Art Of The Samurai: Yamamoto Tsunetomo's Hagakure by Yamamoto Tsunetomo, Barry D. Steben

3.64 AVERAGE

fulminataxii's review against another edition

4.0
An excellent look into the mind of a mid 17th Century samurai as to how he viewed the way of Bushido. It really helped bring together some of the concepts of Bushido that I've read about elsewhere, although I don't think it would be a good introduction to those concepts.

As a source of philosophy for modern life, I think it needs to be treated very carefully. There are some really good bits of insight, but nothing that you couldn't get from just about anyone who has managed to live four of five decades and had a bit of time to ponder things. Mixed in with that insight is some absolute horseshit (literally in the case of a recommended treatment for wounds).

Recommended for anyone who has done prior reading on the history of Japan, but not as an introductory text.

clarethajoanne's review against another edition

3.5
informative reflective fast-paced
nathanielpr's profile picture

nathanielpr's review against another edition

2.0
medium-paced
A few nice tidbits, mostly felt like the ramblings of an old man remembering stories and how it used to be.

pcloeb's review against another edition

4.0
dark informative inspiring reflective fast-paced
nahiyan's profile picture

nahiyan's review against another edition

4.0
informative inspiring fast-paced

breadandmushrooms's review against another edition

3.25
informative slow-paced

nyom7's review against another edition

2.0
challenging informative reflective slow-paced
natashasharp's profile picture

natashasharp's review against another edition

3.0
challenging inspiring

unklekrinkle's review against another edition

2.5
informative slow-paced
i_have_no_process's profile picture

i_have_no_process's review against another edition

5.0
challenging reflective
I picked this book up at an all too early age. It inflamed my depression, while yet providing me with the perspective and the resolve I would later need to overcome it. A fascinating treatise from one of the most austere cultures on record.