Warriors of Medieval Japan

This was the first of many books on samurai I picked up. It introduces the reader to 4 different kinds of warrior. Samurai, Ashigaru (foot soilder), warrior monks, and of course ninja. This book unmasks "true ninja" and does away with the smoke and mirrors pop culture has put on them. It comes with dozens of colored pictures and detailed drawing showing armor parts and the gear they carried. If you are ready to get interested in Japanese warriors or just find out more facts this is a must buy.

The first thing I noticed about this book was its stunning artistic quality: with full-color art illustrations and diagrams, and beautiful layout throughout, it's worth owning just for its image content. Turnbull is a fantastic popular writer. The book is informative and easily accessible to the general reader, and an invaluable introduction to the samurai, ashigaru, ninja, and warrior monks of Japan's Age of Warring States. Divided into four parts, each detailing one of the different warrior types that Turnbull discusses, the book gives descriptions of individual duties, the warrior's place in times of peace and war, weaponry, dress, daily life, and anything else applicable through examples of individual battles, people, and documents from the time. It's a wonderful work, and I'd suggest it to any person interested in military or Japanese history.

Great book full of artwork, great information regarding Medieval Japan and is an easy read. Full of wonderful information. Still reading it, but I will continue it is the best book I have seen for understanding the Japanese culture centuries ago.