The Samurai and the Sacred [Hardcover]

Stephen Turnbull (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 31, 2006

The samurai were celebrated warriors, but they were also deeply spiritual men whose religious beliefs sustained and inspired their forays into battle. In this entirely original work, Stephen Turnbull, a leading authority on Japanese history and author of more than 50 books, reveals the soul of the samurai in a thoughtful exploration of the religions and philosophies that motivated them. Drawing inspiration from all manners of belief systems – from Japan’s mainstream religions of Shinto and Buddhism, to Confucianism, Christianity, and Folk Religion – the samurai were fascinating men who often valued their honor above their lives.
THE SAMURAI AND THE SACRED is strikingly illustrated with lavish Japanese prints and vibrant photographs. A provocative study, it includes chapters on martial arts, modern militarism, the cult of the sword, revenge, suicide, hara kiri and kamikaze pilots. THE SAMURAI AND THE SACRED is a compelling read that provides insight into Japanese culture, philosophy, and warfare.

Editorial Reviews

Review

Praise for Stephen Turnbull's Samurai - World of the Warrior from Professor Richard Holmes:

"A lively and compelling study of the samurai, the warrior elite of old Japan. Stephen Turnbull blends real scholarship with a flair for story telling to create a gripping account. It is good to see illustrations that rise to the high quality of the text to produce a book wholly worthy of the remarkable characters it describes."

On the paperback edition:

"Both spirituality and military history collections - as well as those strong in Japanese history in particular - will welcome The Samurai and the Sacred, a fine study examining the spiritual world of the samurai from their involvement in Japanese mainstream religions to their feature in Christianity and folk religions. Samurai expert Stephen Turnbull offers a detailed look at Japanese religion and religious terrorism in a powerful study suitable for any serious Japanese spirituality buff." -The California Bookwatch (September 2009)

About the Author

Stephen Turnbull took his first degree at Cambridge University, and received a PhD from Leeds University for his work on Japanese religious history. He has travelled extensively in Europe and the Far East and also runs a well-used picture library. His work has been recognised by the awarding of the Canon Prize of the British Association for Japanese Studies and a Japan Festival Literary Award. He divides his time between lecturing in Japanese Religion at the University of Leeds and writing. The author lives in Leeds, UK.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 224 pages
• Publisher: Osprey Publishing (October 31, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1846030218
• ISBN-13: 978-1846030215
• Product Dimensions: 7.8 x 0.9 x 9.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.3 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,544,116 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

21 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars SHINTO, BUSHIDO, AND BUSHI., November 27, 2006

By 

Kay's Husband (Virginia, U.S.A.) - See all my reviews
(TOP 500 REVIEWER)   

This review is from: The Samurai and the Sacred (Hardcover)

I have several other books from this author published recently and though I treasure those, I believe this book to be the most practical for my understanding of Japan.

Between the years 1962 & 1964 while with the military I resided in Japan on the Kanto Plain between Tokyo and Yokohama. During those years I visited many shrines, temples, and places of the Kami. In fact I was stationed at a Navy/Marine base named Kamiseya. Many of the questions I had and still have concerning sacred things of the Kami, Shinto, Buddha, temples, Torii gates, pagodas and shrines are addressed in this book. In addition, the numerous color photographs which exist on almost every page only heighten the understanding; as I look at many of these I know what it felt like to actually be there. The photos offer much greater realism to the text.

In addition the author traces the path of Buddhism from India through China and Korea to eventually reach Japan, where it was intermingled with both existing Shintoism and the Imperial family. The fact of the sun goddess being intertwined with the Imperial family explain why the Emperors were seen to be divine. All of this gives more understanding of just 'what' makes the Japanese to be "Japanese" than many other volumes I've read.

If you have any interest in the history of Japan concerning her religious roots that continue through present day, this is a book for you. Mr. Turnbull has issued at least 3 major books in the last few years that deal with both Japanese history and the Samurai, but this latest is the best for anyone wanting to know the force other than military that has both driven and sustained Japan through the centuries.

Semper Fi.

6 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Samurai and Their way of life, January 10, 2007

By 

N. Wolfson - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Samurai and the Sacred (Hardcover)

The Samurai and the Sacred is exactly what we have all come to love when reading Stephen Turnbull's books, well narrated facts. This book is a must have for any samurai lover, martial art practitionar, or stephen turnbull fan.
Very nice color illustrations which no other book has also adds to its value.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Samurai and the Sacred, February 8, 2008

By 

David J. Miller - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Samurai and the Sacred (Hardcover)

Great book, gives alot of info on the native Japanese religion w/ relation to the samurai. Great picture, of artwork, shinto shrines, statues etc.