A Brief History Of The Samurai

A Brief History Of The Samurai Book in PDF, ePub and Kindle version is available to download in english. Read online anytime anywhere directly from your device. Click on the download button below to get a free pdf file of A Brief History Of The Samurai book. This book definitely worth reading, it is an incredibly well-written.

A Brief History of the Samurai

Author : Jonathan Clements
Publisher : Robinson
Page : 160 pages
File Size : 51,8 Mb
Release : 2013-02-07
Category : History
ISBN : 9781472107725

Get Book

A Brief History of the Samurai by Jonathan Clements Pdf

'Clements has a knack for writing suspenseful sure-footed conflict scenes: His recounting of the Korean invasion led by samurai and daimyo Toyotomi Hideyoshi reads like a thriller. If you're looking for a samurai primer, Clements' guide will keep you on the hook' Japan Times, reviewed as part of an Essential Reading for Japanophiles series From a leading expert in Japanese history, this is one of the first full histories of the art and culture of the Samurai warrior. The Samurai emerged as a warrior caste in Medieval Japan and would have a powerful influence on the history and culture of the country from the next 500 years. Clements also looks at the Samurai wars that tore Japan apart in the 17th and 18th centuries and how the caste was finally demolished in the advent of the mechanized world.

Brief History of Japan

Author : Jonathan Clements
Publisher : Tuttle Publishing
Page : 326 pages
File Size : 52,9 Mb
Release : 2017-08-01
Category : History
ISBN : 9781462919345

Get Book

Brief History of Japan by Jonathan Clements Pdf

This fascinating history tells the story of the people of Japan, from ancient teenage priest-queens to teeming hordes of salarymen, a nation that once sought to conquer China, yet also shut itself away for two centuries in self-imposed seclusion. First revealed to Westerners in the chronicles of Marco Polo, Japan was a legendary faraway land defended by a fearsome Kamikaze storm and ruled by a divine sovereign. It was the terminus of the Silk Road, the furthest end of the known world, a fertile source of inspiration for European artists, and an enduring symbol of the mysterious East. In recent times, it has become a powerhouse of global industry, a nexus of popular culture, and a harbinger of post-industrial decline. With intelligence and wit, author Jonathan Clements blends documentary and storytelling styles to connect the past, present and future of Japan, and in broad yet detailed strokes reveals a country of paradoxes: a modern nation steeped in ancient traditions; a democracy with an emperor as head of state; a famously safe society built on 108 volcanoes resting on the world's most active earthquake zone; a fast-paced urban and technologically advanced country whose land consists predominantly of mountains and forests. Among the chapters in this Japanese history book are: The Way of the Gods: Prehistoric and Mythical Japan A Game of Thrones: Minamoto vs. Taira Time Warp: 200 Years of Isolation The Stench of Butter: Restoration and Modernization The New Breed: The Japanese Miracle

A History of the Samurai

Author : Jonathan Lopez-Vera
Publisher : Tuttle Publishing
Page : 210 pages
File Size : 40,6 Mb
Release : 2020-06-02
Category : History
ISBN : 9781462921348

Get Book

A History of the Samurai by Jonathan Lopez-Vera Pdf

A History of the Samurai tells the complete story of Japan's legendary warrior class from beginning to end--an epic tale of intrigue, bloodshed and bravery that is central to an understanding of the Japanese character and of Japanese history. It describes in detail the core Samurai philosophy of Bushido--"the way of the warrior"--a complex code of conduct embracing ideals of honor and loyalty that continues to govern the Japanese way of life today. Historian Jonathan Lopez-Vera offers a compelling look at these enigmatic warriors including: The lives of famous Samurai--Miyamoto Musashi, Japan's greatest swordsman; Tomoe Gozen, the woman who became a Samurai; Tokugawa Ieyasu, the last Shogun; and many more The tragic tale of the 47 Ronin who chose honor over their own lives and were forced to commit ritual suicide after avenging their fallen master The philosophy of Bushido, "the Way of the Warrior," the code of conduct that embraced the ideals of honor and loyalty and governed the Samurai way of living The decline of the Samurai and their transformation from rough, battle-hardened warriors to highly educated philosopher-poets Illustrated with 125 archival prints and photos, the nobility and grandeur of the Samurai is brilliantly showcased in this book. Readers will enjoy immersing themselves in the Samurai's world, as historian Jonathan Lopez-Vera traces the fascinating story of the rise and fall of these enigmatic warriors throughout Japanese history.

Samurai

Author : Michael Wert
Publisher : Oxford University Press, USA
Page : 129 pages
File Size : 48,5 Mb
Release : 2019
Category : HISTORY
ISBN : 9780190932947

Get Book

Samurai by Michael Wert Pdf

About the samurai from their origins to their disappearance. The idea of the sword-wielding samurai, beholden to a strict ethical code and trained in deadly martial arts, dominates popular conceptions of the samurai. As early as the late seventeenth century, they were heavily featured in literature, art, theater, and even comedy. This book describes samurai life, work, philosophy, and warfare as it changed over time from the eighth to the nineteenth century and dispels myths about the samurai one might encounter in popular culture

Samurai

Author : Mitsuo Kure
Publisher : Tuttle Publishing
Page : 192 pages
File Size : 55,5 Mb
Release : 2014-11-25
Category : History
ISBN : 9781462914906

Get Book

Samurai by Mitsuo Kure Pdf

Samurai: An Illustrated History brings the violent, tumultuous, and, at the same time, elegant world of the medieval Japanese samurai to life. This book of Japanese history traces the story of a unique historical phenomenon: a period of 700 years—equivalent to the entire stretch of Western history between the reigns of the Crusader king Richard the Lionhearted and of Queen Victoria at the height of the British Empire—during which an enclosed civilization was dominated by a single warrior caste. The historical narrative of samurai history is supported by explanations of samurai armor, weapons, fortifications, tactics, and customs, and illustrated with nearly 800 fascinating color photographs, maps, and sketches, including ancient scroll paintings and surviving suits of armor preserved for centuries in Japanese shrines. From the 12th to the 19th centuries the history of Japan was effectively the history of the samurai—the class of professional fighting men. At first they were no more than lowly soldiery employed by the court aristocracy of Kyoto, but the growing power of the provincial warrior clans soon enabled them to brush aside the executive power of the imperial court and to form their own parallel military government. Though individual dynasties came and went in cycles of vigor and decadence, the dominance of the samurai as a class proved uniquely resilient.

Legends of the Samurai

Author : Hiroaki Sato
Publisher : Abrams
Page : 562 pages
File Size : 50,9 Mb
Release : 2012-03-06
Category : History
ISBN : 9781468301373

Get Book

Legends of the Samurai by Hiroaki Sato Pdf

This authoritative history of Japan’s elite warrior class separates fact from myth as it chronicles centuries of samurai combat, culture, and legend. In Legends of the Samurai, Hiroaki Sato examines the history of these medieval Japanese warriors, as well as the many long-standing myths that surround them. In doing so, he presents an authentic and revealing picture of these men and their world. Sato’s masterful translations of original samurai tales, laws, dicta, reports, and arguments are accompanied by insightful commentary. With incisive historical research, this volume chronicles the changing ethos of the Japanese warrior from the samurai's historical origins to his rise to political power. A fascinating look at Japanese history as seen through the evolution of the samurai, Legends of the Samurai stands as the ultimate authority on its subject.

An Illustrated Guide to Samurai History and Culture

Author : Gavin Blair
Publisher : Tuttle Publishing
Page : 252 pages
File Size : 40,6 Mb
Release : 2022-04-05
Category : History
ISBN : 9781462923137

Get Book

An Illustrated Guide to Samurai History and Culture by Gavin Blair Pdf

The ultimate visual guide to Samurai history and culture! The Samurai are continuously celebrated as the greatest warriors the world has ever seen. They ruled Japan for centuries, finally uniting the nation after a prolonged period of brutal war and bloodshed. Though famed for their loyalty, honor, and chivalry, they could also be treacherous, bloodthirsty, and merciless. This book tells the story of their rise and eventual demise through carefully curated images, both historical and contemporary, with an engaging and authoritative text by Gavin Blair--a noted commentator on all things Japanese. It exposes the myths surrounding the Samurai and reveals their many secrets, while examining their enduring influence on global culture in anime, manga, books, and video games. Gorgeously illustrated with color prints, paintings, and photos throughout, this book features detailed chapters on: The rise of the Japanese warrior class and how they established their grip on political power Rival clans, legendary Samurai, the unification of warlord states, and famous female Samurai Samurai "tools of the trade"--swords, bows, spears, guns, castles, and armor The cult of Bushido, the fabled warrior's code The transformation of Samurai into cultured "gentlemen" warriors, poets, and aristocrats Their legacy in modern world literature, media, film, and popular culture And so much more! A foreword by leading Samurai historian Alexander Bennett, the celebrated translator of works such as The Complete Musashi and Hagakure, introduces readers to these fascinating warriors, who continue to captivate modern audiences.

Seppuku

Author : Andrew Rankin
Publisher : Kodansha USA
Page : 256 pages
File Size : 53,8 Mb
Release : 2012-11-20
Category : Sports & Recreation
ISBN : 9781568364483

Get Book

Seppuku by Andrew Rankin Pdf

The history of seppuku -- Japanese ritual suicide by cutting the stomach, sometimes referred to as hara-kiri -- spans a millennium, and came to be favored by samurai as an honorable form of death. Here, for the first time in English, is a book that charts the history of seppuku from ancient times to the twentieth century through a collection of swashbuckling tales from history and literature. Author Andrew Rankin takes us from the first recorded incident of seppuku, by the goddess Aomi in the eighth century, through the "golden age" of seppuku in the sixteenth century that includes the suicides of Shibata Katsuie, Sen no Riky? and Toyotomi Hidetsugu, up to the seppuku of General Nogi Maresuke in 1912. Drawing on never-before-translated medieval war tales, samurai clan documents, and execution handbooks, Rankin also provides a fascinating look at the seppuku ritual itself, explaining the correct protocol and etiquette for seppuku, different stomach-cutting procedures, types of swords, attire, location, even what kinds of refreshment should be served at the seppuku ceremony. The book ends with a collection of quotations from authors and commentators down through the centuries, summing up both the Japanese attitude toward seppuku and foreigners’ reactions: "As for when to die, make sure you are one step ahead of everyone else. Never pull back from the brink. But be aware that there are times when you should die, and times when you should not. Die at the right moment, and you will be a hero. Die at the wrong moment, and you will die like a dog." -- Izawa Nagahide, The Warrior’s Code, 1725 "We all thought, ‘These guys are some kind of nutcakes.’" — Jim Verdolini, USS Randolph, describing "Kamikaze" attack of March 11, 1945

The Book of Samurai

Author : Antony Cummins,Yoshie Minami
Publisher : Watkins Media Limited
Page : 544 pages
File Size : 40,6 Mb
Release : 2015-10-20
Category : Sports & Recreation
ISBN : 9781780288857

Get Book

The Book of Samurai by Antony Cummins,Yoshie Minami Pdf

The first installment in a multi-volume guide on the lost arts of the samurai—presented in the English language for the very first time Antony Cummins and Yoshie Minami have brought the teachings of the famed samurai school Natori-Ryu back to life through The Book of Samurai series. This first installment is a translation of two secret scrolls and establishes the Fundamental Teachings of a samurai student, revealing the basic traditions of Natori-Ryu. The first scroll, Heika Jodan, contains 290 lessons that define the baseline for samurai during times of peace—a time which is considered as preparation for war. It focuses each student on expanding their own ability and conduct, giving them the mind-set needed for any battles to come. The second scroll, Ippei Yoko, moves the student onto the field of battle. It provides them with an understanding of what is expected during a campaign of war and the necessary guidance for samurai who are to take up arms for the first time. These first two Natori-Ryu documents are an in-depth and detailed account of the practicality of samurai warfare, opening up the lost world of these Japanese warriors to all modern readers.

How To Be a Modern Samurai

Author : Antony Cummins
Publisher : Watkins Media Limited
Page : 225 pages
File Size : 41,6 Mb
Release : 2020-08-11
Category : Self-Help
ISBN : 9781786784063

Get Book

How To Be a Modern Samurai by Antony Cummins Pdf

Take inspiration from old Japan and discover how the samurai practices for self-discipline, focus, leadership, and mind control can help you find success in your daily life. For centuries, the Japanese samurai were the unquestioned leaders of their society, maintaining their position through their iron will, Zen-like emotional control, and clan-building social skills. Today, in a modern world that so often privileges instant gratification and self-indulgence, few commit to the Way of the Samurai, yet this challenging path of self-discipline, self-control, and dedication will bring great rewards to those who follow it. In this ultimate guide to making use of the authentic samurai practices and techniques in today’s world, learn how to control your mind and emotions, stay on the path until you have achieved mastery of your chosen art, build a network of loyal followers, defend your home from physical and psychic attack, use samurai spirituality and even magic—and much more.

African Samurai

Author : Thomas Lockley,Geoffrey Girard
Publisher : Harlequin
Page : 518 pages
File Size : 42,7 Mb
Release : 2019-04-30
Category : Biography & Autobiography
ISBN : 9781488098758

Get Book

African Samurai by Thomas Lockley,Geoffrey Girard Pdf

This biography of the first foreign-born samurai and his journey from Africa to Japan is “a readable, compassionate account of an extraordinary life” (The Washington Post). When Yasuke arrived in Japan in the late 1500s, he had already traveled much of the known world. Kidnapped as a child, he had ended up a servant and bodyguard to the head of the Jesuits in Asia, with whom he traversed India and China learning multiple languages as he went. His arrival in Kyoto, however, literally caused a riot. Most Japanese people had never seen an African man before, and many of them saw him as the embodiment of the black-skinned Buddha. Among those who were drawn to his presence was Lord Nobunaga, head of the most powerful clan in Japan, who made Yasuke a samurai in his court. Soon, he was learning the traditions of Japan’s martial arts and ascending the upper echelons of Japanese society. In the four hundred years since, Yasuke has been known in Japan largely as a legendary, perhaps mythical figure. Now African Samurai presents the never-before-told biography of this unique figure of the sixteenth century, one whose travels between countries and cultures offers a new perspective on race in world history and a vivid portrait of life in medieval Japan. “Fast-paced, action-packed writing. . . . A new and important biography and an incredibly moving study of medieval Japan and solid perspective on its unification. Highly recommended.” —Library Journal (starred review) “Eminently readable. . . . a worthwhile and entertaining work.” —Publishers Weekly “A unique story of a unique man, and yet someone with whom we can all identify.” —Jack Weatherford, New York Times–bestselling author of Genghis Khan

Samurai: a Very Short Introduction

Author : Michael Wert
Publisher : Oxford University Press, USA
Page : 145 pages
File Size : 50,8 Mb
Release : 2021
Category : History
ISBN : 9780190685072

Get Book

Samurai: a Very Short Introduction by Michael Wert Pdf

"A book about the samurai from their origins in the eighth and ninth centuries until their demise in the mid-nineteenth century. It dispels a lot of myths about the samurai one might encounter in popular culture. It describes samurai life, work, philosophy, and warfare as it changed over time. It covers what samurai were doing when they weren't fighting. For example, samurai who engaged in commerce, formed gangs, begged, and even taught samurai etiquette and martial arts to non-samurai. The first half of the book tends to focus on warriors, some of whom were essentially aristocrats; warrior families who looked to non-warrior nobles for models of behaviour, lifestyle, and politics. It traces the early formation of a warrior regime, how it interacted with an emperor-centered noble court located permanently in Kyoto, and the political and cultural struggles within the warrior class. The second half of the book zeroes in on the details of warlord families, the struggles of "rank-and-file" samurai typically depicted in popular culture-warriors from the seventeenth through nineteenth centuries. It also shows how samurai history, culture, and values were consumed by non-samurai and, in so doing, contributed to an idealized warrior image that even samurai themselves tried to emulate"--

Life as a Samurai

Author : Matt Doeden
Publisher : Capstone
Page : 58 pages
File Size : 49,8 Mb
Release : 2011
Category : Plot-your-own stories
ISBN : 9781429647830

Get Book

Life as a Samurai by Matt Doeden Pdf

"Describes the lives of samurai warriors in ancient Japan. The readers' choices reveal the historical details of life as a samurai during the Gempai wars of the 1100s, the rise of Nobunga in 1560, and as a wandering ronin in the 1600s"--Provided by publisher.

Samurai

Author : Thomas Louis,Tommy Ito
Publisher : Sterling Publishing Company, Inc.
Page : 212 pages
File Size : 41,8 Mb
Release : 2008-08
Category : Japan
ISBN : 1402763123

Get Book

Samurai by Thomas Louis,Tommy Ito Pdf

"'Samurai' explores the essence, truth, and wisdom of these remarkable warriors. It features renowned samurai warriors, their weapons, armor, and military strategies and illuminates their unwavering "Bushido" philosophy--the strict code of honor requiring absolute loyalty to their master above all else, and ritual suicide in preference to dying a dishonorable death. This book explores the spirit, body, and minds of these sublime paladins who long ago passed into legend, but still live on today"--Back cover.

The Samurai's Tale

Author : Erik Christian Haugaard
Publisher : Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
Page : 260 pages
File Size : 48,9 Mb
Release : 2005
Category : Juvenile Fiction
ISBN : 0618615121

Get Book

The Samurai's Tale by Erik Christian Haugaard Pdf

When the powerful Lord Takeda's soldiers sweep across the countryside, killing and plundering, they spare the boy Taro's life and take him along with them. Taro becomes a servant in the household of the noble Lord Akiyama, where he meets Togan, a cook, who teaches Taro and makes his new life bearable. But when Togan is murdered, Taro's life takes a new direction: He will become a samurai, and redeem the family legacy that has been stolen from him.