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An Illustrated Guide to Samurai History and Culture: From the Age of Musashi to Contemporary Pop Culture Hardcover – April 5, 2022

by Gavin Blair (Author), Alexander Bennett (Foreword)
4.8 4.8 out of 5 stars 59 ratings
See all formats and editions
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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.
Previous page
  1. Print length
    240 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publisher
    Tuttle Publishing
  4. Publication date
    April 5, 2022
  5. Dimensions
    7.75 x 1.25 x 10.25 inches
  6. ISBN-10
    4805316594
  7. ISBN-13
    978-4805316597
  8. See all details
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From the Publisher

horse

Following the Samurai Legacy

The samurai—or bushi, as they are often referred to in Japan—were undoubtedly some of the most formidable fighting men (& women) to have graced a battlefield. These warriors originated in the early Heian period (794–1185), when they had yet to acquire the moniker of samurai. They would exist for nearly a thousand years until the mid-19th century, ruling Japan in some form or other for almost 700 years. Samurai are most famous for their katana swords and fierce loyalty.

samurai

Learn about legendary battles & famous samurai

Alongside gorgeous photos and woodblock paintings, The Illustrated Guide to Samurai History and Culture gives insight to legendary battles and famous samurai as well as debunks myths about the samurai life and culture. The text even sheds light on the influence of zen on the art, the samurai's effect on today's martial arts, how the samurai is portrayed in modern film and anime, as well as details information on renowned female samurai. For example, the text takes a look at Nakano Takeko, who fought in a female battle unit in the Battle of Aizu, where she wielded a naginata, a wooden pole with a curved single-edged blade

Tools of the Trade

armor

guard

ok

coat

ARMOR

Also known as yoroi, samurai armor consists of small scales tied together & lacquered leather panels, along with additional plates to protect vital areas. This text focuses on a variety of samurai armor, including helmets, face guards/masks, sleeve guards, helmets, breastplates, etc.

HAND GUARDS

Hand guards (tsuba), hilts (tsuka) and ornaments (menuki) are just some of the tools that Samurais used.

WEAPONS

Samurais are most famous for their use of a katana, the long sword. However, An Illustrated Guide to Samurai History and Culture shows that samurais used other tools, too, including bows & steel arrows, spears, and firearms.

SURCOAT

A surcoat, or jinbaori, was sleeveless & designed to be worn over armor.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"The book presents a fascinating account of the historical role of the samurai in the military, political and social development of Japan; of their unique status in Japanese cinema, TV and other media; and of the enduring effects of their legacy on contemporary Japanese life." -- Acumen, the magazine of the British Chamber of Commerce in Japan

"The major draw of the book is the colorful visuals that bring the text to life. Containing over 250 paintings, photos and illustrations, the book widens its potential audience to include young children and people who are not strong readers, as well as tapping into the interests of those who are drawn to samurai history and culture through visual media such as anime or gaming." --The Japan Times

About the Author

Gavin Blair has been writing about Japan for more than two decades. His work has appeared in The Hollywood Reporter, Christian Science Monitor, South China Morning Post, LA Times, The Times, Guardian, Sunday Times, Financial Times, Independent, Global Post, and many more. He has reported for France 24 TV, Voice of America, CBC, BBC, and NHK World, among others. Blair is the co-author of Japan in 100 Words: From Anime to Zen published by Tuttle. He has trained in karate for 35 years, which is what first brought him to Japan, and also practices Brazilian Jiu-jitsu.

Alexander Bennett is a professor of Japanese history, martial arts and Budo theory at Kansai University. He cofounded Kendo World, the first English- language journal dedicated to Kendo. He holds black belts in several martial disciplines--Kendo Kyoshi, 7th Dan; Iaido, 5th Dan; and Naginata, 5th Dan. His published works include Japan: The Ultimate Samurai Guide, Hagakure: The Secret Wisdom of the Samurai and Bushido Explained: The Japanese Samurai Code--A New Interpretation for Beginners.

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Tuttle Publishing (April 5, 2022)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 240 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 4805316594
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-4805316597
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 2.31 pounds
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 7.75 x 1.25 x 10.25 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.8 4.8 out of 5 stars 59 ratings

About the author

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Gavin Blair

Gavin Blair

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Gavin Blair has been living and writing about Japan for more than two decades. His writing has appeared in The Hollywood Reporter, Christian Science Monitor, South China Morning Post, Al Jazeera, LA Times, The Times, Guardian, Sunday Times, Financial Times, Independent, Global Post and many more. He has reported for France 24 TV, Voice of America, CBC, BBC, Radio France International, NHK World and more.

Blair has covered Japanese culture, society, politics, economics, crime, business and entertainment.

He authored 'Zen in Japanese Culture: A Visual Journey through Art, Design, and Life' an co-authored 'Japan in 100 Words: From Anime to Zen: Discover the Essential Elements of Japan' both of which were published in English, French and Italian.

Blair has trained in karate for 35 years, which is what first took him to Japan, and now also practices Brazilian Jiu-jitsu.

Customer reviews

4.8 out of 5 stars
4.8 out of 5
59 global ratings
Has beautiful pictures and lots of text!
5 Stars
Has beautiful pictures and lots of text!
It's an awesome book! A lot better that what I thought it was gonna be. The pictures are awesome.
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Top reviews from the United States

Hemingwaste
5.0 out of 5 stars phenomenal and fascinating!
Reviewed in the United States on November 22, 2023
Verified Purchase
This book strikes that perfect balance between being fantastically researched, but also really well written, well organized and with visual elements that are just really smartly presented. Having lived in Japan for a few years and having studied the samurai (at least superficially), I thought a lot of this might be review. A little bit was, but most expanded on and deepened my understanding and appreciation for the samurai. My highest recommendation!
2 people found this helpful
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Barbara Q Tucker
5.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful, big book full of beautiful illustrations!
Reviewed in the United States on April 19, 2024
Verified Purchase
This book is better than I expected. Big, good weight and beautiful illustrations throughout! My Grandson will love it!
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KatnipCordova
5.0 out of 5 stars Has beautiful pictures and lots of text!
Reviewed in the United States on October 21, 2022
Verified Purchase
It's an awesome book! A lot better that what I thought it was gonna be. The pictures are awesome.
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KatnipCordova
5.0 out of 5 stars Has beautiful pictures and lots of text!
Reviewed in the United States on October 21, 2022
It's an awesome book! A lot better that what I thought it was gonna be. The pictures are awesome.
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2 people found this helpful
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Nelson Ling
5.0 out of 5 stars Well written and beautifully illustrated
Reviewed in the United States on July 11, 2022
Verified Purchase
Enjoyed it so much! I purchased another as a gift for a friend!
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Nelson Ling
5.0 out of 5 stars Well written and beautifully illustrated
Reviewed in the United States on July 11, 2022
Enjoyed it so much! I purchased another as a gift for a friend!
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Top reviews from other countries

Dayle Itwaru
5.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful Book
Reviewed in Canada on January 7, 2023
Verified Purchase
This truly is worth whatever the price is now.
Beautifully illustrated and very informative. This is a must have ion any book collection.
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Kindle Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars Brilliantly written; Stunningly illustrated; Historical and contemporary - Highly Recommended
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on September 3, 2022
Verified Purchase
The story of Samurai history is told in 13 fascinating and informative chapters, giving such a comprehensive guide to this ancient culture; supported by stunning illustrations, photographs and prints throughout.

I highly recommend this book to those who are already fans of the history of these warriors, or equally to those readers who wish to increase their knowledge about this truly engaging subject.

This book looks expensive and stylish and at such a very competitive price, it would make a great present.
3 people found this helpful
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Kips
5.0 out of 5 stars Highly Recommended
Reviewed in Japan on July 14, 2023
Verified Purchase
The book captivated my attention with its stunning images and compelling content, making it very difficult to put it down.
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Kasia
5.0 out of 5 stars Gorgeous book!
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on February 19, 2024
Verified Purchase
This book is beautifully illustarted and packed with knowledge! I got it as a birthday gift for my boyfriend and he loved it.
One person found this helpful
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Neil Seshadri
5.0 out of 5 stars Highly recommended if you are a fan of samurai
Reviewed in Japan on June 13, 2022
Verified Purchase
Visually stunning, with more than 250 prints, photographs and paintings, the 13 chapters focus on a specific part of samurai history and culture, including weapons, the Mongol invasions, myths and their impact on modern pop culture. Highly recommended if you are a fan of samurai, history, warfare or simply want to know more about this subject.
One person found this helpful
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