Arms and Armor of the Samurai: The History of Weaponry in Ancient Japan [Import] [Hardcover]

I. Bottomley (Author), A. P. Hopson (Author)

Product Details

• Hardcover: 192 pages
• Publisher: Crescent Books; First Edition Thus edition (1988)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0517644673
• ISBN-13: 978-0517644676
• Product Dimensions: 12 x 9.2 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.6 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (12 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,117,147 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Reference Work, December 31, 1999

By 

TimSpfd (Oregon, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Arms and Armor of the Samurai: The History of Weaponry in Ancient Japan (Hardcover)

This book is an excellent primer on the forms and construction of Samurai arms and armour. There are detailed illustrations of the different sections of armour, including correct terminology in both English and Japanese. There are also diagrams of the cording techniques used to connect pieces together. Lavish color illustrations and a glossary of terms makes this work a real find. A top reference work on the subject.

13 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Top notch book for any lover of the samurai, December 9, 2000

By 

Lisa Shea "medieval swordfighting enthusiast" - See all my reviews
(HALL OF FAME REVIEWER)    (VINE VOICE)    (TOP 50 REVIEWER)   

This review is from: Arms and Armor of the Samurai: The History of Weaponry in Ancient Japan (Hardcover)

I've run a feudal Japan SIG for 12 years now, and have quite a library on the samurai and Japanese culture. This is by far one of my favorites. The book begins with an overview of the warrior culture in Japan, reviewing the eight points of Bushido (the Way of the Warrior) and the periods in Japanese history.

It then begins with photos and descriptions of early history armor and weapons, back in the 800s when Japan was just forming its culture. It then moves into the more and more elaborate outfits and armor, with drawings, photos and historical illustrations explaining how the items were put on and used.

The helmet and armor photos are simply gorgeous, with all details showing up clearly and then described in full detail. I could look at the photos of the swords and tsuba, or guards, for quite a while. The glossary at the back helps explain any terms with which you are unfamiliar.

Highly recommended for any fan of this fascinating culture.

8 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Very Nice piece of work., February 15, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Arms and Armor of the Samurai: The History of Weaponry in Ancient Japan (Hardcover)

Arms and Armour of the samurai is a very comphrensive book covering several periods of Samurai weapons and armour. The pictures are of excellent quality, showing very fine details. The explination of the weapons and armour is complete. A must have for those interested in arms and armour of the samurai.