Publisher's Synopsis
A History of the Samurai tells the complete story of Japan's legendary warrior class from beginning to end-an epic tale of intrigue, bloodshed and bravery that is central to an understanding of the Japanese character and of Japanese history. It describes in detail the core Samurai philosophy of Bushido-"the way of the warrior"-a complex code of conduct embracing ideals of honor and loyalty that continues to govern the Japanese way of life today.Historian Jonathan Lopez-Vera offers a compelling look at these enigmatic warriors including:
- The lives of famous Samurai-Miyamoto Musahi, Japan's greatest swordsman; Tomoe Gozen, the woman who became a Samurai; Tokugawa Ieyasu, the last Shogun and many moreThe tragic tale of the 47 Ronin who chose honor over their own lives and were forced to commit ritual suicide after avenging their fallen masterThe philosophy of Bushido, "the way of the warrior," the code of conduct that embraced the ideals of honor and loyalty and governed the Samurai way of livingThe decline of the Samurai and their transformation from savage warriors to philosopher poets
