Samurai Warriors

This is a serious, broad, but detailed exploration of the samurai tradition. Lots of information is presented in a readable, handsome format, suitable for casual browsing or more concentrated study. This book is lavishly illustrated and contains detailed history of the samurai. The illustrations include maps, lots of reproductions of Japanese paintings, plus razor-sharp, close-up photos of Samurai armor and weapons. The book is fully indexed, has a glossary of terms, and includes an appendix listing Japanese emperors, empresses, and shoguns in chronological order, with biographical information. The author explains the lives and attitudes of the samurai, their etiquette, armor, weapons, tactics, rituals. History of the samurai wars is also included. This is definitely a worthwhile, quality book, that, while it may not provide revelations for PhD scholars on the subject, it will certainly serve the interests and tastes of the vast majority of people who are drawn to this subject and would like a book that provides a fine overview of the subject, peppered with fascinating facts and details, in a handsome volume worthy of the coffee table or den.