Samurai Arms Armour & the Tactics of Warfare

<b>THE FIRST-EVER STUDY OF <i>SAMURAI</i> ARMS ARMOUR AND TACTICS</b><br><b> IN THE WORDS OF AN AUTHENTIC SEVENTEENTH-CENTURY <i>SAMURAI</i> MASTER STRATEGIST</b><br> &#160;<br> Part of the acclaimed <i>Book of Samurai</i> series which presents for the first time the translated scrolls of the historical Natori-Ry&#363; <i>samurai</i> school of war this volume offers an exceptional insight into the weaponry and armour of the <i>samurai</i> era as well as tactical advice for use on and off the battlefield. <br> &#160;<br> Two secret scrolls by the <i>samurai</i> tactician Natori Sanj&#363;r&#333; Masazumi are presented here: Heieki Y&#333;h&#333; which offers advice for every possible martial situation from moving troops to besieging a castle to fighting on the open battlefield; and Heigu Y&#333;h&#333; which explores <i>samurai</i> arms and armour in unparalleled detail. Illustrated with 130 line drawings of arms and armour strategic diagrams and beautiful samples &#160;of Japanese calligraphy this is essential reading for students of martial arts warrior culture and the <i>samurai</i> path.<br> &#160;<br> This book was written by the seventeenth-century <i>samurai</i> tactician Natori Sanj&#363;r&#333; Masazumi also known as Issui-sensei who was to become the most influential grandmaster of the Natori-Ry&#363; school of war. It gives us an unprecedented insight into what the samurai knew about their own specialization &#150; armour and warfare. By listening to a genuine <i>samurai</i> we can discover a huge amount about the thoughts ideals codes and even the feelings of this much admired but often misunderstood warrior class.<br> &#160;<br> Heieki Y&#333;h&#333; the first scroll translated in this book gives leadership advice for use on and off the battlefield. From turning thieves or cowards to good service to practising &#145;external listening&#146; in order to obtain information from as many sources as possible to penetrating the deeper motives of those who slander or praise others the ideas discussed are thought provoking and paint a vivid picture of <i>samurai</i> Japan at war. Heigu Y&#333;h&#333; the second scroll gives a rare and precious glimpse into <i>samurai</i> arms and armour including details of their construction regulations associated with the wearer&#146;s status and the fascinating ceremonies mythology and Buddhist doctrine that underlay their use. With 130 line drawings that clarify the text this is the ultimate resource for all those interested in the wisdom and practice of the historical <i>samurai</i>.<br>