Rating: 
Summary: A Must
Review: Do you feel powerless? Do you feel that you are out of control? Do you feel that life is confusing?
Then read this book..it will change your life.
Rating: 
Summary: A good look at ancient warrior philosophy
Review: Hagakure is a guide to the proper roll of a samurai during feudal times. Things such as expected behaviour, dying with honor, obeying one's lord, etc...For today's reader, this book offers several tips on the proper mindset when in combat from a samurai's point of view. Still, Some of these rules are, to say the least, a little strange. For a serious martial arts student, this book will probably find a place on your bookshelf (if it hasn't already). However, if you saw the movie "Ghost Dog" and were expecting a book of straight warrior-wisdom, you may wish to consider the fact this book has a lot of Japanese history in it. Some of Hagakure's content is a little dry, and although it offers profound insight in some places, it can be a bit hard to sort out what is useful in today's world. Hagakure is also not put together in an user-friendly format. You have to search for specific quotes, because there doesn't seem to be much rhyme or reason to it's layout. This can be tough when you want to go back and review how something was phrased to better understand it. Still, this book is well worth the time and money. I have read it several times, and I'll probably read it several more...
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Summary: The finest book in publication on the Samurai way.
Review: Hagakure is THE difinitive work on Samurai life in feudal Japan. Anyone with interest in Japanese Martial culture or martial arts MUST HAVE this book. I cannot reccomend this book enough!
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Summary: An excellent collection of bushido axioms.
Review: Hagakure offers an introduction to the much revered Samurai code of Bushido. Originally serving as a secret code of duty and honor, Bushido has become the cornerstone of the Japanese warrior spirit. The book is comprised of around 300 selected sayings of the seventeenth century Samurai turned monk, Yamamoto Tsunetomo. They vary in scope from social etiquette to dying with honor. Hagakure is a must own for anyone who truly wants to understand the history and motives of Samurai Bushido.
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Summary: Reveals the essence of Samurai thought.
Review: HAGAKURE: The Book of the Samurai is a very interesting book which describes the everyday life and mindset of a samurai. For those that are not interested in the Samurai thought, this book may appear rather dry and in some instances, absurd. However, I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. The book is made up of short entries of various topics. Whether it's describing a wise samurai's actions, or cracking jokes at the noblemen around him, it is obvious that Yamamoto Tsunetomo was truly a samurai in every aspect of his life. During Yamamoto's time, the prestige of the samurai was declining, due to a long period of peace in Japan. The samurai lived to die for his lord in battle, but how can one remain a noble samurai during times of peace? Yamamoto answers this and many other questions in Hagakure. He also points out that when one is focused on dying, he will not be afraid in the presence of death. As Yamamoto liked to say, "The way of the Samurai is found in death."
Rating:
Summary: Interesting
Review: I bought this book after seeing the movie "Ghost Dog - Way of the Samurai". I didn't really know what to expect, but the book has some very interesting aspects on life and ways to live, that still work extremely well in todays society. I have at many times found myself in situations described in the book and even though some answers might be a bit hard to understand, the book has given me answers, or perhaps ways to answer/respond, in different situations. It's not really a book you read from cover to cover, but pick up and read a couple of "rules" every now and then, which after a while are in the back of your head, ready for use. I highly reccommend this book to pretty much every one.
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Summary: Translation form the heart and spirit.
Review: I have been an avid student of The Hagakure most of my life, partly because I love martial arts, but mostly because I love studying perspectives on my heritage. There are several good translations available, but this one seems to better capture the true spirit of the Samurai. In some of the translations I've read it is obvious that the writer knew how to translate the words, but had little or no understanding of the concepts and philosophies that they were teaching. A very famous line from one translation says. "The Way of the Samurai is found in death." This is an accurate word for word translation but it misses the real intent of Master Tsunetomo. What this says is that the highest achievement of the warrior was to die, but in reality what the samurai wanted was to kill many opponents and if they had to die to do so in the most brave and admirable way possible. Tarver's translation says, "The way of the warrior is fulfilled in death." This subtle difference seems to better capture the idea of duty, bravery, and loyalty culminating in a final end of the warrior rather than the warrior seeking death from the start. That is just one of many examples but it clearly points out the difference one word can make. Found vs. Fulfilled. I really enjoyed this book and I am sure any true student of the Samurai ways will also.
Rating: 
Summary: Mixed Bag
Review: I have to truly say that I have mixed feelings about this one. It provides an eye opening view into the use of Bushido, beyond dry tellings of it's core beliefs. The Hagakure puts fire behind these beliefs and tells anecdotes reflecting this philosophy. The flip side of this is that Tsunetomo could truly be called a psychopath. One anecdote told of his walking down a crowded city street one day when his purse was stolen. Not seeing who had stolen it, he whipped out his katana and killed everyone within 10 feet to be sure that he got the cutpurse. I have to say that anyone interested in the study of Bushido, Budo or just Japanese history in general should buy this book. If you are looking for wisdom in these pages, take everything with a grain of salt. A big one. Think the size of your head.
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Summary: For the Quite Mind
Review: I read this book when it was near/below freezing outside; I sat on a metal bench. I read with such intensity, that I needed the cold to dedicate my mind to the words I was reading. I was often confused by the writings, where I would think about them in great detail until the message became clear. Each paragraph is very important. It is a short book, but it should take longer to read than the Bible. I read it in two weeks, thanks to the cold, but, still, I missed more than I can imagine. Should your eyes miss one word, or a single thought take you away, you need read the passage again and again. This book will change your perspective... change how you view life. It is VERY philosophical, if you concentrate on the reading. I recommend it to those who need change in their lives, those who feel powerless but especially those who feel they cannot control their thoughts. This book is about concentration, dedication and loyalty. This is an important piece of literature!
Rating:
Summary: For the Quite Mind
Review: I read this book when it was near/below freezing outside; I sat on a metal bench. I read with such intensity, that I needed the cold to dedicate my mind to the words I was reading. I was often confused by the writings, where I would think about them in great detail until the message became clear. Each paragraph is very important. It is a short book, but it should take longer to read than the Bible. I read it in two weeks, thanks to the cold, but, still, I missed more than I can imagine. Should your eyes miss one word, or a single thought take you away, you need read the passage again and again. This book will change your perspective... change how you view life. It is VERY philosophical, if you concentrate on the reading. I recommend it to those who need change in their lives, those who feel powerless but especially those who feel they cannot control their thoughts. This book is about concentration, dedication and loyalty. This is an important piece of literature!
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