<DIV>One of the best known translators of the wisdom of Asia, Thomas Cleary now adds a new book to his samurai canon with <i>Samurai Wisdom</i>, new translations of five classic works on <i>bushido</i>. His previous works, <i>Code of the Samurai</i> and <i>Soul of the Samurai</i>, focused on the practical aspects and the more spiritual, Zen side of the samurai, respectively. <i>Samurai Wisdom</i>, authored by the scholar Yamaga Soko or his disciples, provides the core ideals and lessons that taught the samurai how to lead a proper life under the martial philosophy of <i>bushido</i>.<br><br>Yamaga's writings inspired the transformation of the samurai from a feudal warrior class to a group with great intellectual, political and ethical leadership and influence. The classic works translated in <i>Samurai Wisdom</i>, despite being over 400 years old, are as timeless and applicable today as Sun Tzu's famous work, <i>The Art of War</i>.</div>