Customer Reviews

Hatamoto: Samurai Horse and Foot Guards 1540-1724 (Elite)

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Hatamoto is typical of Osprey Publishing's Elite series of titles. Lavishly illustrated (as usual) by English artist Richard Hook and written by Dr. Stephen Turnbull, the book gives a very nice overview of the Hatamoto, who were Samurai warriors in the 16th through the 18th centuries. Turnbull has drawn from his tremendous knowledge of Japanese history, culture, and customs to research and write a compelling overview that is certain to add to the casual reader's understanding of this legendary group of warriors. Hook's illustrations are colorful, vivid, and useful for wargamers wishing to recreate the period on the miniature battlefield. This book will be a useful addition to the bookshelves of gamers and modelers, as well as those military buffs looking for something out of the ordinary. Well done in Osprey's usual style!

The book is, of course, informative, presumably ideal for the audience it is aimed at. It is easy to understand, the illustrations are superb, and it is a pleasure to have this book in one's hands. It is not for the serious student, but I believe many people seek knowledge without scholarly depth; I think this book addresses this middle ground and I congratulate the author and the producers.

Stephen Turnbull's HATAMOTO: SAMURAI HORSE AND FOOT GUARDS, 1540-1724 receives Richard Hook's fine color illustrations throughout as it explores the hand-picked elite who served under the role of a Japanese feudal lord of the Sengoku period. This analysis is key for not just military and ancient history libraries, but for any Japanese history and culture collection, offering surveys of the hatamoto and their military might.