Katana

Name: Katana
Brand: Allen & Unwin
SKU: 9781849081511
Price: 49.99 NZD
Availability: InStock

The Samurai Sword

By Stephen Turnbull

Series: Weapon

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Summary

Katana by Stephen Turnbull delves into the rich history of the Japanese samurai sword, exploring its significance in Japanese culture. The book examines the evolution, crafting techniques, and symbolic importance of the katana throughout history, offering insights into its role in warfare and its legacy in modern times. It's a comprehensive look at how this iconic weapon became a cultural emblem.
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Format: Paperback / softback

$49⁹⁹

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Katana

$49⁹⁹

Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

You might enjoy this book if you're fascinated by Japanese samurai culture and historical weaponry. It provides an in-depth exploration of the iconic samurai sword, its historical significance, craftsmanship, and role in both warfare and society. History buffs with an interest in military arms will find the detailed insights and expert analysis particularly appealing.

Katana

The Samurai sword of Japan is probably the finest edged weapon ever made. This title reveals the story of how and why it achieved this distinction. It focuses on the development of the familiar blade from the original straight blades, the associated development of Japan's famous steel-making techniques and the challenges from contemporary warfare.

The Samurai sword was revolutionary in terms of its design and the impact it had on Japanese society. This book reveals the development and use across the centuries of one of the finest edged weapons in military history.

Description

The Samurai sword of Japan is probably the finest edged weapon ever made. This volume by leading Samurai expert Stephen Turnbull reveals the story of how and why it achieved this distinction.

Particular attention is paid to the development of the familiar curved blade from the original straight blades, the associated development of Japan's famous steel-making techniques, and the challenges from contemporary warfare. Together with the technical details of forging, polishing, mounting, and testing, this volume is brought to life with details of the great swordmakers themselves.

Moreover, no history of the sword would be complete without a detailed examination of its use in combat, from the greatest Samurai armies to individual duels and revenge killings.

Personal accounts allow the reader to discover the art of Japanese swordsmanship in the hands of masters such as Miyamoto Musashi, to the unnamed Japanese warrior defending his family's honour. This lively text is perfectly complemented by artwork reconstructions of the sword in use and colour photographs of the swords in use.

Katana is a must-read for anyone fascinated by the legendary weapons of the Samurai and the rich history surrounding them.

Series: Weapon

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Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

Katana by Stephen Turnbull offers a detailed exploration of the iconic Japanese sword, celebrated for its design and historical significance. The reviews commend Turnbull's thorough research and compelling narrative, highlighting the book's rich illustrations and clear explanations of the katana's evolution and role in Japanese culture and history. His expertise in the field is noted, making it a recommended read for enthusiasts of military history and Japanese culture.

Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781849081511

Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 20 November 2010

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Osprey Publishing

Illustration: 12 b/w; 20 col

Contributors:

Illustrated by Johnny Shumate

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 7.0mm

Width: 184.0mm

Height: 248.0mm

Weight: 306g

Pages: 80

Collections

Education & Reference History & Military Non-Fiction Series: Weapon Stephen Turnbull

About the Author

Stephen Turnbull took his first degree at Cambridge University, and has two MAs (in Theology and Military History) from Leeds University. In 1996 he received a PhD from Leeds for his work on Japanese religious history. He travels extensively in Europe and the Far East and also runs a well-used picture library. His work has been recognized by the awarding of the Canon Prize of the British Association for Japanese Studies and a Japan Festival Literary Award. In 2008 he was appointed Visiting Professor of Japanese Studies at Akita International University in Japan. Stephen Turnbull currently divides his time between lecturing in Japanese Religion and History at Leeds University and freelance writing.