Customer Reviews:
 Should be near the top of ANY Martial Artists list of "Must Have books"!! July 3, 2007
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
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.
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