The Samurai Way, Bushido

Collected here in one edition are two of the most important books on the Samurai Way, Bushido: The Soul of Japan and The Book of Five Rings. Bushido: Chivalry is a flower no less indigenous to the soil of Japan than its emblem, the cherry blossom; nor is it a dried-up specimen of an antique virtue preserved in the herbarium of our history. It is still a living object of power and beauty among us. The Book of Five Rings: There are various Ways. There is the Way of salvation by the law of Buddha, the Way of Confucius governing the Way of learning, the Way of healing as a doctor, as a poet teaching the Way of Waka, tea, archery, and many arts and skills. Generally speaking, the Way of the warrior is resolute acceptance of death.

was a Japanese educator, diplomat, and scholar who wrote extensively about Japanese culture and ethics for Western audiences. His book Bushido: The Soul of Japan became one of the most widely read explanations of the samurai code and its influence on Japanese society.

was one of Japan's most famous swordsmen and martial strategists. Renowned for his undefeated record in duels, Musashi later wrote The Book of Five Rings, a classic work on strategy, discipline, and the philosophy of combat that continues to influence martial artists, military thinkers, and students of strategy around the world.