Gojo ryu, one of the main styles of karate on Okinawa, has benefitted greatly from the expertise of Sensei Higaonna, the author of this well-reasearched book. He is a master technician of combat and also, in keeping with tradition, an accomplished man of letters. Thus he is a modern embodiment of the scholar/warrior that is held as the ideal in both Western and Asian cultures.
Concerning the text of his book, it is endorsed by a virtual "who's who" of Gojo ryu. He covers in great detail, in an engaging style, the various aspects of martial arts on Okinawa and the surrounding islands, including the Chinese influence. After this general background, he goes into much detail with the history of Gojo ryu's masters and influences. Some great photos add to Higaonna's gift of story-telling.
I would recommend Mark Bishop's book on Okinawa Karate as a detailed and readable (and ususally accurate) account of the major and minor traditions of Okinawan combat arts.
Enjoy!
If you train in Goju Ryu this book should be on your bookshelf and read several times. Higaonna Sensei has put into this book many stories, experiences, and views of many Goju Ryu practitioners from the past, that are a part of Goju history, folklore, and lineage. I do not agree with 100 percent of the opinions shared in this history book, but I agree with the far majority of the material in this book and consider it an enjoyable and benefical read. I sincerely hope it is republished again in the near future so more people have access to this information.