good books on samurai

[azusa_the_warrior]

Hey I was wondering do any of you guys know of any books on samuria, it can be fiction or non-fiction I don't care I just want to read about them, I have an english class this semester and I think I might do my research paper on them, so I want to start getting as much information as possible.

[Seren]

Mrph. I don't know how many books my family owns on the samurai, except for the fact that there's a lot and I haven't read most of them.

The only one I personally own is Sato Hirako's translation of The Sword and the Mind, originally by Muenori Yagyu. It deals more or less with older Samurai philosophy, and it's not difficult to read, so that might be a good start. I've seen it at Barnes and Noble on discount, if you're looking to actually buy a book (I have my doubts as to whether many local libraries would carry it).

ETA: Christ, I can't believe I forgot The Book of Five Rings. That one is sometimes more complicated for people who aren't overly familiar with Asian culture in general and/or warfare, but it's still a great text to at least skim over.

[novastar]

Seren is right about Five Rings, you might have better luck finding it at book stores or your library under the names Five Rings, A Book, or Go Rin No Sho
It was origionally written by Miyamoto Musashi
Its more of a philosophi book, and its teachings can still be put into use today

[Raican Katarin]

I recomend 'Hagakure- The book of the Samurai'. Its basically a book of do's and donts for the samurai classes. Originally compiled by Yamamoto Tsunetomo who was a retainer of the Saga Clan in the 1700's. Its a fantastic little book with some amazing short stories, but it also gives insight into a samurai's relationship with his master (yes there were some homosexual practices), relationships with his wife and comrades. But it also gives advice that stands the testiment of time and is valuable today. It really opened my eyes so yeah check it out.

[Wolfman Walt]

Try The Way of the Living Sword by Yagyu Munenori of the Yagyu clan. It's the other really important book right next to Book of Five Rings, it just doesn't get as much press coverage.

[Boko]

There is one trilogy that you should read, Lian Hearns trilogy The Clan Otori, think it was "The Clan Otori" but im not sure.

[BishiBushi]

There's a fairly rare book by Dave Lowry called "Autumn Lightning: The Education of an American Samurai"... although the book has alot to do with the begginning of his martial arts career, the book is crammed full of interesting snippets of samurai history and and legends. An excellent read actually, quite involving...

[Kazmiz]

I reccomend Shogun, by James Clavell, it's extremely detailed and nicely done although it's a long read. It covers the experience of an englishman in 17th century Japan and the rise of the Tokugawa shogunate, fiction though.

[Hattori]

Modern day application of the samurai way is well exemplified in Sensei and Deshi. They also include a largesse of information on samurai fighting styles and terminology, with particular regards to kendo.

[kaede822]

>.>

yeah, the only book i can recommend was already recommended.. which is SHOGUN, btw.. so try it..

[Gaeilge Comhahct]

Just seconding the reccomendations of Shogun, Hagakure and The Book of Five Rings. You may also want to try The Tale of Genji, but be warned, it's a long winded bastard.

[MooL]

You know, I was in Borders this weekend, and in the young adult section, (and I'm not even kidding) I passed a book called "SAMURAI." I just tried to search for in on Amazon.com, but I got about 1000 hits.

But I have seen a TON of shoujo-ish type Young adult novels about martial arts at Borders. Hit the store and check it out yourself. ;3

[Cloudarc]

wow thats some awesome info for samurai books i was wondering how many of them were out there its nice to see some titiles i can look for

[Xazz]

Go Rin no Sho is great. Shogun is a good one, there is also Taiko: An Epic Novel of War and Glory in Feudal Japan by Yoshikawa Eiji, Musashi By Yoshikawa Eiji, The Revenge of the Forty-seven Samurai by Erik C. Haugaard. While I haven't read The Tale of Genji, its on my list of things to read