What Life Was Like Among Samurai and Shoguns: Japan, AD 1000-1700

What Life Was Like

by Denise Dersin (Editor), Time-Life Books

"What Life Was Like Among Samurai and Shoguns" tells the story of a grand empress's unstoppable ambition to determine who would rule her nation, along with many other compelling tales of the men and women of medieval Japan. It focuses on the daily lives of emperors and artisans, samurai and poets, and courtesans and monks in the capitals of Kyoto and Edo, in the countryside, in various castle towns and military fortifications, as well as in action on the battlefield. People like Murasaki Shikibu who wrote of the romantic lives of the Kyoto courtiers in her Tale of Genji; the great warrior Kusunoki Masashige, who committed seppuku rather than face capture by enemy troops; and Toyotomi Hideyoshi, who succeeded, when so many others had failed, in unifying Japan. Distinctive and colorful scroll paintings bring Japan's people, places and events vividly to life. Fabulous artifacts, such as gold- and silver-dusted lacquerware boxes; kimonos of rich, embroidered silk; enigmatic No masks; and fearsome samurai body armor complete the setting of the scene.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Japan, Martial Arts, Research

144 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1999

Reviews

[Pablo · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a fairly new fan of Japan, I thought this was a fun, fascinating and informative tour through Japanese society for most of the period when the shoguns ruled. Accessible, yet goes into some detail about customs, conflicts, and important historical figures. Full of interesting pictures as well. If you're interested in Japanese history or culture, this book is well worth the perusal.

[Nancy H · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another excellent book in the 'What Life Was Like' series, this book is a well-researched and well-written look at early Japan. It is fascinating reading and a very good look at what life was truly like in all areas at that time.

[P.S. Winn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Step back into time in Medieval Japan. This book chronicles life in a different time and a place that has fascinated me for many years.

[Alice · Rating 4 out of 5]

I picked up this book after watching the short docu-series on Netflix called Age of Samurai: Battle for Japan. The series was fascinating, and I wanted to learn more about the lifestyles of these larger than life figures. This book by Dersin seemed like the best introduction, being brief, full of pictures, but still covering a lot of ground. There's so much to impart that the iconic Oda Nobunaga, Hideyoshi Toyotomi, and Tokugawa Ieyasu only appear near the end of this book. Samurai and Shoguns does not only discuss the daily lives of these figures, but it also does a lot to setup up the world they inhabit and gives added dimension to their motives. This book is thought-provoking, informative, but also entertaining to read about.

Unlike Dersin's other book in this series about Imperial China, Samurai and Shoguns delves into the daily lives of its characters. You learn about the fashions of the people, as well as the women who helped shape the empire of Japan. You learn about how the merchant class organized themselves into guilds alongside learning about historic battles. Overall, Dersin does a much better job here of painting a complete picture of 16th-17th century Japanese society, to the point where users can imagine it for themselves.

If you're interested in this period of Japanese history, I highly recommend both the book and the docu-series. Together, the two paint a really compelling and complex picture of medieval Japan that is truly incomparable.

[Jessica · Rating 3 out of 5]

A fascinating look at how a country and culture came to be. Lots of interesting tidbits about court life, customs, rituals, and how certain things that we're familiar with today in Japanese culture found there beginnings.

[Deborah · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found the history and information on daily life interesting. The pictures were beautiful and most of the book was easy-to-read.

[Simon · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very readable account of the history of Japan between the years of 1000 and 1700. It is lavishly illustrated. Highly recommended to any with an interest in Japanese history.