Samurai

This book would serve as an excellent introduction to someone who has read little or nothing on the samurai; it covers their history from the days of the Yayoi tribesmen to their overthrow during the Meiji Restoration, and provides much readable detail on their culture, organization, religious beliefs, armor, clothing, and most interestingly, the full range of their deadly arsenal. Though I have maintained a strong interest in the samurai for several years and have read many books on them, I still learned some things from this book (notably that they used axes in battle, as well as clubs and maces). Anything by Stephen Turnbull can be pretty much guaranteed to be well worth one's money. In short, this book would be especially good for beginners but worthwhile for veterans of Japanese military history as well.

I'm not certain why the "Samurai" bug bites readers but in my case I lived outside Yokohama, Japan, on the Kanto Plain for 25 months between October, 1962, and December, 1964. (Please see also my review of Oliver Statler's early 1960's book, "Japanese Inn" for additional detail of this area). Living only a stone's throw from the ancient Tokaido Road, once capital city Kamakura, and medieval Odawara castle, among many other sites, caused me to this very day to have an avocational interest for Japan in general and the Samurai in specific. I have several of Stephen Turnbull's books, feeling him to be very well versed in all aspects of this field to the point of being a notable expert in that area. The term "expert" is bandied about these days oft times without substance or merit, but in Mr. Turnbull's case it is well justified. This particular book is one I purchased a year ago, and for the price was very pleased with its content. Should one look into it a reader would find it a good, comprehensive guide to the Japanese warriors known as 'samurai'. There are specific armor and weaponry illustrations and descriptions, as well as four "see-through vellum sections" where each layer of clothing and protective armour offers insight into the dress of these warriors. The text flows evenly and can readily be understood. Should the reader be new to this area of study this volume would easily serve as a great introductory volume. This oversize book is amply illustrated in color, and in 256 pages offers magnificently "the story of Japan's great warriors". Semper Fi.