100% NZ-owned | 80,000+ Books In NZ 📚

⭐ New Hero Alert... Meet Roopa!

Samurai

The Japanese Warrior's (Unofficial) Manual
By Stephen Turnbull
0.0 (0 reviews)
Brief Description
A step-by-step guide to becoming and being a samurai. It is 1615, and the Samurai, Japan's elite fighting class, are at the zenith of their powers. Trained in every manner of combat, from sword-fighting and archery to karate and ju-jutsu, the Samurai warrior is the emperor's... Read More
Format: Paperback / softback
$3499
Pre-order
Releases 15th May 2026 (Approx. Date) Pre-order  "Samurai" now to secure your copy from our first shipment

Found a better price? Request a price match

Samurai

Now available in paperback, Samurai combines the latest research with descriptions of contemporary lives and historical reconstructions to provide a dramatic picture of what it was like to be an elite Japanese warrior.

A step-by-step guide to becoming and being a samurai

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

A step-by-step guide to becoming and being a samurai.

It is 1615, and the Samurai, Japan's elite fighting class, are at the zenith of their powers. Trained in every manner of combat, from sword-fighting and archery to karate and ju-jutsu, the Samurai warrior is the emperor's last line of defence against the barbarians of Japan and beyond. Take up your sword, young Samurai! This handy manual tells you everything you need to know about maintaining the honour of the Samurai class both on and off the battlefield.

Learn how to master the 'Way Of The Warrior', whom you should kill, and what to do with their heads afterwards. Discover what the cultured Samurai does between battles, how to storm or lay siege to a castle and how to conduct a tea ceremony with Zen-like composure. With this handy guide you will never be at a loss should you need to command and maintain an army - you will even know how to prepare for entry into the White Jade Pavilion after your death.

Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780500298992

Publisher: Thames & Hudson Ltd

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 15 January 2026

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Thames & Hudson Ltd

Illustration: 111 Illustrations, black and white; 15 Illustrations, color

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Width: 125.0mm

Height: 198.0mm

Weight: 200g

Pages: 192

Collections

Education & Reference History & Military Non-Fiction Pre-orders Pre-orders by Release Date Stephen Turnbull

About the Author

Stephen Turnbull is a writer and historian, specializing in military history, particularly of Japan and East Asia. He is Visiting Professor of Japanese Studies at Akita International University in Japan, and is the author of over seventy books. Turnbull gave the inaugural lecture for the establishment of the International Centre for Ninja Studies at Mie University, Japan, and acted as historical advisor for the 2013 film 47 Ronin.

Also by Stephen Turnbull

View all

More from History & Military

View all

Why buy from us?

Book Hero is not a chain store or big box retailer. We're an independent 100% NZ-owned business on a mission to help more Kiwis rediscover a love of books and reading!

Service & Delivery

Service & Delivery

Our warehouse in Auckland holds over 80,000 books and puzzles in-stock so you're not waiting for your order to arrive from overseas.

Auckland Bookstore

Auckland Bookstore

We're primarily an online store, but for your convenience you can pick up your order for free from our bookstore, which is right next door to our warehouse in Hobsonville.

Our Gifting Service

Our Gifting Service

Books make wonderful thoughtful gifts and we're here to help with gift-wrapping and cards. We can even send your gift directly to your loved one.