The Swordless Samurai

“The wisdom of this sixteenth-century samurai is astonishingly prescient and pertinent for twenty-first-century leaders. Practical wisdom at its best.” —Warren Bennis, Distinguished Professor of Business, USC, and author of On Becoming a Leader

It was the Age of Wars, a time of endless chaos and bloodshed, when the only law was the law of the sword, and a peasant boy named Hideyoshi dreamed of becoming a samurai. He lacked size and strength and well as social status. To realize his ambition, he had to rely on wits alone.

A keen student of human nature, he learned to outthink and outmaneuver every foe. Not only did he become a samurai, he also commanded vast armies, and finally, became ruler of an entire nation. Hideyoshi far surpassed his childhood ambition—this son of a penniless farmer became one of the greatest military and civic leaders the world has ever known.

What enabled an unschooled peasant to usurp, out-negotiate, and conquer ruthless samurai generals? How did he recruit and retain thousands of devoted followers?

The timeless leadership secrets that Hideyoshi used to reach the pinnacle of power are now available in English for the first time. Destined to take its place beside such classics as The Book of Five Rings and The Art of War, The Swordless Samurai is required reading for all who seek effective strategies for succeeding in business, conflict, and life.

“Hideyoshi is no typical business guru, but his lessons have inspired generations of executives.” —Ken Belson of The New York Times

“A must-read for anyone trying to steer their organization down the right path.” —Brendan I. Koerner, contributing editor, Wired magazine