The inspiration for the Jedi knights of Star Wars and the films of Akira Kurosawa, the legendary Japanese samurai have captured modern imaginations. Yet with these elite warriors who were bound by a code of honor called Bushido—the Way of the Warrior—the reality behind the myth proves more fascinating than any fiction. In Samurai, celebrated author John Man provides a unique and captivating look at their true history, told through the life of one man: Saigo Takamori, known to many as "the last samurai." In 1877 Takamori led a rebel army of samurai in a heroic "last stand" against the Imperial Japanese Army, who sought to end the "way of the sword" in favor of firearms and modern warfare. Man's thrilling narrative brings to life the hidden world of the samurai as never before.
Review
“With a relaxed and honest prose style [Man] slashes through the thicket of 19th-century Japanese politics with the keenness of a samurai’s tempered steel blade.” (The Daily Express)
“A well-written piece of history with an easy storyteller’s rhythm and plenty of intrigue. Readers will quickly realize that the author is well-versed in Far Eastern history, but he also accommodates new discoveries and insights. … Smooth, sophisticated history writing.” (Kirkus Reviews)
“Exciting, surprising, and moving. ... A well-written saga” (Booklist)
“An engaging look at the final days of a military elite.” (Shelf Awareness)
About the Author
John Man is a British historian and travel writer with a special interest in Asia. A graduate of Oxford who also studied at the University of London's School of Oriental and African Studies, Man is the author of Samurai, Genghis Khan, Attila the Hun, Kublai Khan, Alpha Beta, and The Gutenberg Revolution.
Description:
The inspiration for the Jedi knights of Star Wars and the films of Akira Kurosawa, the legendary Japanese samurai have captured modern imaginations. Yet with these elite warriors who were bound by a code of honor called Bushido—the Way of the Warrior—the reality behind the myth proves more fascinating than any fiction. In Samurai, celebrated author John Man provides a unique and captivating look at their true history, told through the life of one man: Saigo Takamori, known to many as "the last samurai." In 1877 Takamori led a rebel army of samurai in a heroic "last stand" against the Imperial Japanese Army, who sought to end the "way of the sword" in favor of firearms and modern warfare. Man's thrilling narrative brings to life the hidden world of the samurai as never before.
Review
“With a relaxed and honest prose style [Man] slashes through the thicket of 19th-century Japanese politics with the keenness of a samurai’s tempered steel blade.” (The Daily Express)
“A well-written piece of history with an easy storyteller’s rhythm and plenty of intrigue. Readers will quickly realize that the author is well-versed in Far Eastern history, but he also accommodates new discoveries and insights. … Smooth, sophisticated history writing.” (Kirkus Reviews)
“Exciting, surprising, and moving. ... A well-written saga” (Booklist)
“An engaging look at the final days of a military elite.” (Shelf Awareness)
About the Author
John Man is a British historian and travel writer with a special interest in Asia. A graduate of Oxford who also studied at the University of London's School of Oriental and African Studies, Man is the author of Samurai, Genghis Khan, Attila the Hun, Kublai Khan, Alpha Beta, and The Gutenberg Revolution.