MUSASHI The Complete Edition Volume 5: 宮本武蔵

by Eiji Yoshikawa, Brian Sato

Eiji Yoshikawa's 'Musashi' is a historical novel that chronicles the life of the
famous Japanese swordsman, Miyamoto Musashi. Serialized in newspapers
from 1935 to 1939, it was later published as a complete book. Yoshikawa's
novel, while based on the real life of Musashi, includes fictional elements to
create a dramatic and engaging narrative.
The story begins with Musashi's early years and follows his journey as he
grows into a master swordsman. Key figures in his life, such as his mentor
Takuan Soho and his rival Sasaki Kojiro, play significant roles in his
development. Throughout numerous trials and battles, Musashi evolves from a
mere swordsman to a philosophically profound individual. The novel explores
themes beyond swordsmanship, delving into personal growth, life philosophy,
and the way of the samurai.
'Musashi' by Eiji Yoshikawa has been widely read not only in Japan but also
around the world. It has been adapted into various media, including films, TV
dramas, and manga. The story of Musashi's strength, wisdom, and pursuit of
the 'Two Sword Style' continues to inspire many.

286 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 31, 2024

About the author

Pen-name of Yoshikawa Hidetsugu. Yoshikawa is well-known for his work as a Japanese historical fiction novelist, and a number of re-makes have been spawned off his work.

In 1960, he received the Order of Cultural Merit.
Eiji Yoshikawa (吉川 英治, August 11, 1892 – September 7, 1962) was a Japanese historical novelist. Among his best-known novels, most are revisions of older classics. He was mainly influenced by classics such as The Tale of the Heike, Tale of Genji, Outlaws of the Marsh, and Romance of the Three Kingdoms, many of which he retold in his own style. As an example, the original manuscript of Taiko is 15 volumes; Yoshikawa took up to retell it in a more accessible tone, and reduced it to only two volumes. His other books also serve similar purposes and, although most of his novels are not original works, he created a huge amount of work and a renewed interest in the past. He was awarded the Cultural Order of Merit in 1960 (the highest award for a man of letters in Japan), the Order of the Sacred Treasure and the Mainichi Art Award just before his death from cancer in 1962. He is cited as one of the best historical novelists in Japan.