Böcker av Stephen (Author) Turnbull

Featuring specially commissioned artwork, this lively study assesses the array of weapons and equipment employed by the samurai, Japan''s legendary warriors.This fully illustrated new book describes and analyzes the weapons and equipment traditionally associated with the samurai, Japan''s superlative warriors. It examines the range of weapons used by them at different times and in different situations.Beginning with the rise of the samurai during the 10th century, this lively study traces the introduction of edged weapons (cutting and piercing) and missile weapons (bows and guns) over the next 500 years. The book shows clearly how they were employed by individual samurai using many previously untranslated primary texts, and explains how their use spread more widely among low-class troops, pirates, and rebels. It also shows how schools of martial arts took over and changed the weapons and their uses during the peaceful Edo Period (1615ΓÇô1868).

An illustrated account of The Gempei War - a conflict that defined the age and the ethos of the samurai. It examines the events of the five-year long conflict, revealing the changes that the war inflicted on Japanese culture and the establishment of many of the traditions of the samurai.

Arguably the greatest military commander in the history of the samurai, Toyotomi Hideyoshi rose from the ranks of the peasantry to rule over all Japan. This book looks at the story of Hideyoshi's military accomplishments, from his days as a tactical leader to his domination of the Japanese nation.

Tells the dramatic story of the two Mongol invasions of Japan that pitted the masters of the steppes against the noble Samurai. Using maps and illustrations, this title charts the history of these great campaigns, which included numerous bloody raids on the Japanese islands, and ended with the famous kami kaze that destroyed the Mongol fleet.

From when the Empress Jingo-kogo led an invasion of Korea while pregnant with the future Emperor Ojin, tales of female Japanese warriors have emerged from Japan's rich history. This book tells the story of Japan's female warriors, revealing the role of the women of the samurai class in their many manifestations.

Osprey's survey of pirates of the Far East, from 811 to 1639. For many centuries, international relations between Medieval Japan, Korea and China were carried out by means of the 'inseparable trinity' of war, trade and piracy. Much has been written about the first two means of interaction. The third element, which combined the other two in a violent blend of free enterprise, is the subject of this original and exciting book. It is written by Stephen Turnbull, who has visited all three countries in search of the elusive pirates of the Far East.

In 1614, Osaka Castle was Japan's greatest fortification, belonging to Toyotomi Hideyori, however the ruling shogun of the age, Tokugawa Ieyasu, was determined to destroy this one last threat to his position as Japan's ultimate ruler. This book explores the background of this bitter struggle, and the battle experiences of the opposing forces.

"The Revenge of the 47 Ronin - Edo 1702".

The Ashigaru were the foot soldiers of old Japan. Although recruited first to swell an army's numbers and paid only by loot, the Samurai began to realize their worth. This title tells their story, drawing on Japanese sources and showing the disciplined ranks that they became.

In 1543 three Portuguese merchants entered a turbulent Japan, bringing with them the first firearms the Japanese had ever seen: simple matchlock muskets called arquebuses. They proved a decisive addition to the Japanese armoury, as for centuries the samurai had fought only with bow, sword and spear. In 1575, during the Battle of Nagashino, one of the greatest original thinkers in the history of samurai, Oda Nobunaga, arranged his arquebusiers in ranks three deep behind a palisade and proceeded, quite literally, to blow his opponent's cavalry to pieces, marking the beginning of a new era in Japanese military history.

Japan in the 16th century was made up of effectively independent kingdoms led by warrior leaders. The author examines this period of Japanese history, looking at the commanders and armies and the way in which the destruction of the elite Takeda army affected the Samurai on all sides.