widely renowned that he was appointed official sword instructor to two Tokugawa shoguns. (The position was always coveted by Miyamoto Musashi, but he never succeeded in gaining the post). Yagyu's style is known as the Shinkage-ryu style, for centuries the official style of the Tokugawa dynasty. His spiritual mentor was Zen priest Takuan. Here, Yagyu's Buddhist spirituality is clearly reflected in his central idea of the "life-giving sword" - the notion of controlling an opponent by the spiritual readiness to fight, rather than during the fight. His mastery of restraint and diplomacy made him a trusted political and military advisor to the shoguns. This book is a look into a master swordsman's thoughts on nonattachment and even non-violence.
Should be near the top of ANY Martial Artists list of "Must Have books"!!July 29, 2008 An accurate & comprehensive historical account of one of the world's greatest swordsmen dating back nearly 400 years, written in a clear & easy style that keeps the readers interest all the way through.
Almost "a rags to riches" story of a man who came from a humble background & rose to one of the highest positions in Japanese Society.
It gives proof that with a degree of dedication & persistence along with the constant practice & perfection of just one skill, in this case swordsmanship, one can use that skill & make a success of ones life & be rich in many more ways than just financial.
William Scott Wilson is a true genius when it comes to writing about ancient Japanese history & subjects concerning the life of famous samurai warriors. His successful & prolific writings are a testament to this.
About a third of the book is devoted to a very interesting background to the life of Munenori & life in Japan as it was nearly 400 years ago. Also, it was a bonus to see in this account many mentions made to another famous samurai that lived at the time - Miyamoto Musashi (author of "The Book of Five Rings" fame) & their spiritual companion & Zen Priest: Takuan Soho (author of "The Unfettered Mind"). These two great & so different warriors must have been aware of each others existence, one wonders whether they had ever met in person & if they had, what the outcome would have been?
A great historical & truly valuable account by a master writer, which ought to be on the top of any martial artists list of important books. Look out for Wilson's other title "The Lone Samurai" which traces the life of Munenori.
This version offers more bang for the buck.October 8, 2007 2 out of 2 found this review helpful
I have read three versions of The Life Giving Sword. This one is the best. The introduction is very informative. A student of Shinkage Ryu would really appreciate this books introduction. The translation is above average. This book also contains a catalog of Shinkage Ryu Sword techniques in the back. So if you want to read The Life Giving Sword this book will give you more bang for your buck.
The Best Translation AvailableSeptember 26, 2007 1 out of 3 found this review helpful
Of the several English translations available, I think this is the best. Each version is formatted slightly differently, but I find this version the most readable.Bushido: The Way of the Samurai (Square One Classics)
WonderfulMay 2, 2007 4 out of 4 found this review helpful
I give this book five stars simply because I love it. For anyone who finds Miyamoto Musashi's book a little hard to fathom at first, then maybe you could start with this.
I have a number of translations by William Scott Wilson, the most recent being 'The Demon's Sermon on the Martial Arts', I love them all and have to say that I prefer his translations over any other.
A classical textMay 13, 2005 6 out of 6 found this review helpful
Munenori's book is a classic work of Japanese literature that explores the Way of the sword through what we in the west might call a philosphical approach. Yet, I don't think the distinction between the physical style and philosophical approach would be seperate categories to Munenori. His book sets out to present the Way as a total approach of mind, body, and spirit, and not merely the development of each independently. Reading the book in any other way will probably make it fairly disappointing.
The other thing to remember about this book is its a classic by one of the most influential sword instructors of his era. In that respect, the book is rich with perspective on early 17th century Japanese culture. Particularly interesting are the reprinted plates in the back of the book showing the original inked pages of technique.
As other viewers pointed out, this is not a book for someone simply learning to wield a sword. Instead, Munenori's book is a fascinating account of swordsmanship that gives the reader insight not only to the richness of the Way, but also wonderful insight on a fascinating historical figure. Highly recommended for those interested in Japanese culture, history of samurai, and the feudal era.
