Stephen Turnbull Livres

"During the 16th century, Japan underwent a military revolution, characterized by the deployment of large armies, the introduction of firearms, and an eventual shift towards fighting on foot. This study encapsulates these great changes through an exploration of the experience at the ground of three key battles, Uedahara (1548), Mikata ga Hara (1573), and Nagashino (1575), in which two very different types of warrior were pitted against each other. On one side were samurai, the elite aristocratic knights whose status was proclaimed by the possession and use of a horse. On the other side were the foot soldiers known as ashigaru, lower-class warriors who were initially attendants to the samurai but who joined the armies in increasing numbers, attracted by loot and glory. These two types of warrior battled for dominance across the period, changing and adapting their tactics as time went on. In this title, the development of the conflicts between samurai and ashigaru is explored across three key battles, where highly trained elite mounted samurai of the Takeda clan faced ashigaru at very different stages in their development. The profound and irreversible changes that took place as the conflicts progressed are analyzed in detail, culminating in the eventual incorporation of the ashigaru as the lowest ranks of the samurai class in within the standing army of Tokugawa Japan."-- Amazon.ca

Featuring numerous woodblock prints and photographs, this comprehensive history delves into the lives and legacies of Japan's most formidable warriors, the Samurai. It offers an authoritative exploration of their culture, combat techniques, and societal roles, providing readers with a vivid understanding of this iconic aspect of Japanese heritage.

Focusing on the Japanese 'hidden' Christians, this study explores the evolution of their faith and rituals from the 16th century to contemporary times. It delves into the historical context and cultural significance of these communities, highlighting their resilience and unique practices in the face of persecution. This comprehensive examination sheds light on a lesser-known aspect of Christian history in Japan, offering insights into the interplay of religion and identity over centuries.

Few countries have a warrior tradition as long and exciting as that of Japan. It is a tradition found particularly in the person of the romantic, loyal and self-sacrificing knight of old Japan -- the samurai. He is the valiant lone swordsman, the ultimate individual warrior

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.

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 story of the knight during the late medieval/early Renaissance period

Early Japan was a land filled with internal strife and warfare. This title tells the story of the courageous and disciplined fighting men of this time, showing how they evolved from the primitive fighters of the seventh century into an invincible military caste with a fearsome reputation. It examines samurai fighting tactics, as well as acts.