Musashi: Book 1 - Earth, Water and Fire (9784805318416)

A new and unabridged 3-book translation of Eiji Yoshikawa's bestselling novel about Miyamoto Musashi—the most famous swordfighter in Japanese history!

Musashi: The Novel is the first unabridged translation of Eiji Yoshikawa's great novel, the top-selling novel in Japan. Masterfully translated for the first time in its entirety by Alexander Bennett, this vivid and fast-paced story reveals the exploits and inner life of a man who finds not only his true purpose but also his humanity.

The story opens in the year 1600 at the Battle of Sekigahara, a scene of unimaginable carnage where Musashi lies wounded, having fought on the losing side. After being imprisoned for three years, he wanders the countryside aimlessly as a vagabond. Desperate to make a name for himself as a warrior, he becomes a dueling Ronin—a swordfighter without a master.

Accompanied by Otsu, the love of his life, he faces off against the spear-wielding monks of Hozoin Temple and the fighters of the Yoshioka Dojo, among others. He wins easily, but his greatest challenges still lie ahead. And while his destiny seems clear, to achieve it, he must open a new chapter and leave his old life behind.


About the Author:
Eiji Yoshikawa was a historical novelist whose works remain some of the most read books in Japan to this day. He published several retellings of Asian classics such as his Tale of the Heike, Tales from the Water Margin and Romance of the Three Kingdoms. However, his novelization of the life of Miyamoto Musashi is his most famous and popular work having sold over 120 million copies. He was awarded the Cultural Order of Merit and the Order of the Sacred Treasure. He died of cancer in 1962.

Alexander Bennett is Professor of Japanese History, Martial Arts, and Budo Theory at Kansai University. He is Director General of the International Budo University's Budo and Sports Research Institute. He co-founded and publishes Kendo World, the first English-language journal dedicated to Kendo. He holds black belts in several martial arts including Kendo Kyoshi 7-dan, Iaido Renshi 6-dan, Jukendo Renshi 6-dan, Naginata 5-dan. His published works include The Complete Musashi: The Book of Five Rings and Other Works and Hagakure: The Secret Wisdom of the Samurai.