Vagabond
44 primary works • 49 total works
Book 1
Real-life figure Miyamoto Musashi was the most celebrated samurai of all time. The quintessential warrior-philosopher, Musashi authored A Book of Five Rings, a classic treatise in the canon of world philosophy and military strategy. But the path to enlightenment is an endless journey, and to get there through violent means--by way of the sword--makes mere survival an even greater challenge.
Invincible Under the Sun
At seventeen years of age, Miyamoto Musashi--still known by his childhood name, Shinmen Takezō--was a wild young brute just setting out along the way of the sword.
In the aftermath of the epic Battle of Sekigahara, Takezō finds himself a fugitive survivor on the losing side of the war. Takezō's vicious nature has made him an outcast even in his own village, and he is hunted down like an animal. At this crucial crossroads in Takezō's life, an eccentric monk and a childhood friend are the only ones who can help him find his way.
Book 2
Real-life figure Miyamoto Musashi was the most celebrated samurai of all time. The quintessential warrior-philosopher, Musashi authored A Book of Five Rings, a classic treatise in the canon of world philosophy and military strategy. But the path to enlightenment is an endless journey, and to get there through violent means--by way of the sword--makes mere survival an even greater challenge.
Enlightenment
Musashi sets out for Nara intent on challenging the warrior monks of legendary Hozoin Temple. But Musashi's growing feelings for his childhood friend Otsu; may prove to be a fatal distraction in his match against Inshun, the austere master of Hozoin's deadly spear technique!
Book 2
Book 3
Book 3
Book 3
Real-life figure Miyamoto Musashi was the most celebrated samurai of all time. The quintessential warrior-philosopher, Musashi authored A Book of Five Rings, a classic treatise in the canon of world philosophy and military strategy. But the path to enlightenment is an endless journey, and to get there through violent means--by way of the sword--makes mere survival an even greater challenge.
Musashi suffers a humiliating defeat against Inshun, the second-generation master of Hōzōin Temple. To prepare for a rematch, Musashi undertakes an intense spiritual and physical training regimen with a most unlikely teacher--Inshun's predecessor, the founder of the Hōzōin Spear Technique. To attain the focus necessary to take on the most technically proficient and deadliest fighter he has ever faced, Musashi will first have to confront his own deep-seated personal demons.
Book 4
Real-life figure Miyamoto Musashi was the most celebrated samurai of all time. The quintessential warrior-philosopher, Musashi authored A Book of Five Rings, a classic treatise in the canon of world philosophy and military strategy. But the path to enlightenment is an endless journey, and to get there through violent means--by way of the sword--makes mere survival an even greater challenge.
Musashi endeavors to take on sword master Yagyū Sekishūsai, a man recognized by many to be the greatest swordsman of his time. But with Sekishūsai far past his prime, does Musashi truly believe that killing a seemingly helpless old man in his sleep will take him further along the path?
Book 4
Book 4
Book 5
Book 5
Real-life figure Miyamoto Musashi was the most celebrated samurai of all time. The quintessential warrior-philosopher, Musashi authored A Book of Five Rings, a classic treatise in the canon of world philosophy and military strategy. But the path to enlightenment is an endless journey, and to get there through violent means--by way of the sword--makes mere survival an even greater challenge.
Glimmering Waves
In a remote seaside village, an abandoned infant is left to the care of a reclusive old man who has all but renounced the ways of the world. This helpless child is destined to become Sasaki Kojirō--the legendary archrival of Miyamoto Musashi. Inoue's unique take on this enigmatic figure lays the foundation for his fictional account of the most famous rivalry in Japanese history.
Book 6
Real-life figure Miyamoto Musashi was the most celebrated samurai of all time. The quintessential warrior-philosopher, Musashi authored A Book of Five Rings, a classic treatise in the canon of world philosophy and military strategy. But the path to enlightenment is an endless journey, and to get there through violent means--by way of the sword--makes mere survival an even greater challenge.
Sasaki Kojirō is the man destined to become Miyamoto Musashi's greatest rival and opponent in the most well-known duel in the annals of Japanese history. As a deaf-mute young man coming of age in a remote seaside village, Kojirō's innate ability with the sword compels him to become even better. This drive takes him beyond the borders of his peaceful village into the violent and chaotic world of feudal era Japan in the midst of a bloody war.
Book 7
Book 8
Book 8
Real-life figure Miyamoto Musashi was the most celebrated samurai of all time. The quintessential warrior-philosopher, Musashi authored A Book of Five Rings, a classic treatise in the canon of world philosophy and military strategy. But the path to enlightenment is an endless journey, and to get there through violent means--by way of the sword--makes mere survival an even greater challenge.
Confrontation
Musashi has returned to Kyoto one year after he last attempted to take on the mighty Yoshioka School, and the entire city is abuzz anticipating the rematch to come. When the elder disciples of the Yoshioka discover the unbelievable progress Musashi has made along the way of the sword, they plot to defeat him however they can--even if it means resorting to dishonorable means.
Book 9
Real-life figure Miyamoto Musashi was the most celebrated samurai of all time. The quintessential warrior-philosopher, Musashi authored A Book of Five Rings, a classic treatise in the canon of world philosophy and military strategy. But the path to enlightenment is an endless journey, and to get there through violent means--by way of the sword--makes mere survival an even greater challenge.
It's been one year since Yoshioka Denshichiro granted Musashi a reprieve for a rematch. Denshichiro may have been a better swordsman back then, but with Musashi before him now, he realizes the truly incredible strides his opponent has made in such a short period of time. By sheer force of will, a reluctant Denshichiro moves forward into the fight. And what will the deadly repercussions be for Musashi after this duel that's all but already won?
Book 9
Book 10
Book 10
Real-life figure Miyamoto Musashi was the most celebrated samurai of all time. The quintessential warrior-philosopher, Musashi authored A Book of Five Rings, a classic treatise in the canon of world philosophy and military strategy. But the path to enlightenment is an endless journey, and to get there through violent means--by way of the sword--makes mere survival an even greater challenge.
To Live by the Sword
What does a man do after he accomplishes the impossible and lives to survive? Musashi is at what is quite possibly the greatest crossroads of his life after he single-handedly defeats 70 bloodthirsty men from the Yoshioka clan. Shall he continue to live by the sword, or should he settle down to a quiet and happy life? But before he can take his next step, Musashi must recover from his battle wounds—and it remains to be seen whether he'll even be able to walk again…
Book 11
Real-life figure Miyamoto Musashi was the most celebrated samurai of all time. The quintessential warrior-philosopher, Musashi authored A Book of Five Rings, a classic treatise in the canon of world philosophy and military strategy. But the path to enlightenment is an endless journey, and to get there through violent means--by way of the sword--makes mere survival an even greater challenge.
Sword Demon
After single-handedly defeating seventy bloodthirsty men from the Yoshioka clan, Musashi is at the greatest crossroads of his life—will he head toward the light and live a life among men, or will the allure of the darkness be too strong for him to resist? A chance encounter with the ferocious master, Ito Ittosai, may make the decision to live by the sword inevitable.