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A page-turner by Japan's most popular writer of the immediate
post-war era! Set in Japan's turbulent 12th century, this
fast-paced novel recounts the titanic struggle between two leading
Japanese clans--the Heike and the Genji--as they seek to pacify a
fractured nation, ultimately turning on each other in their
unbridled lust for power. Written by the great Eiji Yoshikawa, this
classic work of fiction brings to life the wars, intrigues, feuds
and romances surrounding the most dramatic episode in Japanese
history. This new edition features a foreword and afterword by
historian Alexander Bennett, who explains the backdrop of the novel
and its importance as a towering work of modern fiction which sold
millions of copies in Japan. Combining raw narrative power,
pageantry and poetry, The Heike Story will enthrall readers
interested in the drama and spectacle of ancient Japan.
The classic samurai novel about the real exploits of the most
famous swordsman.
Miyamoto Musashi was the child of an era when Japan was emerging
from decades of civil strife. Lured to the great Battle of
Sekigahara in 1600 by the hope of becoming a samurai-without really
knowing what it meant-he regains consciousness after the battle to
find himself lying defeated, dazed and wounded among thousands of
the dead and dying. On his way home, he commits a rash act, becomes
a fugitive and brings life in his own village to a standstill-until
he is captured by a weaponless Zen monk.
The lovely Otsu, seeing in Musashi her ideal of manliness, frees
him from his tortuous punishment, but he is recaptured and
imprisoned. During three years of solitary confinement, he delves
into the classics of Japan and China. When he is set free again, he
rejects the position of samurai and for the next several years
pursues his goal relentlessly, looking neither to left nor to
right.
Ever so slowly it dawns on him that following the Way of the Sword
is not simply a matter of finding a target for his brute strength.
Continually striving to perfect his technique, which leads him to a
unique style of fighting with two swords simultaneously, he travels
far and wide, challenging fighters of many disciplines, taking
nature to be his ultimate and severest teacher and undergoing the
rigorous training of those who follow the Way. He is supremely
successful in his encounters, but in the Art of War he perceives
the way of peaceful and prosperous governance and disciplines
himself to be a real human being.
He becomes a reluctant hero to a host of people whose lives he has
touched and been touched by. And, inevitably, he has to pit his
skill against the naked blade of his greatest rival.
Musashi is a novel in the best tradition of Japanese story telling.
It is a living story, subtle and imaginative, teeming with
memorable characters, many of them historical. Interweaving themes
of unrequited love, misguided revenge, filial piety and absolute
dedication to the Way of the Samurai, it depicts vividly a world
Westerners know only vaguely. Full of gusto and humor, it has an
epic quality and universal appeal.
The novel was made into a three-part movie by Director Hiroshi
Inagai. For more information, visit the Shopping area.
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