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The Samurai Encyclopedia

A Comprehensive Guide to Japan's Elite Warrior Class
By Constantine Nomikos Vaporis
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Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
The Samurai Encyclopedia by Constantine Nomikos Vaporis is an educational reference work that provides a comprehensive look into the history, culture, and influence of the samurai in Japan. The book explores various aspects of samurai life, including their roles in society, their code of ethics known as bushido, and their impact on Japanese history. It serves as a well-researched guide for those interested in understanding the multifaceted world of samurai warriors.
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Format: Paperback / softback
$4999
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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 the complex history and intricate culture of the samurai, offering detailed insights into their lives, philosophies, and social roles. It's an excellent resource for history enthusiasts or anyone interested in the rich tapestry of samurai influence on Japanese society.

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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 captivating and comprehensive guide to Japan's elite class of warriors.

The Samurai played a leading role in Japanese society for centuries, and this is the first encyclopedia to showcase the fascinating history and culture of these enigmatic warriors.

The Samurai Encyclopedia contains 171 highly detailed alphabetical entries and essays on a broad variety of fascinating topics, including the following:

  • Samurai weapons and armour, including the fearsome katana sword
  • Famous Samurai including Miyamoto Musashi, Japan's greatest swordsman; Tokugawa Ieyasu, the founder of the Tokugawa shogunate; and Toyotomi Hideyoshi, a unifier of Japan and notorious persecutor of Christians in the 16th century
  • The Battle of Sekigahara, the largest battle ever to take place in Japan, and the Boshin War, which led to the fall of the shogunate and restoration of imperial power
  • The Bushido code — the legendary Samurai code of chivalry and honour

A foreword by Samurai scholar and martial arts expert Alexander Bennett provides expert insights into the lives and philosophy of the Samurai. Also included are many informative sidebars, suggestions for further reading, a selection of primary sources, and over 125 illustrations.

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?

The Samurai Encyclopedia by Constantine Nomikos Vaporis is highly praised for its thorough and reliable coverage of samurai culture and history. It's appreciated by academics and casual readers for compiling a wealth of information, much of which was previously unavailable in English, into an engaging and accessible format. It's considered a classic resource that significantly illuminates the role of samurai in Japanese society.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9784805317082

Publisher: Tuttle Publishing

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 25 October 2022

Country: United States

Imprint: Tuttle Publishing

Illustration: over 125 archival images including 70 in full-color

Contributors:

  • Foreword by Alexander Bennett

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Width: 152.0mm

Height: 229.0mm

Weight: 700g

Pages: 544

Collections

Constantine Nomikos Vaporis Education & Reference Non-Fiction

About the Author

Constantine Nomikos Vaporis is a professor of history at the University of Maryland, Baltimore where he teaches Japanese and East Asian History. He has received prestigious research fellowships including a Fulbright Scholar's Award and an NEH grant. His books include Breaking Barriers: Travel and the State in Early Modern Japan and Tour of Duty: Samurai, Military Service in Edo and the Culture of Early Modern Japan. He recently collaborated with TedEd to produce an educational animated short film entitled 'A Day in the Life of a Teenage Samurai'.

Alexander Bennett is a professor of Japanese history and Budo theory at Kansai University. He co-founded and continues to publish Kendo World, the first English-language journal dedicated to Kendo. He holds black belts in several martial disciplines including Kendo Kyoshi 7-dan, Iaido 5-dan, and Naginata 5-dan. His published works include The Complete Musashi: The Book of Five Rings and Other Works and Hagakure: The Secret Wisdom of the Samurai.

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