Hagakure: The Book of the Samurai

by Yamamoto Tsunetomo

William Scott Wilson (Translator)

The comprehensive and accurate edition of the Hagakure is a must-have for serious martial artists or fans of samurai and the bushido code.

The Hagakure is one of the most influential of all Japanese texts--written nearly 300 years ago by Yamamoto Tsunetomo to summarize the very essence of the Japanese Samurai bushido ("warrior") spirit. Its influence has been felt throughout the world, and yet its existence is scarcely known to many Westerners. This is the first translation to include the complete first two books of the Hagakure and the most reliable and authentic passages contained within the third book; all other English translations published previously have been fragmentary and incomplete.

Alex Bennett's wholly new and highly readable translation of this essential work includes extensive footnotes that serve to fill in many cultural and historical gaps in the previous translations. This unique combination of readability and scholarship gives Hagakure: The Secret Wisdom of the Samurai a distinct advantage over all previous English editions.

• ISBN10: 4770029160
• ISBN13: 9784770029164
• Publish Date: 29 July 2002 (first published 1 June 1981)
• Publish Status: Out of Print
• Out of Print: 4 January 2012
• Publish Country: JP
• Publisher: Kodansha America, Inc
• Imprint: Kodansha International Ltd
• Edition: Special edition
• Format: Hardcover
• Pages: 192
• Language: English

Reviews

[annieb123]

Originally posted on my blog Nonstop Reader.

Hagakure Illustrated is a beautifully curated illustrated translation of the Samurai code and philosophy by Yamamoto Tsunetomo, and is to be published as part of a series of traditionally bound classic books of Asian culture and history. Due out 14th Aug, 2024 from Amber Books, it's 160 pages and will be available in hardcover with a traditional sewn binding. 

This is a well illustrated period guide aimed at Samurai and includes historical insights and advice on philosophy, culture, etiquette, service, obligation, interacting with different levels of society, food culture, and aging & the Samurai's place. The English translation work is seamless and subtly/pleasingly wrought; understandable and accessible, but also nuanced. This is a work in translation, and there's only a very brief introduction to place the work in historical context, and no other commentary.

Five stars. This would be an excellent choice for public or school library acquisition, home reference, and gift purposes. 

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.