{"product_id":"an-illustrated-guide-to-samurai-history-and-culture-from-the-age-of-musashi-to-contemporary-pop-culture-hardcover","title":"An Illustrated Guide to Samurai History and Culture: From the Age of Musashi to Contemporary Pop Culture - Hardcover","description":"\u003cp\u003eby \u003cb\u003eGavin Blair\u003c\/b\u003e (Author), \u003cb\u003eAlexander Bennett\u003c\/b\u003e (Foreword by)\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eThe ultimate visual guide to Samurai history and culture! \u003c\/b\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003eThe Samurai are continuously celebrated as the greatest warriors the world has ever seen. They ruled Japan for centuries, finally uniting the nation after a prolonged period of brutal war and bloodshed. Though famed for their loyalty, honor, and chivalry, they could also be treacherous, bloodthirsty, and merciless. \u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003eThis book tells the story of their rise and eventual demise through carefully curated images, both historical and contemporary, with an engaging and authoritative text by Gavin Blair--a noted commentator on all things Japanese. It exposes the myths surrounding the Samurai and reveals their many secrets, while examining their enduring influence on global culture in anime, manga, books, and video games. \u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cb\u003eGorgeously illustrated with color prints, paintings, and photos throughout, this book features detailed chapters on: \u003c\/b\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e The rise of the Japanese warrior class and how they established their grip on political power\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e Rival clans, legendary Samurai, the unification of warlord states, and famous female Samurai\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e Samurai \"tools of the trade\"--swords, bows, spears, guns, castles, and armor\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e The cult of Bushido, the fabled warrior's code\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e The transformation of Samurai into cultured \"gentlemen\" warriors, poets, and aristocrats\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e Their legacy in modern world literature, media, film, and popular culture\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e And so much more!\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cbr\u003eA foreword by leading Samurai historian Alexander Bennett, the celebrated translator of works such as \u003ci\u003eThe Complete Musashi\u003c\/i\u003e and \u003ci\u003eHagakure\u003c\/i\u003e, introduces readers to these fascinating warriors, who continue to captivate modern audiences.\u003ch3\u003eAuthor Biography\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eGavin Blair\u003c\/b\u003e has been writing about Japan for more than two decades. His work has appeared in \u003ci\u003eThe Hollywood Reporter, Christian Science Monitor, South China Morning Post, LA Times, The Times, Guardian, Sunday Times, Financial Times, Independent, Global Post, \u003c\/i\u003e and many more. He has reported for France 24 TV, Voice of America, CBC, BBC, and NHK World, among others. Blair is the co-author of \u003ci\u003eJapan in 100 Words: From Anime to Zen \u003c\/i\u003epublished by Tuttle. He has trained in karate for 35 years, which is what first brought him to Japan, and also practices Brazilian Jiu-jitsu. \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cb\u003eAlexander Bennett\u003c\/b\u003e is a professor of Japanese history, martial arts and Budo theory at Kansai University. He cofounded Kendo World, the first English- language journal dedicated to Kendo. He holds black belts in several martial disciplines--Kendo Kyoshi, 7th Dan; Iaido, 5th Dan; and Naginata, 5th Dan. His published works include \u003ci\u003eJapan: The Ultimate Samurai Guide, Hagakure: The Secret Wisdom of the Samurai \u003c\/i\u003eand \u003ci\u003eBushido Explained: The Japanese Samurai Code--A New Interpretation for Beginners.\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eNumber of Pages:\u003c\/strong\u003e 240\u003c\/div\u003e\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDimensions:\u003c\/strong\u003e 1.1 x 10.2 x 7.9 IN\u003c\/div\u003e\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eIllustrated:\u003c\/strong\u003e Yes\u003c\/div\u003e\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePublication Date:\u003c\/strong\u003e April 05, 2022\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Books by splitShops","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51767230595360,"sku":"9784805316597","price":29.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0974\/9764\/5344\/files\/ef6fb48004f66c5095379fb0110e5ac5.webp?v=1780307144","url":"https:\/\/ebocreations.com\/products\/an-illustrated-guide-to-samurai-history-and-culture-from-the-age-of-musashi-to-contemporary-pop-culture-hardcover","provider":"The E-Book Oasis LLC","version":"1.0","type":"link"}