The Book of the Samurai, the Warrior Class of Japan

by Stephen Turnbull

Few countries has a warrior tradition as long and as exciting as that of Japan -- and it is embodied in one powerful and romantic the loyal, self-sacrificing samurai. He is both a courageous swordsman and an aesthete. He is the commander on the battlefield, the keeper of the peace, the aristocratic administrator, and the avenger of his master. Here is the story of a class that ruled Japan for 700 years, covering such topics-- Samurai organization and clans-- Fighting strategies and accounts of battles-- Weapons, armor, and ceremonial dress-- The golden age of the shoguns-- The Meiji Restoration and the decline of the samurai Profusely illustrated with reproductions of artwork, line drawings, and photographs, this volume fully explores the colorful and violent warriors of Japan's feudal past.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Japan, Martial Arts

192 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1982

About the author

Stephen Richard Turnbull is British a historian specializing in eastern military history, especially the samurai of Japan. His books are mainly on Japanese and Mongolian subjects. He attended Cambridge University where he gained his first degree. He currently holds an MA in Theology, MA in Military History and a PhD from the University of Leeds where he is currently a lecturer in Far Eastern Religions. He has also written a number of books on other medieval topics. He is semi-retired but still holds the post of Visiting Professor of Japanese Studies at Akita International University in Japan.

Reviews

[James · Rating 3 out of 5]

A book that concentrates heavily on the military history of the samurai, both as an individual and as a social class. It's organized in a chronological fashion, starting from the earliest period while they were still 'servants' (the literal meaning of the kanji), their takeover of the government and their elimination. Reasonably well illustrated for an 80s book, the drawings, photos and illustrations come from a wide variety of sources including samurai movies!

It doesn't cover the non-martial aspects (samurai accountant!), so it's not a complete overview. If you're a gamer type this would make a nice reference book, otherwise you can give it a pass.

[Rin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not a bad read whatsoever but if you read some of Turnbull's newer titles then you don't have to read this one. I got a feeling like I was re-reading War in Japan and Warriors of Meideval Japan (which is his Samurai, Ashigaru and Ninja titles combined into one book). There are some good pictures and the organization is chronological so it's a good options for those unfamiliar with the subject.
Yet, it's a fairly old book so it's better to stick to his new works in Osprey series.

[Japs Ohma · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is about the history of samurai from the wars of the 2nd to 18th century, focusing on the samurai code of conduct (Bushido), historical places, culture, and the legendary battles led by the great samurai leaders.

[Jason Hendricks · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very informative, if a bit dry.