Samurai: The Story of Japan's Great Warriors [Hardcover]

Stephen Turnbull (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 28, 2004

Four vellum sections build up the layers of armor worn by the samurai, and text by a world-recognized expert on the subject, provide an inimitable look at the mysterious ancient Japanese warrior class. Every image and page offers fascinating insight, from an overview of early Japan and the emperor system to the specifics of weaponry. The story begins as the samurai come into being in the 800s, and defines exactly what they are. Tales of the great battles and feuds, and commentary on the politics of the time, bring these compelling soldiers to life. The comprehensive information covers such issues as the samurai's ranks and grades, way of life, retainers, loyalty (bushido), and training. An absolutely compelling guide.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Dr. Stephen Turnbull is recognized as the leading non-Japanese authority on the samurai, with a knowledge base that is unrivaled. He has published 22 books since 1977, most on Japanese topics, and is a guest lecturer at Leeds University.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 224 pages
• Publisher: PRC Publishing (May 28, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1856487032
• ISBN-13: 978-1856487030
• Product Dimensions: 11.6 x 9.3 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.6 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,260,794 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

18 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Comprehensive Pictorial Guide, January 24, 2006

By 

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

This review is from: Samurai: The Story of Japan's Great Warriors (Hardcover)

I'm not certain why the "Samurai" bug bites readers but in my case I lived outside Yokohama, Japan, on the Kanto Plain for 25 months between October, 1962, and December, 1964. (Please see also my review of Oliver Statler's early 1960's book, "Japanese Inn" for additional detail of this area).

Living only a stone's throw from the ancient Tokaido Road, once capital city Kamakura, and medieval Odawara castle, among many other sites, caused me to this very day to have an avocational interest for Japan in general and the Samurai in specific.

I have several of Stephen Turnbull's books, feeling him to be very well versed in all aspects of this field to the point of being a notable expert in that area. The term "expert" is bandied about these days oft times without substance or merit, but in Mr. Turnbull's case it is well justified.

This particular book is one I purchased a year ago, and for the price was very pleased with its content. Should one look into it a reader would find it a good, comprehensive guide to the Japanese warriors known as 'samurai'. There are specific armor and weaponry illustrations and descriptions, as well as four "see-through vellum sections" where each layer of clothing and protective armour offers insight into the dress of these warriors. The text flows evenly and can readily be understood. Should the reader be new to this area of study this volume would easily serve as a great introductory volume.

This oversize book is amply illustrated in color, and in 256 pages offers magnificently "the story of Japan's great warriors".

Semper Fi.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Perfect Introduction, December 7, 2007

By 

K. Murphy "Fortune favors the Bold" (The thriving metropolis of Masury, OH) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Samurai: The Story of Japan's Great Warriors (Hardcover)

This book would serve as an excellent introduction to someone who has read little or nothing on the samurai; it covers their history from the days of the Yayoi tribesmen to their overthrow during the Meiji Restoration, and provides much readable detail on their culture, organization, religious beliefs, armor, clothing, and most interestingly, the full range of their deadly arsenal.

Though I have maintained a strong interest in the samurai for several years and have read many books on them, I still learned some things from this book (notably that they used axes in battle, as well as clubs and maces). Anything by Stephen Turnbull can be pretty much guaranteed to be well worth one's money. In short, this book would be especially good for beginners but worthwhile for veterans of Japanese military history as well.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Good Primer, January 13, 2011

By 

Matt Busse - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Samurai (Paperback)

Very interesting account of the rise and the fall of the samurai in Japan. Plus, the over-sized book is full of gorgeous artwork from the different time periods. But be warned, after reading this historical account, you might lose some of the romatic notions you had about the samurai...