Strongholds of the Samurai: Japanese Castles 250-1877 (General Military)
"Strongholds of the Samurai is an essential guide to the unique fortifications of Japanese castles... Author Stephen Turnbull looks at the styles and construction methods of each era, advances in military strategy and defense, and explores what life was like inside the walls of a Japanese castle. "Stephen Turnbull is one of the best writers in the Fortress series, as well as an  outstanding authority on Japanese fortifications." -Bolling Smith,The Coast Defense  Journal(July 2009)"Castle fortifications for Japan's military began appearing  after the first emperors and quickly evolved from simple wooden barriers to complex  and beautiful stone structures.  This focus explores how these castles were adapted  to accommodate firearms and changing military technology, and considers how they  lent to Japanese military developments as a whole. Unpublished photos from the author's  private collection and color artwork accompany a survey recommended for both military  and Japanese history holdings." -California Bookwatch(June 2009)"Overall, 'Strongholds  of the Samurai' is an excellent compilation, giving a detailed overview of the development  of Japanese fortifications throughout time, social classes, and different countries.  At less than half the price of two of the original works, it's also a great value.  An attractive volume, it's loaded with photos, prints, color plates, maps, and artwork.  The majority of the information given in three of the four chapters has never been  seen in English, and author Turnbull is still among the best when it comes to bringing  the old legends and stories of Japan to life for the reader. It's a winner-an absolute  no-brainer of a purchase." -http://shogun-yashiki.blogspot.com"In all, it makes  for an excellent primer on the subject and fully meets this reviewer's expectations  of books in this series. If you want to learn about the subject, I know you will  find it to be equally useful. Buy with confidence." -Scott Van Aken,www.modelingmadness.com(May 2009)