Osprey Warrior 7 : Samurai 1550-1600

The samurai (also called bushi) were Japan's military aristocracy, and their heyday was the Age of Battles, or Warring States Period (in Japanese called the Sengoku Jidai). This period is usually given as 1550-1600, primarily for the convenience of a nice round number. It covers the collapse of the Ashikaga shogunate and the establishment of the Tokugawa shogunate. Anthony Bryant details the culture, weapons, armour and training of the elite samurai warrior class in this fascinating period. Much of the book is dedicated to the warrior's costume and equipment. Stunning photographs of the different types of armour and helmets ably supplement a detailed text, and much of the book investigates both the use and manufacture of these intricate items. This period is important not only because of the political effects of the chaos but also due to the changes in warfare that were made: in 1542 the Portuguese introduced the matchlock musket into Japanese warfare for the first time, and the book traces the effect that this important innovation had on aspects of the samurai's life and fighting. Life outside the field of battle is also examined, including the provision of medical care for the wounded, relaxation pastimes and also the education of the children of Japan's warrior elite. Illustrations by Angus McBride.

Contents

• Sengoku Jidai
• The Way of the Samurai
• Training
• On Campaign
• Armour
• Armour Construction
• Weapons
• Museums and Collections
• Glossary
• Further Reading