They were the knights of medieval Japan, an elite class of warriors who have wielded power and human charisma for over 700 years.
Masters of sword and bow, driven by a ruthless moral code, prove their ferocity in battle. They fought off foreign invaders and fought each other for land, status, honor and glory.
The Samurai explores the remarkable legacy of martial arts, ritual, self-discipline, and perseverance in combat that continues to this day.
Modern warriors explain the Bushido way of life, while scholars describe key events in their centuries-old history.
From the height of the Heian period (794-1185) to the inevitable decline following the founding of Japan in 1853, this is the definitive study of some of the world’s most famous warriors.
