Samurai: The Japanese Warrior's [Unofficial] Manual

Having read some of his other material, such as "Warriors of Medieval Japan " and "Samurai: The World of the Warrior", Steve Turnbull has become a familiar "go-to" when I need to research, brush up, or just get my fix on this great culture. While Turnbull brings much of his expertise to this compact historical account of what it would be to live like a samurai, it is his contemporary style that makes for a fun read, while remaining accurate to the time-period. A great example of the author's technique is found in the chapter on wearing of clothing and armor (chapter 3): "Oh, and another thing, heavy shin-guards and bearskin boots - no! They are just SO Kamakura period" (p. 53). If this comes across as some inside joke, Stephen Turnbull will give you the inside scoop on many of the samurai terms and practices within the pages of this very useful and fun read! For anyone who wants to get a good all-around overview of the samurai culture without needing to sift-through "typical" non-fiction reading material, this is a fun way to do so! Whether you have extensive familiarity or just a small interest in the samurai, this book is for you!

This book is an excellent choice for anyone who wants to know the details of what it was like to be a samurai warrior. It's written from the perspective of an old master, which makes it a rather funny read as well.

An excellent, humorous beginner's book about samurai, and an entertaining, tongue-in-cheek summary for those with prior knowledge. I took one star off (and would have only taken a half-star off, if possible), not to disparage the book, but as a warning that the book is written in the "style" of an early-17th-century retainer to the shogun of Japan. This gives a false impression that everything about the book is a translation of an original text... which the author clearly states is NOT the case, but only at the very end of the book. Of course, if you're familiar the Unofficial Manuals series, you should be aware of this fact already. But still, just a note of caution. Having said all that, it's a wonderfully entertaining book, well worth the money.

Haven't finished it, but it is a great start for learning about samurai in an entertaining way. The writer is a pretty famous historian of Japanese history and he writes it in character of a Tokugawa official, which adds an element of humor and makes it easier to get pulled in while learning more about Japanese manners.

Always been fascinated with the samurai history and culture. Mr. Turnbull does amazing research. All his books are awesome and informative.

An entertaining and informative book. A lot of interesting insight into how the samurai lived (and died). Good info in a very easy to read narrative.

This was a great book and I recommend it to those who like Samurai.

This book would make a "Great Gift" for the "wanna be" Samurai in YOUR life. Here "Mr.Turnbull" plays the part of the Tutor, to warriors (a fictional persona) "Umawatari Bogyu". Now "Bogyu," a Samurai (turned priest) does a service for the Tokugawa Shogun, by writing a "how to" manual for "warriors in training." With any luck, you also can become a "Well Groomed Attendant Warrior" that can render due service to the "GREATEST SHOGUN" of the Land of the Sun's Origin. It is not at all fair, to say Tunrbull falls short of his goal. This "smallest" of Mr.Turnbull's efforts (excluding children's lit') does keep (in character) the fictional "Bogyu"...but it may, in fact, lose its way just a "bit" by keeping TIGHT to Samurai "dogma." Maybe Bogyu is a "little" TOO POLITICALLY CORRECT in his effort to please the Shogun (and not "lose" his head in the process.) Maybe, the "fictional Author" should have taken the "low road" and written a "less obedient" work of instructive literature. WHAT IF (he were not AS politically correct)...even (what if this "expose" about Samurai Life "cost him his head" in the epilogue ??? Could this have BEEN the BANNED WORK of Samurai Literature ???that would have given us an "insight" into how this "class of Warrior" REALLY ACTED, really felt and ultimately BELIEVED ??? regarding "politics" and "religion" and "sex" and even "espionage." What if the Shogun had not "comissioned" the work...and it became an "underground TELL ALL" version of Samurai life ???....This is a "Great Work" for "Intent" and yet...a "Four star piece" because our chance to hear the "Samurai Whisper" of the "real back-story" was lost. Almost we "saw into the heart" of Bushido... KS

Ótimo livro para aprender não apenas sobre samurai, mas também sobre o Japão. Detalha boa parte dos costumes com uma narrativa bastante divertida.

Great book!

This is my favourite kind of history book, it's like a 1066 and All That for Samurai lovers. The ultimate manual on how to be a Samurai. First of all Are You A Real Samurai? Answer some multiple answer questions to find out. There's also some handy hints on how to torture a confession out of a criminal if you want to keep law and order. If disaster strikes then there are things you must know if you are to commit seppuku without upsetting your invited audience.......Then there's how to lay seige to a castle and lots of other necessary and handy hints on how to be invaluable to your liege lord. Stephen Turnbull has excelled himself, this is a real laugh.

Hi. It is my firth book that I bought in Amazon. It's awesome. The pages are great, pictures are colorful and the text is very clear.

I've read a lot of things trying to explain samurai life but this was a nice refresher course. The fact that it's written as though by a samurai Lord gives it that something extra.