Secrets of the Samurai: A Survey of the Martial Arts of Feudal Japan

Rating:
Summary: A fine example of thorough research and great writng.
Review: "Secrets of the Samurai" is the a great book for both the marital arts history novice and the expert. It combines excellent writing with exhaustive research. The book chronicals the development of Japanese martial arts throughout Japan's turbulent history. It provides not only exstensive information about the many kinds of martial disciplines but also about the political and social context in which they developed. It is also fascinating to read and to look at, having many excellent illustrations. This book is perfect for the military history buff or anyone interested in the martial arts

Rating:
Summary: A fine example of thorough research and great writng.
Review: "Secrets of the Samurai" is the a great book for both the marital arts history novice and the expert. It combines excellent writing with exhaustive research. The book chronicals the development of Japanese martial arts throughout Japan's turbulent history. It provides not only exstensive information about the many kinds of martial disciplines but also about the political and social context in which they developed. It is also fascinating to read and to look at, having many excellent illustrations. This book is perfect for the military history buff or anyone interested in the martial arts

Rating:
Summary: Comprehensive and informative
Review: 'Secrets of the Samurai' is one of the most comprehensive books on the topic of Samurai that I have ever read. It goes deep into the inner workings of the ancient warrior class, shedding light on the fundementals and history. I enjoyed reading about the different martial arts that were integral for training, and also the chapters on weapons. The sections regarding Japaenese history were a little glossed over, and I thought more time could have been spent on, but overall a great resource.

Rating:
Summary: This is a great book!
Review: After reading AIKIDO AND THE DYNAMIC SPHERE, by the same authors, I heard about this book. What a find! In words and images, it conveys the spirit of the ancient martial arts of Japan -- their histories, cultural impact, right down to their strategies and equipment. Part III, in particular, is magnifique!

Rating:
Summary: GREAT INSIGHT INTO FEUDAL JAPAN
Review: GOOD BALANCE OF ARMS, ARMOUR,EARLY COMBAT FORMS THROUGH TO TODAYS MARTIAL ART STYLES. IF YOU HAVE AN INTEREST IN BUDO THIS IS A GEM OF A BOOK. I PURCHASED IT THIRTY YEARS AGO, MANY STUDENTS HAVE ASKED ME FOR A COPY. RE-PRINT SOON PLEASE

Rating:
Summary: -well....about this book...
Review: I found this book absolutely delightful. The text was very insightful and even helped me to develop in my own martial art. The Images are usually very entertaining and helped me visualize what the book was talking about. However, some of the pictures are just ridiculous....but I let it go because I got a good laugh from them....any way....Buy this book even if you aren't a student of the way of the samurai

Rating:
Summary: The Absolute Best Reference Manual on Japanese MA's
Review: I have worn down my softcover copy so much from the constant use I get from this book that I actually went and picked up the hardcover addition yesterday. If you practice Karate-do, Judo, Jiu-Jitsu, Iaido, Aikido, Kendo, or any other MA (inc. Western ones influenced by Japanese culture), this book is a must. Even if you are simply interested in Japanese warrior culture and are an armchair warrior yourself, this is it my friend. It does'nt get any better than this book. Good reading!

Rating:
Summary: Wow!
Review: I'm not very familiar with Japanese culture or the Samurai. My area is the Roman Empire, but this book is impressive. I've always had a mild interest in the Martial Arts and Feudal Japan and this book delivers. The writing is concise and easy to follow. The book is lavishly illustrated and the illustrations are fantastic. Instead of leaving it to the reader to try to figure out what the author's are describing the illustrations are there to demonstrate. It's a great book and a wonderful read for the beginner. As far as the historical errors referred to by earlier reviewers, I can't comment on. But this book is worth the money. It will make a nice addition to any military history collection.

Rating:
Summary: THE BEST BOOK AVAILABLE ON THE JAPANESE MARTIAL ARTS.
Review: IF YOU COULD READ ONLY ONE BOOK ON THE HISTORY OF THE JAPANESE MARTIAL ARTS, THIS WOULD BE THE ONE. WITH AN EXTENSIVELY RESEARCHED, WELL-DOCUMENTED TEXT AND HUNDREDS OF WONDERFUL ILLUSTRATIONS, THERE IS NOTHING ELSE IN PRINT THAT EVEN COMES CLOSE. ANYONE WITH A GENUINE INTEREST IN THE ANCIENT JAPANESE SAMURAI CLASS, ITS WARRIOR ARTS, AND THEIR MODERN INHERITORS, MUST HAVE THIS BOOK.

Rating:
Summary: great book
Review: If your just starting to learn about the samurai, this is perfect. Goes over just about every aspect you could want to know about on the subject. Also a great reference work. If your looking for pure history though you might wanna go somewhere else, as the book breifly goes over many aspects from people in society (from daimyo to farmers), to the physical aspects of the arts and finishing with the mental, instead of a chroniclogical history of times.