Book Description
In the same beautiful format as the popular Geisha, this tribute to the samurai by a world-famous expert on the subject features vellum sections that show each aspect of the warrior’s costume.
With four see-through vellum sections that build up the layers of armor worn by the samurai, and text by a world-recognized expert on the subject, this is a unique look at the mysterious ancient Japanese warrior class. Every image and page offers some fascinating insight, from an overview of early Japan and the emperor system to the specifics of weaponry. The story begins as the samurai come into being in the 800s, and defines exactly what they are. Tales of the great battles and feuds, and commentary on the politics of the time, bring these compelling soldiers to life. Detailed information covers such issues as the samurai’s ranks and grades, way of life, retainers, loyalty (bushido), and training. Descriptions of the castles and mansions where they lived, their clothing, armaments, and battlefield tactics make this a fascinating guide for anyone interested in military history or Japanese culture.
• Interest in the topic will be stimulated by the Tom Cruise movie, The Last Samurai, set for release in December 2003.
About the Author
Dr. Stephen Turnbull is recognized as the leading non-Japanese authority on the samurai, with a knowledge base that is unrivaled. He has published 22 books since 1977, most on Japanese topics, and is a guest lecturer at Leeds University.
Samurai: The Story of Japan's Great Warriors FROM THE PUBLISHER
With four see-through vellum sections that build up the layers of armor worn by the samurai, and text by a world-recognized expert on the subject, this is a unique look at the mysterious ancient Japanese warrior class. Every image and page offers some fascinating insight, from an overview of early Japan and the emperor system to the specifics of weaponry. The story begins as the samurai come into being in the 800s, and defines exactly what they are. Tales of the great battles and feuds, and commentary on the politics of the time, bring these compelling soldiers to life. Detailed information covers such issues as the samurai's ranks and grades, way of life, retainers, loyalty (bushido), and training. Descriptions of the castles and mansions where they lived, their clothing, armaments, and battlefield tactics make this a fascinating guide for anyone interested in military history or Japanese culture.
FROM THE CRITICS
Library Journal
Turnbull, who has published widely for general readers on the samurai and Japanese warfare, here offers a sumptuous volume vividly depicting the samurai as a warrior class, ending with the Meiji Restoration in the mid-19th century. The book is chock-full of beautiful color photos, traditional woodblock prints, and innovative see-through layered pages that show the strata of a samurai's armor. For many in Japan and in the West, the samurai virtues of loyalty and honor have seemed the very essence of Japan, as seen in the Tom Cruise film, The Last Samurai (based in part on Mark Ravina's The Last Samurai: The Life and Battles of Saigo Takamori); in addition, the actions of kamikaze pilots are mistakenly thought to be the outcome of these values. Turnbull does not discuss these assumptions but puts them into perspective with chapter essays on samurai organization and daily life, the history of armor, weapons of various sorts, and battlefield tactics. A profusely illustrated work that lay readers will enjoy; highly recommended for public libraries where there is an interest in Japan. Charles W. Hayford, Northwestern Univ., Evanston, IL Copyright 2004 Reed Business Information.
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