Musashi: Book Three - Sun, Moon and Perfect Clarity

The Novel

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Tuttle Publishing
Eiji Yoshikawa, translated by Alexander Bennett
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The epic story concludes as Musashi prepares to take on his greatest rival with his destiny in the balance!

This is the third book of Musashi: The Novel, a sweeping three-book unabridged translation of Eiji Yoshikawa's bestselling masterpiece – Japan's most beloved historical novel. 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.

In this final book, Musashi is left to surmount one final obstacle – the great swordsman Sasaki Kojiro, who is legendary for his skill with the sword. As Musashi journeys to fight Kojiro, he encounters old friends and new enemies. Devoting himself to meditation and Zen study, he realises that the pursuit of glory through violence is fruitless, and the only path to success can be found through introspection and discipline.

To become truly happy, he must defeat not only his greatest rival but his self-doubt, tying up loose ends in the process. He meets with Otsu as he prepares to fight Sasak, wielding only a wooden staff, with his destiny in the balance.

This unforgettable conclusion cements Musashi's place as one of literature's most compelling heroes, brought to English readers at last in its full, unabridged glory.

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Contributor Bio

Eiji Yoshikawa (1892-1962) is Japan's bestselling novelist of all time. He published popular retellings of many Asian classics, however, his novelisation of the life of Miyamoto Musashi is his most famous work, selling over 120 million copies. He was awarded the Cultural Order of Merit and the Order of the Sacred Treasure.

Alexander Bennett is a Professor of Japanese History, Martial Arts, and Budo Theory at Kansai University. He is a Director General of the International Budo University's Budo Sports Research Institute. He co-founded and publishes Kendo World, the first English-language Kendo journal, and holds black belts in several other martial arts. His published works include The Complete Musash and Hagakure: The Secret Wisdom of the Samurai.

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