Samurai: The World of the Warrior

by Stephen Turnbull

Book Overview

Few countries have a warrior tradition as ancient and exciting as that of Japan--and it is embodied by one powerful and romantic figure: the loyal, self-sacrificing samurai. Exalted in stories,... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1841767409
• ISBN13: 9781841767406
• Release Date: October 2003
• Publisher: Osprey Publishing (UK)
• Length: 224 Pages
• Weight: 2.35 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.9" x 7.8" x 10.3"

Customer Reviews

Samurai - The World of the Warrior

I found this book on the Samurai to be very well written. For a novice on this subject, it provided me with a great deal of insite into the history of these individuals. I would recommend this book to anyone. By the way, I was able to purchase a used copy of this bood for $2.50 plus shipping and it looked like new! Check this one out, it is worth it.

Very Good History

This book is the History of the Samurai Warrior and it is packed with information. It not only gives a summery but explains the live a death of a proud warrior. It is a gripping account that tells a story and keeps one's interest to understand a world that has inspired a nation. This book is factual and compelling.

Comprehensive Pictorial Guide

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.

An Exciting Account

Turnbull has shown his merits as both a research scholar and author. His fundamental knowledge of both Japanese history, as well as, Samurai culture, has been exquisitly displayed in Samurai: The World of the Warrior. His writing style is very easy to follow and provides a dynamic glimpse into this veiled subculture. The descriptions of both battles and battlements is to say the very least, interesting and well thought out. As an amateur reader of all types of historical accounts, Turnbull has shown that Japanese culture is extremely interesting in its own right and clearly demonstrates that which makes the Samurai unique in this publication. For anyone interested in gaining an easy insight into this corner of history, I wholeheartedly recommend Turnbull's account.

Stephen Turnbull's best book

This book goes beyond samurai warfare.It goes into great detail about the origin of samurai traditions and how they still remained intact all the way to world war 2.This book has a lot of illustrations almost one on every page.if you want to learn about samurai you have to read this book.