RZA's long awaited book, The Wu Tang Manual, has finally been released. Originally slated for a 2004 release, the book experienced delays in the final stages of production due to the tragic death of Wu-Tang Clan founding member Ol' Dirty Bastard.

The book, repeatedly referred to on Wu-Tang albums such Wu-Tang Forever and GZA's Liquid Swords is RZA's first written introduction to the philosophy and history behind the Wu-Tang Clan.

Packed with information on the intellectual interests and passions of the group's members, the tome is divided into four books of nine "chambers" each, for a total of 36 chambers, a direct reference to the group's seminal debut 36 Chambers.

Book I provides basic information, backstory, and a complete list of alter egos for each of the nine core members of Wu-Tang Clan: RZA, GZA, Ol' Dirty Bastard, Method Man, Ghostface Killah, Raekwon, U-God, Inspectah Deck, and Masta Killa.

Book II breaks down nine key themes of the Wu-Tang universe, including Spirituality, Martial Arts, Capitalism, Cinema, Comics, Organized Crime, Capitalism, Chemistry, Wu-Tang Slang, and Chess. The book explores how these elements influenced, or what their place is in, the Wu-Tang universe.

Book III provides lyrics and annotated explanations of nine Wu-Tang songs, including "Protect Ya Neck," "Bring Da Ruckus,"  "C.R.E.A.M.," "Triumph."

Finally in Book IV, RZA discusses the art and craft of hip-hop as it relates to Wu-Tang.

The Book also includes a map of Shaolin, original illustrations and many never-before-seen photos of the Wu-Tang Clan, including shots of RZA's trip to China with Sifu Shi Yan-Ming, and live shots.