~ c. 1645 ~
The Book of Five Rings, written by Japanese swordsman Miyamoto Musashi around 1645, is a text on kenjutsu and martial arts. Musashi establishes a "no-nonsense" theme throughout the text, emphasizing that all techniques are merely methods of cutting down an opponent, and that the understandings expressed in the book are important for combat on any scale. The five books within the text discuss different elements of battle, with The Book of Earth serving as an introduction and The Book of the Void providing a Zen-influenced epilogue. Musashi advocates a two-sword fencing style and emphasizes the importance of timing and balance in strategy.