The Samurai Warrior
Subtitle: the golden age of Japan's elite warriors, 1560-1615
By: Ben Hubbard
Publisher: Metro Books
Published: 2014
Place of publication: New York
Language: eng
Number of pages: 224
ISBN-13: 9781435153745
Subjects: Samurai; Military art and science; Conduct of life
Description: During Japans Warring States period, centuries of strife had left the country divided and leaderless. Those who filled the power vacuum were the daimyo, warlords who ruled over the clans and provinces of Japan. Serving their daimyo, the samurai were the ultimate warriors at a time when military prowess won out over hereditary power and position. The nature of warfare itself changed, romantic ideas of mounted duels and battlefield decorum became as rare as aristocratic samurai leaders. Marching in to replace them were the common foot soldiers, the ashigaru, armed with pikes and matchlock rifles.
Notes: Includes bibliographical references (page 220) and index.