Rating: 
Summary: Fun to read, informative as well
Review: This book is a true story about William Adams, an Englishman that was Tokugawa closest western right-hand.Early chapters talks about the history of the arrival of the first Europeans in Japan, and their journey. The incredible journey of William Adams was also discussed in detail. Although there are some fact that I couldn't believe, for example: they met a certain tribe in South America that are 7 feet tall. The book also talks about how the Europeans traders live in Asia (Japan, China, Java) at those times. The diseases they have survived through, the nutrition, the drunkeness and the parties that they had, the deals with local native ruler, competition among the Europeans traders (English, Spanish, Dutch, Portugese). Religious affairs was also discussed, the spread of Christianity in Japan, why Tokugawa declared an edict against Christianity after a "close-eye" period. The most interesting part is the detail on Osaka Castle battle. It's the battle between Tokugawa's army and Hideyori's followers. I have read a short summary of this battle in history book, but this detail was much more interesting. Final words: this book was both entertaining and informative.
There are some stuff that I can't believe, but I think that's just because I haven't research much into it.
Rating: 
Summary: Less about Adams than the first English trading company
Review: This books covers well the history of the first English and Dutch attempts to trade in the far east including Japan and less about Adams himself. Samurai William Adams comes and goes thoughout the book but I never felt I got to know Adams well; this is in contrast with Cocks, the leader of the English factory in Japan, whom I came to understand very well. The author was likely handicapped from access to authentic Japanese accounts of the period.
Rating:
Summary: The True Story Behind
Review: When I was gathering material to complete my review on Mr. James Clavell's "Shogun" I saw a reference to this book and can't resist the temptation to bought it and read it. After finishing reading it I was amazed by how deeply Mr. Clavell has grasped this exotic environment in his novel.
Mr. Milton has thoroughly researched the contemporary European sources to build this book. He took into account the diary & letters from William Adams (the historical character on which Clavell's book was based), Richard Cock, the chief English Factor at Hirado (Japan), Captain John Saris and other Dutch, Spanish and Portuguese sources. As other reviewers have pointed out, Japanese sources are omitted. This in my opinion, is not a great setback, because the author is telling the story of the hundred year relationship between Europeans and Japanese from the Europeans stand point of view, and he doesn't claim otherwise.
The amazement and shock, that such a different culture generated on these seamen and merchants is shown in their own words. In one hand the higher cultural level, reflected in the cleanness, sophistication and demeanor of the Japanese, seduce them. In the other hand the harsh justices applied: deaths for minor and major faults, without appellation or mercy, appall them.
The spicy language used by William Adams and his fellow merchants is shown, with minor standardization in order to render it intelligibly for modern readers, recreating their environment and mindset. The book is very entreatingly and provides a colorful sight of that historical period and place.
Enjoy this reading!
Reviewed by Max Yofre.
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