Customer Reviews

Samurai Commanders (2): 1577-1638 (Elite) (Vol 2)

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Once again Turnbull turns out re-hashed content in this book, and once again, it isn't even content from one of his previous books. It seems like Turnbull just opened up AL Sadler's "Shogun: The Life and Times of Tokugawa Ieyasu" and paraphrased from that has he pleased. Turnbull's words about Sassa Narimasa are so close to Sadler's that the "p" word comes to mind. And the horrible irony of it all is that Turnbull wrote the intro to the new edition of Sadler's book on Ieyasu published by Tuttle-- and it's a shame---for as much as Sadler has "given" to Turnbull, his words about Sadler and his book really aren't all that inspiring.

Turnbull seems to excel at shoddy research and cranking out pop history books one after. Occasionally, Turnbull does write a well-researched and original work, such as "Samurai Invasion" and "Samurai and the Sacred" Even his recent release on the Satsuma Invasion of Okinawa isn't too bad for an Osprey release. But this book is just another piece of schlock that Turnbull should be embarrassed by. If you want to read more about samurai commanders between 1577-138 and and see where Turnbull got most of his info and even some uncannily similar lines, buy AL Sadler's "Shogun: The Life and Times of Tokugawa Ieyasu".

As usual Turnbull has another great book. Just as it was in Samurai Commanders Vol. 1, so it is with this book. Turnbull focus on each commander briefly. I'm sure there is more to tell of each commander if there were space in the book. But what is there are to the point overviews of each persona. And as always this book like most Osprey books has such wonderful artwork. Both Vol.1 and 2. are very good books full of photos, artwork and information. Either book would make a great addition to anyone's refernece books on the Samurai.

I love this book. I love it. I carry it with me when ever I'm out and need a quick read or need to cite a date or name to a "samurai buddy". IT has some of the most legendary warlords in existence including my absolute favorite, Date Masamune. The paintings are wonderful and dead on accurate to famous armors. I lent this to a friend at work and it was so good his dog chewed it, needless to say he is replacing it but I still can't part with the original I bought a few years ago. The first time I glanced at the pages I was absorbed. Turnbull does it again! A great "mini" guide for samurai fanatics and a supreb introduction to those with just a mild interest.