A History of the Samurai: Legendary Warriors of Japan

(Hardback)

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A History of the Samurai tells the complete story of Japan's legendary warrior class from beginning to end-an epic tale of intrigue, bloodshed and bravery that is central to an understanding of the Japanese character and of Japanese history.

It describes in detail the core Samurai philosophy of Bushido, 'the way of the warrior' a complex code of conduct embracing ideals of honour and loyalty that continues to govern the Japanese way of life today.

Historian Jonathan Lopez-Vera offers a compelling look at these enigmatic warriors including:

• The lives of famous Samurai-Miyamoto Musashi, Japan's greatest swordsman, Tomoe Gozen, the woman who became a Samurai, Tokugawa Ieyasu, the last Shogun and many more.
• The tragic tale of the 47 Ronin who chose honour over their own lives and were forced to commit ritual suicide after avenging their fallen master
• The philosophy of Bushido, 'the Way of the Warrior,' the code of conduct that embraced the ideals of honour and loyalty and governed the Samurai way of living
• The decline of the Samurai and their transformation from rough, battle-hardened warriors to highly educated philosopher-poets

Illustrated with 125 archival prints and photos, the nobility and grandeur of the Samurai is brilliantly showcased in this book. Readers will enjoy immersing themselves in the Samurai's world, as historian Jonathan Lopez-Vera traces the fascinating story of the rise and fall of these enigmatic warriors throughout Japanese history.

Reviews

"In A History of the Samurai there are seven centuries of battles, intrigues, invasion attempts and great characters with exciting biographies." -- 20 Minutos newspaper
"a thorough investigation into these warriors." -- Sapiens magazine
"Lopez-Vera's book sows a series of historical pearls that are a delight all on their own." -- El Peso Del Aire blog

Author Bio

Jonathan Lopez-Vera has a PhD in Japanese History and an MA in World History from Pompeu Fabra University (Spain). He is a member of the Ethnographies, Cultural Encounters and Religious Missions (ECERM) research group and Research Group on Empires, Metropolis and Extra-European Societies (GRIMSE). He also runs the HistoriaJaponesa.com website and is co-editor of the journal Asiademica.

Russell Calvert has a masters degree in translation studies from Pompeu Fabra University (Barcelona). He has 25 years TESOL (Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages) experience, including posts at ESADE Business School (Barcelona) and Salalah College of Applied Sciences (Oman). He was the subtitler, translator and interpreter for the 2012 Mecal International Short Film Festival of Barcelona.