An anthology of the most influential writings on swordsmanship from the samurai era. The Swordsman's Handbook is the definitive collection of writings that reveals the study of swordsmanship not only as essential to life and death, but as transcendent of life and death as well. All of the authors in this book taught that dealing with conflict is an art that requires grace and courage. In this way, their words speak to us today with surprising immediacy and relevance. Included in this collection are writings by Kotada Yahei Toshitada, Takuan Soho, Yagyu Munenori, Miyamoto Musashi, Matsura Seizan, Issai Chozanshi, and Yamaoka Tesshu.