Book Description
If you have experience with C++ and DirectX and have always wanted to program your own game, this is the book for you. Programming a Multiplayer FPS in DirectX takes you from the basic game design to a fully functioning game! All of the source code, assets, and tools are included- you just work through the tutorial-based chapters and watch the game come to life as you develop it. And as new features are added, you can begin playing with them to see them in action. Following a typical game development process, the book is separated into two distinct parts: Part One focuses on the design and development of the game engine, and Part Two concentrates on putting the game together using the engine. The theory has been kept to a minimum, so that you are following a hands-on approach and adding new functionality to your engine as you proceed. In the first part, you'll learn about the many facets of DirectX, C++, and object-oriented programming. You'll also learn how to design the engine and put the infrastructure into place. The next chapters will each add a new module to your engine including input, scripting, 3D rendering, sound, networking, and scene management. The second part covers the final development stages, including everything from game play to player management; it culminates with the complete multiplayer FPS game. Throughout the book you'll learn key topics that will bring you up to speed with industry proven techniques, while improving your confidence as a developer. And because DirectX is the most prevalent game development tool available, once you master this project, you'll have the skills you need to create a variety of games!
Customer Reviews:
Godd introduction, complete coverage.......2007-09-11
In general I'm very pleased with the book "Programming a multiplayer FPS in directX". It provides a very nice introduction on how to approach the task of building a complex 3d application for user with basic knowledge of C(++) and DirectX. Structured programming is important! It is nice that one has such a concrete result at the end of the book. The only drawback is that it could have a little more in depth treatment of certain areas, but hey, it is already almost 500 pages :)
Interesting book; good analysis.......2007-07-24
At my school we used this book for our networking class. (I had been begging our teacher to show us some directPlay stuff... yes, I'm aware that directPlay is ugh in terms of networking, but, it was a lot better than learning some java networking stuff. At least to me).
This book was an invaluable tool for designing my networking system. I basically gutted this networking system and stacked on some variable size packets that I studied from one of the Lamothe (actual author:Todd Baron ) books. (weird book, guy talks about his exploits in ultimate online for like, almost a chapter before he goes on to explain about how you can hack the networking system for exploits.
This book shows you how to implement a peer to peer network and then treat it like a server/client system. It's an interesting (I chose to just go strictly peer-to-peer in my system) approach. And I read in one of the Game Programming Gems a way to bypass some of the connectivity issues with peer to peer networks.
Regardless, this book is an EXCELLENT study of networking for games. I read the networking chapter probably 20x during our project and it took me quite a while to figure out exactly what he was doing with it. In the end, it's a logical system that works fairly decently.
We didn't use the rest of the code in the book too much. Some of the other people in my class modified the FPS game to do other things (made a shooting gallery, other's made some text based games on the networking code, etc).
The source code is useful and there is an update available for it (his precious linked list had a memory leak in it... he really harps on about it).
If you have never designed a game system before. This book is going to be a tremendous help. It teaches a bit about design patterns without all the unnecessary mumbo-jumbo, and how they directly relate to game programming and how they're useful (helloooo singleton).
The code is in visual studio 6 I believe, and you have to set the default project to the actual project and not the engine to get it to run. Also, if your hardware doesn't support hardware vertex buffers (you have integrated graphics, we had a couple people on the team with this issue) you have to change one of the directX intializers to something else to account for this (can't remember the call now, look at some other directX init calls from somewhere else and you can find it).
He goes into quite a bit of detail about each topic and the basics, and then delves down into the design of each system. It's very methodical and well thought out. AND YOU GET SOMETHING WORKING AT THE END!
Do not get this book if:
You are new to C++(you better have a CRYSTAL clear understanding of pointers and OOP, classes etc).
You are not interested in engine design.
You hate directX, or directPlay.
You hate max; he uses 3dsMax to make the scene files etc.
You are an industry professional that has a basic understanding of how a game engine works. This is definitely a n00b book.
You expect to get your hand completely held at each step. He does skip over some details that are easily discovered if you delve a little into the MSDN or any other online resource.
Get this book if:
You are incredibly interesting in engine design and want to get your feet wet; as well as learn some engine design in the process.
You're interested in any of the systems this book covers ( I can really only attest to the networking system, and that he uses directPlay, which is in sunset mode).
Interested in basic modular programming and looking to expand the code in the book to meet your needs or to experiment with. It is an incredibly useful base to start with.
Are extremely comfortable in c++/directX and are interested in expanding your knowledge and it's applications into games.
Overall, the book was a good purchase and is an excellent stepping stone into engine design. It has been very useful in my future projects since I've used this book in my course work.
Useful book, really bad FPS game.......2007-02-05
I've enjoyed reading this book. It effectively shows you how to write a very basic first person shooter in directx. Well done. It briefly introduces rendering, a simple scripting system, peer-to-peer networking, handling user input, scene management, collision detection, sound effects, and more. Not bad. The code is fine, I had no problems compiling it in VS2005 (check the authors website for the latest code though) and I learned a lot from reading the book and going through the code. In short, I am glad to have bought and read this book and I do recommend it to others.
The book does have some drawbacks though. I feel that the actual game that is built in this book is embarrasingly bad. The networking system, rendering system, user interface, and everything else about it are bare-bones functional, but certainly not good enough that you'd want to encorporate them into your own game. I suppose that the thought is that you should first learn to build a Yugo before you learn to build a Ferrari, but personally I'd rather just learn to build the ferrari right off the bat :) Oh, and why must the graphics suck so badly? I realize that it doesn't necessarily impact the goal of learning the various topics, but seriously, how hard would it have been to at least provide a decent character model, or some decent textures and lighting and so forth?
One last thing. The book assumes a familiarity with C++ and to a lesser extent with Directx, so if you are brand new to either of those, the book will be pretty challenging to follow.
Man does this book suck!.......2006-07-13
This book is terrible! You read through the whole thing, and you don't even learn anything!
I would strongly recommend people not to buy this book.
Otherwise, you just wasted 30 dollars on worthless bs.
Good but not perfect.......2006-07-05
This book gives the reader a good general understanding of how networked gameprogramming works, and also a good bit of information about the internals of a complete game engine. The downside about this book is that it uses mixed hardware/software vertex processing which results in noncompatable programs with my laptop, however, if you change that to only software and recompile every demo then it works greate (A setting in CreateDevice()...), but slow (on my laptop...),, the occlusion checks ain't the best, and the partitioning on load is slow,, slow as in - you cant augment the code for profiling or it will be runnig for more then 15 minutes on a 1.03GHz laptop... ("more then" due to the fact that i aborted it....) and the use of 3DsMAX files as levelmodels... and the occlusions based not on the real environement but on objects placed in the scene.. (invisible...)...
Except the minor none-perfect things this book is GREATE!!! AND a BIG NOTE: The minors noted above ain't to bad,, it just looks like much when it's writen down,, and I think that this book is a good read for everyone,, and I do REALY recomend it... however, i give it 4 of 5 due to the recomile things and the occlusion,,, however, this book ain't about perfekt rendering,, it's about connection a game to the internet :)... and it gives you MORE then plenty :)
Book Description
The Martial Arts Instructor's Desk Reference is a complete guide to advanced teaching concepts and martial arts school administration. Author and veteran martial arts instructor Sang H. Kim covers a wide range of essential topics for the professional martial arts instructor including:
*teaching children with ADD, behavioral problems and learning disabilities
*creating lesson plans and teaching specific curriculum elements
*combating boredom through hundreds of drills and training ideas
*marketing, advertising, publicity, staffing and customer service
*instructor training and evaluation
*tournament management
Based on our popular special report series, this book brings together a wide range of essential topics.
Customer Reviews:
Thorough Instructions on how to run a great martial arts school........2007-09-05
This book has a wealth of information about running a dojang (dojo). From dealing with the difficult student to organizing a class with specific drills, this book covers everything a good instructor needs to at least think through. I particularly liked the aspects of running a business; when to advertise, how to run a radio spot, what to do when enrollment drops, when to expand and when not to. If your business is teaching martial arts, you must have this book.
great book.......2007-05-14
Martial arts desk reference is a wonderful guide that no instructor should be without. Good ideas,for high ranking , as well as student instructors. great book
Great Reference for Instructors and School Owners.......2006-07-22
I found this book to be a great reference in running my school. I have made it required reading for all my instructors and staff members. I highly recommend this title to all those running a martial arts school.
Don't Even Hesitate.......2006-03-10
If you are a martial arts instructor - or soon to be one don't hestitate to buy this book. The book has an incredible amount of school operations widsom. It is obvious the author is a seasoned martial arts instructor.
Use it daily.......2005-07-13
I've had this book for only a few weeks and I find myself using it daily, especially the sections on class drills and marketing ideas. I love the way its set-up - no heavy reading, no long theories to wade through, lots of bulleted lists and short articles that I can read while I'm stuck on hold with the phone company or waiting for an appointment. Not to say there isn't in depth information - the articles teaching ADHD kids and kids in general are excellent, as are the class management articles. Overall, this is an invaluable reference for instructors who have their own school and even for those teaching at school owned by someone else. Another excellent reference by Sang H. Kim.
Book Description
Whether you're engaging in supersonic jet combat at 48,000 feet or entering a tough sales battle with a cutthroat competitor, the goal is the same:absolute victory. In Business is Combat, former F-15 pilot James D. Murphy, an expert in both business and combat strategy, offers a full-scale training course in military techniques that have made the United States Air Force the most advanced air-combat force in the world. From nurturing teamwork to maintaining focus to planning and executing each new mission, Murphy offers advice that's practical as well as thrilling. Whatever your mission, whatever your battle, Business Is Combat provides a blueprint for the kind of success every warrior seeks -- absolute victory.
Customer Reviews:
Best ROI in 2000!.......2001-03-08
I purchased James Murphy's book in 2000, we just completed our financials and I am pleased to report that we doubled our revenues. We contribute this increase to a single statement we found in the book, Business is Combat. "All of our resources in the Air Force are alligned like a shaft of a spear, pushing the "pointy end forward". We did that in our business and the results were dramatic. We have become great planners, we execute efficently and we now debrief, all of this we learned from Mr. Murphy's book. I keep it on my desk and refer to it often because it makes us money.
A Book About Getting Things Done.......2000-08-07
Many business books are long on theory, but short on providing any insight about actually executing. And face it, theories come and go, but getting things done is never out of style.
James Murphy has written a book about getting things done. His style is informal and accessible ... he writes as if he's sitting across the table talking to you. And he remains focused on his message: the planning, execution and debriefing required to build a successful business or organization.
Getting into this book requires the reader to accept that the skills taught to fighter pilots apply to business. The amazing thing is that they actually do. I've not received this training, but I have been in business for a long time. And the information imparted in this book can help anyone run a business better. From handling 'task saturation' to staying focused, this book provides useful insights in an entertaining way.
If you're looking for a book on the latest theory on business, skip "Business is Combat." If you want to pick up some ideas you can start using immediately to get things done, I highly recommend it.
Tactics to put into action right away!.......2000-05-23
Jim Murphy's book is dead on. As an entrepreneur, one can tend to overlook planning on a day to day scale... this book brings the necessity of a plan back to the center of your business. The best thing you can do for your business or life... finally something that you can read and then put into action RIGHT AWAY. Just what I needed.
Aviation & Business Go Together.......2000-05-17
As a former Air Force Weapons Crew Chief and a 25 year businessman, I thought Business Is Combat was not only an informative and exciting read but one that is absolutely accurate in its analogies, lessons and promise of success. The fighter jock is cool, calm and collected not just because he is who he is but because he is confident in his abilitiy to do what he does. This can only come from preparation, repetition and more repetition. As Jim Murphy points alludes, to loose focus for an instant can be the difference between returning home safely or trying out the handle on the ejection seat.
The stakes are just as important in business (perhaps more so since a leader is also responsible for the people under his charge). Attention to detail and flawless execution has no substitute. I believe this book is a great read and a reference for winning teams
Mission Accomplished.......2000-04-10
A great read for a young entrepreneuror or veteran who wants to soar his business to new heights. Business is Combat is truly inspirational not only in the corporate world but also in life!
Average customer rating:
- A different take a stress
|
Winning Under Fire
Dale Collie
Manufacturer: McGraw-Hill
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Binding: Paperback
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ASIN: 0071437029 |
Book Description
A manager's guide to winning on the business battlefield from one of Fast Company's Fast 50 Innovative Leaders
For the U.S. Army, grace under fire isn't an ideal. It's standard operating procedure. In Winning Under Fire, managers discover Army techniques for managing stress in the heat of battle, and learn how to put them to work in their organizations. Written by a retired Army major who was one of Fast Company's Fast 50 Innovative Leaders in 2002, Winning Under Fire combines military know-how and business savvy to show managers how to:
- Channel stress into positive energy for obtaining goals
- Detect and eliminate stress fractures in an organization
- Stay resilient under all conditions
- Build teams that work under any extremes
- Prepare a game plan to get them throughevery battle
- Be a great leader in times of great duress
Download Description
Written by a retired Army major who was one of Fast Company's Fast 50 Innovative Leaders in 2002, "Winning Under Fire" teaches managers how to combine military know-how and business savvy in their organizations.
Customer Reviews:
A different take a stress.......2005-12-22
I picked up the book expecting to read "Stress is bad. Here's how to get rid of it." What I read is that some stress is good. If you're going into battle, stress can help you prepare properly. Good thinking, if you can keep it in perspective. The book actually deals with business issues, using the perspective of an Army ranger who has seen both the fighting side and the business side of life. Worthwhile reading.
Average customer rating:
- A Poor Excuse for a Book on Chess or Negotiations
|
Chess and the Art of Negotiation: Ancient Rules for Modern Combat
Anatoly Karpov ,
Jean-Francois Phelizon , and
Bachar Kouatly
Manufacturer: Praeger Publishers
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Binding: Hardcover
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Silman's Complete Endgame Course: From Beginner To Master
ASIN: 0275990656 |
Book Description
Chess is like an intellectual labyrinth; whenever you open a door, you find yourself facing ten new doors. Negotiations and other business maneuvers are similar; each decision or action generates new opportunities. And, like chess, it is more important to determine the paths not taken. As Richard Nixon taught us: "Always know ahead of time what you don't want." In Chess and the Art of Negotiation, a world-renowned chess master and a CEO of a global company combine forces and apply the principles of chess to illuminate the dynamics of competition, strategy and negotiation, whether angling for a promotion, beating your arch rival to a lucrative contract, or landing the sale. In a colorful interview format, the authors argue that it is not enough to be well prepared or well informed, nor is it sufficient to be trained in only the tactical aspects of engagement. Strategy drives tactics, and understanding the motivations behind your opponent's strategy will help you navigate your way through the labyrinth. Drawing from their own experiences in chess and in business, as well as many historical and contemporary examples, the authors offer insight into the strategic mindset and how to apply it to any kind of negotiation or competitive situation. Not for the faint of heart, Chess and the Art of Negotiation assumes that in business, as in any game, there are winners and losers, and aims to help you prepare for combat and emerge victorious, not vanquished.
Customer Reviews:
A Poor Excuse for a Book on Chess or Negotiations.......2007-07-19
The less said about this potboiler, the better. It is clearly a vanity piece designed to showcase an obscure French businessman by linking him with a former world chess champion who is along for the ride.
It contains no insights into either chess or negotiations.
Average customer rating:
- Good survey of Military Strategy, Logistics and Tactics as they relate to business
|
Corporate Combat
William E. Peacock
Manufacturer: Blackstone Audiobooks
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Audio Cassette
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ASIN: 0786104295 |
Customer Reviews:
Good survey of Military Strategy, Logistics and Tactics as they relate to business.......2006-12-09
Corporate Combat was a recent pick as business strategy and military strategy are closely related and business can benefit from the lessons of military history. While the text was published in 1984, the principles and conclusions remain valid. Peacock has made a thorough survey of business's actions in terms of Military Strategy, Logistics and Tactics. His sources and cases are reliable and on point. If he would have moved a step further to analyze if the actions taken were the appropriate strategy in terms of military analysis, it would be a more complete study. When all the elements are considered, the author has done a good job in identifying actions and behaviors.
Book Description
Careers
Put into practice today's winning strategies and tactics for breaking into pharmaceutical sales!
"Working in the pharmaceutical industry is dynamic and competitive. It is also quite rewarding, as it allows you to make a meaningful difference in the quality of peoples' lives. Landing the "right" job as a pharmaceutical sales representative will be challenging and require a well-thought-out plan of action.
Kaputa and
Zimmerman have put together some insightful "Secrets" that will put readers ahead of their competitors in the job search and prepare them for a successful start to a career in the industry." --Carrie Cox,
Executive Vice President and President,
Global Pharmaceuticals, Schering-Plough Corporation
Learn The Secrets is a how-to and how-to-think book that will show you how to land that first job as pharmaceutical sales representative. It will give you the secrets, new guidelines, unwritten rules, practical tools, and resources you need. You'll even learn industry jargon and how to position yourself in interviews so that you are what companies are looking for. You'll find interactive exercises, sample sales aids, and practice role-plays to prepare you for the most challenging questions and group interviews. Learn The Secrets is your field guide to breaking into and succeeding in pharmaceutical sales.
Customer Reviews:
Now I'll really be prepared!.......2005-05-27
I found this book after I went on one interview. After reading this book, I have re-written my resume, prepared some stories and am practicing the role-plays. I feel more prepared for my next interview and know that I will land that job!
Sales Rep, Ohio
Average customer rating:
- A loosely tied collection of idioms with little elaboration and insight. Not helpful at all
- Well-organized, thought-provoking, and concise
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Warrior's Wisdom: The Combat Guide to Corporate Life
Arthur L. Clark
Manufacturer: Perigee Trade
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Binding: Paperback
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ASIN: 0399519386 |
Customer Reviews:
A loosely tied collection of idioms with little elaboration and insight. Not helpful at all.......2006-03-06
If you just want to read plenty of idioms from Sun Tzu, Clausewitz, Shakespeare, Churchill, Patton and so on, that's okay. If you want to apply their sayings to your corporate life as promised by the book title, you will be very disappointed by the minimal amount of elaboration and sheer absence of insight. Sorry to say that the author just attached many quasi related sayings to subjects like discipline, training, morale, HR, operations, logistics and so on to make up the book. I would strongly recommend you to give it a pass.
Well-organized, thought-provoking, and concise.......1998-05-05
As a dedicated reader of Sun-Tzu's Art of War, I was greatly impressed by Major Arthur Clark's work. There are a great deal of military quotes that offer practical advice and are applicable today. This book is a must-have for business people looking for competitive advantage in the workplace.
Book Description
America's most successful bounty hunter reveals advanced details and tricks of hunting and capturing humans. Learn how to obtain an arrest contract, surveillance tips, what to wear during a bust, how to work with the police, hazards of the use of deadly force, how to avoid your own arrest, legal precedents of the trade and more.
Customer Reviews:
Based on Pure Myth.......2005-10-26
Wow. Incredible. This book shows how Hasan ibn Sabbah's assassins secretly boarded an enemy's boat. Sabbah's castle wasn't exactly ocean-front or lake-front property. But never mind that.
This book is based on pure myth. If you want good pure myth, read the novel on Hasan ibn Sabbah -- ALAMUT by Vladimir Bartol. At least that book was a bestseller across Europe, so it has some credibility. If you want greater truth on Sabbah and his so-called "cult," read Bernard Lewis (The Assassins) or Farhad Daftary (The Assassin Legends). Neither book will tell you how to assassinate your spouse's secret lover, but you won't regret the money you spend once you've finished, and you'll actually have learned something about terror, myth and civilization.
I Wont Let Anyone Borrow This Book.......2005-09-13
Not because I think the information is secret or anything, just that I would hate to see one of my irresponsible associates mess it up. One of the first books by Dr.HaHa Lung I have purchased, I find it interesting and educational. The drawings are a little uh... well, the book makes up for them. Oh, and 2 things, if you were going to do anything in that book get Night Movements(the japanese/english translation), Art of War (the WAR not business or other BS association) and a decent medicinal anatomy book. You can learn more from those three than any NINJA book - or you can just get "Im An Idiot And Want To Be Shot In the Face - For Dummies". Secondly, if you think the Stephen Hayes' books are educational or more instructive - you dont need to buy the book in quotations above, you wrote it. So go ninja-hop off a cliff. or something.
An interesting book.......2004-12-23
First, for Roger in Las Vegas...if your review is for real, and you went around dressed as a ninja, you were asking for it.
For the fellow in Seattle...sorry to hear that. In the US, 75% of the time a martial artist goes to court, they lose. Public perception (even in cases of self defense) is, "That karate guy didn't have to beat up that guy (or guys) so bad."
As for the book, a most interesting history lesson indeed. As for the techniques in the book, as a reviewer stated here no one is going to become a fighter by reading a book about it.
I did find the illustrations (pencil sketches) most interesting in that quite often the victim is made to look like a Crusader with a huge cross on his shirt. Unlike other martial arts books, the knife techniqures are also illustrated with the knife being plunged into someone's body. There's no doubt the illustrations are to teach Islam's view of all "infidels" along with the techniques. If you don't think so, check out the illustration of the captive in a cage or box, and the assassin standing over him holding a knife....and the captive's head.
(The only other time I've seen such ilustrations was in a translated KGB manual and victims were shown in US Army uniforms, with 1st CAV. Div. patches).
I will say this for the book- at least it doesn't start out with 25 lapel grabs and other such things geared for 1800's Japan. In comparison to the run of the mill martial art book, it's a book on bare-handed assassination techniques and knife techniques. We are definitley not talking "dojo ballet" here.
A good book, but not revolutionary........2004-07-20
The book is mostly a history book on the hashishin cult, many techniques are covered but Lung tends to not highlight them, so they are dispersed freely around in the text, i.e., the psychological warfare techniques used to plot two enemies against one another. As for the physical fighting techniques, they're pretty ok but this book, as all other books does in no way make a reader a better fighter simply by reading it. A fighter is as good as the amount of training he puts into his fighting skill, there is no simpler way of saying it.
good book.......2004-06-09
This is a good book. If your familiar with Lung's other work you will like this too. However this isnt in my opinion Lung's best it was still quite good. Lots of interesting history, more history than in his other books. Also I just have to say, Roger, for someone who thouroghly read this book you must have missed the disclaimers, FOR ACADEMIC USE ONLY!!! You don't learn how to fight especially entire gangs from a book and if your that unintelligent to not understand that, then im afraid you got what you had coming. Your lucky you didn't get killed.
Average customer rating:
- Classic.
- Worthwhile Strategy
- Good advice
- A study of conflict
- GREAT 17th CENTURAY SAMURAI SWORDSMAN'S ADVICE ON STRATEGY
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Book of Five Rings (Shambhala Pocket Classics)
Miyamoto Musashi
Manufacturer: Shambhala
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The Art of War (Shambhala Classics)
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Hagakure: The Book of the Samauri
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The Unfettered Mind: Writings of the Zen Master to the Sword Master
ASIN: 0877739986
Release Date: 1994-03-22 |
Amazon.com
To learn a Japanese martial art is to learn Zen, and although you can't do so simply by reading a book, it sure does help--especially if that book is The Book of Five Rings. One of Japan's great samurai sword masters penned in decisive, unfaltering terms this certain path to victory, and like Sun Tzu's The Art of War it is applicable not only on the battlefield but also in all forms of competition. Always observant, creating confusion, striking at vulnerabilities--these are some of the basic principles. Going deeper, we find suki, the interval of vulnerability, of indecisiveness, of rest, the briefest but most vital moment to strike. In succinct detail, Miyamoto records ideal postures, blows, and psychological tactics to put the enemy off guard and open the way for attack. Most important of all is Miyamoto's concept of rhythm, how all things are in harmony, and that by working with the rhythm of a situation we can turn it to our advantage with little effort. But like Zen, this requires one task above all else, putting the book down and going out to practice. --Brian Bruya
Book Description
Here is one of the most insightful texts on the subtle arts of confrontation and victory to emerge from Asian culture. Written not only for martial artists but for leaders in all professions, the book analyzes the process of struggle and mastery over conflict that underlies every level of human interaction. The Book of Five Rings âwhich has become a well-known classic among American business people, studied for its insights into the Japanese approach to business strategyâwas composed in 1643 by the famed duelist and undefeated samurai Miyamoto Musashi. Unlike previous editions of The Book of Five Rings, Thomas Cleary's is an accessible translation, free of jargon, with an introduction that presents the spiritual background of the warrior tradition. Along with Musashi's text, Cleary translates another important Japanese classic on leadership and strategy: The Book of Family Traditions on the Art of War by Yagyu Munenori, which highlights the ethical and spiritual insights of Taoism and Zen as they apply to the way of the warrior.
Customer Reviews:
Classic........2007-06-18
This book is only a translation of the original. You may not find the extensive commentary you seek. While written centuries ago, Miyamoto Musashi, in my judgment, didn't write a book just about how to fight.
Reading this book with an open mind will surprise the reader. Deep thought and reflection will be needed. The areas to which the principles in this book may be applied (such as lessons in leadership and politics) and the success in said application are only limited to the amount of imagination and study put forth by the reader.
It offers a great deal of knowledge for every day life, and even if you never pick up a sword, or raise your fists, you will find his philosophy extends well beyond the realm of martial arts and battle strategy.
To some readers you will not be able to fully grasp all of the concepts and ideas presented after one reading. This book is invaluable and definitely invites repeated readings as new insight is to be found as your understanding deepens. I'm not sure if a single review could do this book justice because each time you re-read this book your thoughts are guaranteed to be provoked and you will definitely walk away each time with a new form of enlightenment and that is my reason for giving it Five stars *****.
Worthwhile Strategy.......2007-06-10
This is powerful book to read and UTILIZE in your life. While it can easily be taken for face value as a book on physical fighting strategy, it is more than that. One can take many of the thoughts and translate them to a more theoretical use on strategy. For example, a quote speaking of "the gaze" relating to seeing an enemy and their movements: "It is important in strategy to know the enemy's sword and not to be distracted by insignificant movements of his sword". This could easily be translated to business, sports, etc. Just substitute "sword" for the essence of the thought to apply to "business", "army", "team", etc.
The first 3rd of the book is a historical account of events of Musashi's life, and also includes many images of artwork created by Musashi. They are black and white however. The rest of the book is the actual "Book of Five Rings". It consists of 5 "books": ground, water, fire, wind and the void. It is to be noted Musashi after a time found he did not need to follow any particular "Way" and practiced many.
Regarding the layout of the book, I like the footnotes at the bottom of many of the pages which help describe words or thoughts you may not have easily or readily known otherwise.
---*** THE BOTTOM LINE ***---
A good book to have, with worthwhile strategy, although, regarding strategy I prefer Sun Tzu's "Art of War".
Good advice.......2007-01-09
The only good advice I ever got from a book came from this one: "Do nothing which is of no use" (p. 49). The Book of Five Rings has a lot of good advice, but that's the one that speaks most clearly to my condition. The Book of Five Rings must be read as metaphor, because life conditions today are so different from those of medieval Japan. But Mushashi was a wise and powerful thinker, and his ideas apply well beyond battle strategy. He lived integrity: unity and purity of thought, word, and deed, and his rare qualities are always worth studying and emulating.
A study of conflict.......2006-08-14
This book is great for anyone interested in personal development. It is a guide in focused self-discipline. It is also a guide to successful navigation of conflict.
This translation is the best I've read. It is free of superfluous footnotes and pedantic commentary. The commentary that is included before each chapter is brief and helpful.
GREAT 17th CENTURAY SAMURAI SWORDSMAN'S ADVICE ON STRATEGY.......2006-07-22
Based on my readings, Musashi's motive in writing his Book of Five Rings had been to correct misrepresentations of his views on swordsmanship by his contemporaries. Having become a legend in his own time, Musashi's reputation was being exploited by ambitious rivals claiming to have adopted the master's martial techniques and philosophies. Thus Book of Five Rings was intended by its author to establish his point of view for correcting misconceptions.
Those in America who've been advocating since 1974 to study Book of Five Rings to gain some business advantage over Japanese businessmen are barking up the wrong tree. Musashi's writings are poetic and thought provoking. Indeed, one can even learn something new and ancient about strategy from the master. It is, however, doubtful that Musashi's words can make a silk purse out of a sow's ear. So then those in the 1970s who had originally marketed the book as "the alternative to the Harvard MBA" were barking up the wrong tree.
In addition to the charming and useful writings, the original (1974 English translation) Book of Five Rings includes photos of the master swordsman's quite beautiful art work, now residing in Japan in a museum dedicated to Musashi works.
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