Code of the Samurai: A Modern Translation of the Bushido Shoshinshu of Taira Shigesuke

(Paperback)

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Immerse yourself in the world of the Samurai with this classic text.

Code of the Samurai is the 350-year-old summary of the rules and expectations embodied in Bushido the ancient Japanese 'Way of the Warrior.' Written by Taira Shigesuke, a Samurai and prominent teacher of military techniques, it was published posthumously in 1834. This influential book was intended as a training manual for young Samurai, outlining personal and professional standards.

This accessible and enjoyable translation is by Thomas Cleary, the foremost translator of Asian martial classics, accompanied by the powerful line drawings of master illustrator Oscar Ratti. A new foreword by Alexander Bennett, a leading expert on Samurai history, explains the lasting importance of this classic work and its place within the canon of Japanese literature.

Reviews

"a wonderful book for anyone who wants to understand the ideals behind the true warrior."--Bohdi Sanders, author of Warrior Wisdom: Ageless Wisdom for the Modern Warrior
"This is a compelling, well-written translation." --Lawrence Kane, author of The Little Black Book of Violence and The Way of Kata

Author Bio

Taira Shigesuke (1639-1740), also known as Daidoji Yuzan, was a samurai and writer of military strategy during Japan's Edo period. He was born into a family of famous warriors and was both a military advisor and prominent teacher of military science.

Thomas Cleary is one of the best known translators of Asian literary works. He holds a doctorate in East Asian Languages and Civilizations from Harvard University. Cleary has translated over 70 works of martial arts philosophy, Buddhism, Taoism and religion including The Art of War, I Ching, and Soul of the Samurai, a collection of classic works on Zen and Bushido.

Alexander Bennett is a professor of Japanese history, martial arts and Budo theory at Kansai University. He cofounded Kendo World, the first English-language journal dedicated to Kendo. He holds black belts in several martial disciplines--Kendo Kyoshi, 7th Dan; Iaido, 5th Dan; and Naginata, 5th Dan. His published works include Japan: The Ultimate Samurai Guide, Hagakure: The Secret Wisdom of the Samurai and Bushido Explained: The Japanese Samurai Code--A New Interpretation for Beginners.

Oscar Ratti (1928-2005) is the co-author of Aikido and the Dynamic Sphere and Secrets of the Samurai: The Martial Arts of Feudal Japan, and was a frequent contributor to martial arts books and magazines.