The Samurai (Europa Militaria Special, 14) (Paperback)

~ Mitsuo Kure (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

The term 'samurai' conjures up the image of a fierce swordsman clad in complex armor, proud and relentless in battle, ready to die - by his own hand if necessary - in obedience to an unfaltering code of honor. This dynamic and colorful volume contains 200 meticulously reproduced photographs that reveal the real samurais, their uniforms, their equipment and their weapons. Europa Militaria Special 14.

From the Inside Flap

--This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 96 pages
• Publisher: Crowood; illustrated edition edition (August 3, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 186126335X
• ISBN-13: 978-1861263353
• Product Dimensions: 10.1 x 7.1 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (15 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,255,815 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

50 of 52 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful Summary of Samurai history and equipment, August 27, 2002

By	B. Kempinski (Alexandria, VA United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This review is from: Samurai: An Illustrated History (Hardcover)

This book is an excellent summary of samurai history, equipment and tactics. Of the Samurai books I've read, this is the best overall treatment.

The author covers each major period with a general description of the history of the period. He then provides profuse illustrations, battle maps, photos of reenactors and surviving artifacts.

It has the clear and easy to understand description and drawings of samurai armor. The photos of reenactors are really great. They really bring the subject to life.

The historical narative is brief and covers just the basics of the complex maneuvering, diplomacy and warfare that was characteristic for this period. Hard core researchers will probably find this thin,. But for a reader interested in a solid overview of the period, this book is great.

17 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Decent Book, April 28, 2007

By	Somyunguy - See all my reviews

This review is from: Samurai: Arms, Armor, Costume (Hardcover)

This book is decent, if you know what you're getting. It's primarily a picture book, with a wide variety of both military and civilian Japanese dress from various periods (primarily military dress/armor). The pictures are all actual modern color photos of reenactors with blank white background to them, and brief descriptions of the costume and purpose (some of which is actual antique, but most is reproduction).
On the good side, it's a great book for actually seeing what the stuff really looked like on real people. On the downside, there was apparently no editor with English as a first language, so bad sentence structure, grammar and spelling are rampant; but no big deal as it is brief and still gets the point across. You can also see the guys with the distinct samurai hair cuts are wearing obvious rubber bald-caps, and the same few individuals throughout. Also, the author oversteppes the bounds of his knowledge once or twice when attempting to compare things to Western equivalents.

It's worth the money if you know what you're getting.

17 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great book, February 21, 2004

By	Frendlehale (Canada) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Samurai: An Illustrated History (Hardcover)

This book covers the Samurai pretty well. Unlike alot of the other books I've seen, this book covers all samurai periods from the earliest to the latest. If goes fairly in depth with armor and weapons giving accurate dates to everything. Loads of colour photos and drawings.
This should be the first book you buy on Samurai, even though it may not be you're last. Will impress non-beginers as well.