Samurai 1550–1600 (Warrior)

The first chunk of this book describes the culture and daily life of the Bushi warrior class of the Sengoku Jidai period (roughly the dates in the title). This is full of interesting information about Samurai customs and personal possessions, like their Western-style pipes. The rest of the book examines weaponry, but especially armor. It lays a good foundation for the crazily small armor details good books on Samurai can be identified for. The plates are wonderful, as they are by Angus McBride. Among other things, they depict the crucial Battle of Nagashino and the Siege of Nagashino Castle, as well as sword and armor-making, Samurai training, and post-battle medical techniques.

This book won't replace a 600 pages reference book, but is a great little book which actually packs quite a bit of information. The drawings are beautifula and very detailed, which contributes to making this book attractive to seriously interested people as well as children.