Ideals of the Samurai (History & Philosophy Series) [Paperback]

William Scott Wilson (Author)

Book Description

Series: History & Philosophy Series | Publication Date: August 1, 1982

Translated and introduced by accomplished Japanese language and literature scholar William Scott Wilson, this anthology compiles the writings of 12 samurai warriors and paints a cultural picture of feudal Japan between the 13th and 17th centuries. Each warrior's text is preceded by a brief summary of his life and career. What emerges from this collection is a picture of the samurai class that not only acknowledges a man's behavior on the battlefield but also surprises with its depth and humanity.

Editorial Reviews

Language Notes

Text: English, Japanese (translation)

Product Details

• Paperback: 144 pages
• Publisher: Black Belt Communications (August 1, 1982)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0897500814
• ISBN-13: 978-0897500814
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 6 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 6.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #516,858 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

49 of 51 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Twelve Unique Old Translated Writings on Bushido, March 2, 2003

By 

C. J. Hardman (San Diego, CA USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Ideals of the Samurai (History & Philosophy Series) (Paperback)

Translator William Scott Wilson offers us something unique with this book, first published in 1982 by Ohara. I can't recall any other source which includes this many specific writings on bushido (the warrior-gentleman's path)--there are 12 documents in this book, all written by different members of the warrior classes, dating from the 13th century (Hojo Shigetoki's "Message of Master Gokurakuji") to the 17th century (Kuroda Nagamasa's "Notes on Regulations").

These writings aren't what many of us 21st century martial artists have been conditioned to expect. I found more homespun advice and common sense relative to the era these men lived in than the stereotypical talk of honor and giri (duty). Much of this advice is still sound today. An example taken from the 700+ year old "Message of Master Gokurakuji" by Hojo Shigatoki:

"One should not talk about the faults of others, even as a joke. For even though one may think of it as a joke, to others it may be embarrassing, and this is a bad mistake. If one would joke, he should joke about things that are pleasurable to others. One should have restraint and deep sympathy in all things" (page 42-43)

Throughout the course of Wilson's translation, it is clear to see that the Samurai (serving warriors) were a people to whom consideration of others, polite manners and conduct were important. This volume offers a nice change from the linear austerity of the "Hagakure", which for many years along with Musashi's "Book of Five Spheres" has been one of the only widely available books which set the tone for how we modern day folks think of Samurai. In "Ideals of the Samurai", not only are many of the writings centuries apart, but they are from different families and different geographical areas of Japan. If you're curious about how the "old heads" ~really~ lived and what they thought about, this work is a must.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Arguably My Favorite Collection of Warrior Philosophy, June 3, 2009

By 

Ronin - See all my reviews

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This review is from: Ideals of the Samurai (History & Philosophy Series) (Paperback)

By some fortuitous chance I stumbled upon this book when it was first released and have since devoured it over a dozen times, and it keeps getting better and the meanings continue to evolve. This is a collection of timeless works by some of the most brilliant military minds produced by the Samurai during the height of their glory (1198 to 1623).

Some of the works are martial regulations laid down by a lord to govern his retainers, some are last words passed from a father to his son at death, and others are simply philosophical works that deal with character, strategy and tactics, and the tenants of Bushido. There is even a rare english translation of the military genius Takeda Shingen of Kai. I am also a big fan of Kato Kiyomasa who was not only a great general, but one of the master castle architects including Kumamoto-jo, perhaps my favorite in Japan.

This book is truly one of the greats. It is a window into the minds of brilliant men. The concepts are applicable to martial awareness, business, and just life in general. If there is one underlying theme prevailing throughout all the pieces, it is simply to hold yourself to a higher standard. I couldn't possibly recommend this book enough.

19 of 24 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Read the translations and make your own interpretations, February 16, 2002

By 

K. Orrson "katwomansz" (Columbia, MD United States) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Ideals of the Samurai (History & Philosophy Series) (Paperback)

Unlike the many books on bushido I have bought, this is a collection of short writings translated with no interpretation, other than an introduction. There are no great descriptions of great battles fought. The passages tend toward the more mundane business of being a feudal lord. Several are 'last statements' which gives you insight as to what the Samurai really wanted to be remembered for. And you will remember the quotable word bites. There are several B&W reproductions of paintings of the authors.