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A new and unabridged 3-book translation of Eiji Yoshikawa's bestselling novel about Miyamoto Musashi—the most famous swordfighter in Japanese history!
This is the first 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.
Book One opens in the year 1600 at the Battle of Sekigahara, a scene of unimaginable carnage where Musashi lies wounded on the battlefield. After being imprisoned for three years, he wanders the countryside aimlessly as a vagabond, desperate to make a name for himself. He becomes a dueling Ronin—a swordfighter without a master. And while his destiny seems clear, to achieve it he must leave his old life behind.
This is the first 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.
Book One opens in the year 1600 at the Battle of Sekigahara, a scene of unimaginable carnage where Musashi lies wounded on the battlefield. After being imprisoned for three years, he wanders the countryside aimlessly as a vagabond, desperate to make a name for himself. He becomes a dueling Ronin—a swordfighter without a master. And while his destiny seems clear, to achieve it he must leave his old life behind.
Price: $19.99
Pages: 576
Publisher: Tuttle Publishing
Imprint: Tuttle Publishing
Publication Date:
03 March 2026
Trim Size: 8.00 X 5.12 in
ISBN: 9784805318416
Format: Paperback
"A novel this deep in history needs a good translation [and] Alexander Bennett does a master's job […] From the visceral combat to the quiet moments, the story carries you along without anything that kicks you out of it." —LA Book Review
"A fascinating window into early 17th century Japanese history and culture…Bennett's translation follows closely with other English translations of the novel with updated language that will likely be more accessible to new audiences. Given the length of the trilogy, it does take some commitment, but the storytelling is excellent." —Elle's Report
"A fascinating window into early 17th century Japanese history and culture…Bennett's translation follows closely with other English translations of the novel with updated language that will likely be more accessible to new audiences. Given the length of the trilogy, it does take some commitment, but the storytelling is excellent." —Elle's Report
Eiji Yoshikawa (1892-1962) is Japan's bestselling novelist of all time. He published popular retellings of many Asian classics, however, his novelization 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.
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.