Examines the samurai tradition, which encompasses seven hundred years of Japanese history, and describes the armor, weapons, traditions, and famous battles of the samurai.

Few countries has a warrior tradition as long and as exciting as that of Japan -- and it is embodied in one powerful and romantic figure: 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 as: -- 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.

A History of the Samurai tells the complete story of Japan's legendary warrior class from beginning to end--an epic tale of intrigue, bloodshed and bravery that is central to an understanding of the Japanese character and of Japanese history. It describes in detail the core Samurai philosophy of Bushido--"the way of the warrior"--a complex code of conduct embracing ideals of honor and loyalty that continues to govern the Japanese way of life today. Historian Jonathan Lopez-Vera offers a compelling look at these enigmatic warriors including: The lives of famous Samurai--Miyamoto Musashi, Japan's greatest swordsman; Tomoe Gozen, the woman who became a Samurai; Tokugawa Ieyasu, the last Shogun; and many more The tragic tale of the 47 Ronin who chose honor over their own lives and were forced to commit ritual suicide after avenging their fallen master The philosophy of Bushido, "the Way of the Warrior," the code of conduct that embraced the ideals of honor and loyalty and governed the Samurai way of living The decline of the Samurai and their transformation from rough, battle-hardened warriors to highly educated philosopher-poets Illustrated with 125 archival prints and photos, the nobility and grandeur of the Samurai is brilliantly showcased in this book. Readers will enjoy immersing themselves in the Samurai's world, as historian Jonathan Lopez-Vera traces the fascinating story of the rise and fall of these enigmatic warriors throughout Japanese history.

A fascinating look at ancient Japanese weaponry, complete with 150 dazzling full-color photographs.

Asian history.

Enter the fascinating world of the Samurai and discover how these highly skilled warriors lived and served their masters, the nobility of medieval Japan. Understand the way of the warrior, the Samurai's code of conduct, find out how a Samurai learned his skills, and see the weapons and armor that Samurai used in battle.

Combines the latest research with contemporary lives, descriptions, and reconstructions to provide a dramatic picture of what it was like to be a samurai. So you think you’d like to be a samurai? It’s 1615 and the samurai, Japan’s elite fighting class, are at the zenith of their powers. Trained in every manner of combat, from sword fighting and archery to karate and jujitsu, the samurai warrior is the emperor’s last line of defense against the lewd and sordid barbarians of Japan and beyond. This handy manual tells you everything you need to know about maintaining the honor of the samurai class both on and off the battlefield. • How to master the Way of the Warrior • Whom you should kill, and what to do with the heads afterward • What the cultured samurai does between battles • How to storm or lay siege to a castle • How to conduct a tea ceremony with Zen-like composure • How to prepare for entry into the White Jade Pavilion after your death