Title: Samurai : the world of the warrior /
Authors: Turnbull, Stephen R.; McBride, Angus.
Publisher: Osprey,
Year: 2003
Subjects: Samurai.; Samurai Japan History.; Japan History, Military.; Japan History
Abstract: "The world of the samurai - the legendary elite warrior cult of old Japan - has for too long been associated solely with military history. In this exciting new book, Stephen Turnbull, the world's leading authority on the samurai, goes beyond the battlefield to paint a picture of the samurai as they really were. Familiar topics such as the cult of suicide, ritualised revenge and the lore of the samurai sword are seen in the context of an all-encompassing warrior culture that was expressed through art and poetry as much as through violence. Using themed chapters, the book studies the samurai through their historical development and their relationship to the world around them - relationships that are shown to persist in Japan even today."--Jacket.
Contents: The samurai in a nutshell -- The genuine articles -- A passion for ancestors -- The samurai way of death -- Weapons of mass destruction -- Shields of stone -- Samurai with a pinch of salt -- The White Tigers -- Last of the samurai -- The paradox of tranquility.