From Library Journal
If one is familiar with the war tales of medieval Japan (tenth to early 17th century), this scholarly study will give valuable background about the warriors (precursors of the samurai) and their combat conventions. If, however, one is unfamiliar with Japanese war tales, the endless names, places, dates, and battles presented here will prove daunting. It would be better to read some of the war tales themselves, many of which have been ably translated, for accounts of various battles that mix historical events with fantasy and literature, and then read this discussion for background. Varley (Japanese history, Columbia Univ.) does not demand familiarity with Japanese but does use many Japanese words with translations throughout his work. His writing is clear and skillful, but the subject matter will still be difficult. Recommended as a companion to collections of war tales.
Kitty Chen Dean, Nassau Coll., Garden City, N.Y.
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Kitty Chen Dean, Nassau Coll., Garden City, N.Y.
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.
From the Inside Flap
"This lively and engaging study by one of the foremost cultural historians in the field examines Japan's evolving samurai culture--warrior personality, values, mores, and battlefield customs--from the mid-tenth to the late fourteenth century, as it was reflected in literature...A well-written, entertaining, insightful, and valuable treatment of evolving impressions of warriors [that] reveals much about medieval Japanese culture. Paul Varley has researched his topic both widely and deeply to produce another winner." --Monumenta Nipponica
"Varley writes with the clarity and panache which we have come to expect from him and the result is a rich tapestry which provides many insights into warrior life in the Japanese middle ages. Students will learn a lot from this fine book." --Royal Asiatic Society Journal --This text refers to the Paperback edition.
