Samurai Arms, Armour, and the Tactics of Warfare HC (2018 Watkins) The Book of Samurai comic books

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1st printing.

Written by Antony Cummins and Yoshie Minami. Art by Jay Kane, Vangelis Drosos, and Andrija Dreznjak. Cover by Vangelis Drosos.

The Collected Scrolls of Natori-Ryū.

This book is part of the unique Book of Samurai series that comprises the works of 17th-century samurai tactician Natori Sanjūrō Masazumi, retainer and advisor to the lords of Kishū domain. It offers an unparalleled insight into the weaponry and armour of the samurai era, as well as tactical advice for use on the battlefield and off – wisdom that can be applied to many scenarios today.

Heieki Yōhō, the first scroll translated in this book, offers advice for every possible situation, from moving troops to besieging a castle to fighting on the open battlefield. From turning thieves or cowards to good service, to practising external listening in order to obtain information from as many sources as possible, to penetrating the deeper motives of those who slander (or praise) others, the advice here is thought provoking and paints a vivid picture of samurai Japan at war.

Heigu Yōhō, the second scroll, gives us a rare and precious glimpse into samurai arms and armour, including their construction, status regulations and connected ceremonies, mythology and Buddhist doctrine: a helmets ventilation hole, for example, allows access to the 98,000 gods of war. There is an accessible introduction and a glossary, as well as 130 line drawings that include illustrations of arms and armour, strategic diagrams and beautiful examples of Japanese calligraphy.

Hardcover, 6-in. x 9-in., 424 pages Text (with B&W Chapter Illustrations).

Cover price $40.00.