Samurai: A Very Short Introduction

The sword-wielding samurai, who lived by a strict ethical code and were skilled in martial arts, are a prevalent image in popular culture. This book provides an insight into the real samurai, exploring their lives, battles, and influence on Japanese politics, arts, philosophy, and religion from the fourteenth century to the mid-nineteenth century. It highlights their roles in significant events such as Japan's invasions of Korea and the Satsuma Rebellion.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 144 pages
Publication date: 15 July 2021
Publisher: Oxford University Press Inc

The iconic image of the sword-wielding samurai, bound by a strict ethical code and honed in deadly martial arts, permeates popular perceptions of the samurai. As early as the late seventeenth century, these formidable warriors graced literature, art, theater, and even comedy, from the legendary Tale of the Heike to the kabuki retellings of the 47 Ronin. Their legacy endures to this day in the iconic Akira Kurosawa films, the shoguns of HBO's Westworld, and countless renditions of samurai history in anime, manga, and video games. While these depictions captivate the modern imagination, it is important to recognize that the samurai wielded significant influence over the politics, arts, philosophy, and religion of their own time, ultimately controlling Japan from the fourteenth century until their demise in the mid-nineteenth century.

On and off the battlefield, whether charging an enemy on horseback or currying favor at the imperial court, the samurai's story is one of adventure, intrigue, heroism, and misdeeds. From unlikely victories to devastating defeats, their tale unfolds against the backdrop of Japan's historical events. This book embarks on a journey to trace the samurai throughout this rich history, delving into pivotal moments such as Japan's invasions of Korea at the close of the sixteenth century and the Satsuma Rebellion of 1877. Within these accounts, the samurai, both renowned and ordinary, emerge as the architects of Japanese history, leaving an indelible mark on the nation's legacy.

Weight: 116g
Dimension: 111 x 175 x 11 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780190685072