Rating: 
Summary: Few and Far Between
Review: Books of this type are truly few and far between. Even among the growing popularity of kenjutsu and iai in America, there are very few English books on the subject. Even fewer are the books that give you a decent insight into a particular ryu and it's history. Lowry not only captures a good historical overview of the Yagyu Shinkage ryu, but intertwines some of the philosophical aspects of the art through his own education of the school.On the negative side, most of the book is history of the Yagyu Shinkage ryu. While he includes reflections on his own training, I would have enjoyed hearing more of that along with the history. A line of inheritance of the Shinkage ryu would have been great. A great book among the few out there.
Rating: 
Summary: An important book, by an important author
Review: Dave Lowry is a regular contributor to Black Belt magazine. His background is in traditional japanese martial arts. The aspect of Lowry's writing that is so important is that he demystifies the martial arts while at the same time allowing them to keep their special flavor. Autumn Lightening gives the reader a glimpse into Dave Lowry's personal journey as a martial artist and into the interesting history and mythology surrounding his Kenjutsu Ryu. A wonderful, quick read that should be required for all American martial artists.
Rating:
Summary: A Truly Cross-Cultural Mind-Opener
Review: Dave Lowry writes with a clarity that is accessible and moving. In Autumn Lightning, Lowry explores his early interest in the arts of the bugeisha (samurai-in-training). He trains with the ken/katana, and learns much about the world of Japanese Martial Arts. But this is not simply a martial arts book. What makes it so unique is its easy realationship with the reader. It is like having a discussion with an old friend, and hearing all the wonderful stories that friend has to tell. Lowry expands on his experiences with his neighbor/sensei and relates them both to his life and, by proxy, the life of the reader. This is a book I loved from cover to cover not just because it bridges certain cultural constraints (which it does with wit and candor), but also because it is a delightful story. Hearing the stories about the author, his sensei, and even his sensei's wife, are inspiring and thoroughly entertaining. If you have any interest in the martial arts, Japanese culture, or just open thinking in general, this book is most certainly going to excite your literary pallete.
Rating:
Summary: A Truly Cross-Cultural Mind-Opener
Review: Dave Lowry writes with a clarity that is accessible and moving. In Autumn Lightning, Lowry explores his early interest in the arts of the bugeisha (samurai-in-training). He trains with the ken/katana, and learns much about the world of Japanese Martial Arts. But this is not simply a martial arts book. What makes it so unique is its easy realationship with the reader. It is like having a discussion with an old friend, and hearing all the wonderful stories that friend has to tell. Lowry expands on his experiences with his neighbor/sensei and relates them both to his life and, by proxy, the life of the reader. This is a book I loved from cover to cover not just because it bridges certain cultural constraints (which it does with wit and candor), but also because it is a delightful story. Hearing the stories about the author, his sensei, and even his sensei's wife, are inspiring and thoroughly entertaining. If you have any interest in the martial arts, Japanese culture, or just open thinking in general, this book is most certainly going to excite your literary pallete.
Rating:
Summary: Honed like his blade & as beautiful as, "Autumn Lightning"
Review: Dave Lowry, a Yagu-Ryu Swordsman, in the Mid-West, in the 1960's! His work is as pity & sharp as the blades he wields. If his sword is as expertly used as his pen, his skill is mighty indeed. Both his art and his expression of it are works of great beauty, and endless refinement, precision.Autumn Lightning is a fabulous mixture of the ancient fables & stories surrounding the beginnings of this ancient battlefield art; yet, intimately intertwined with Lowry's training experiences today, in the modern world.A memorable & humorous addition to any seeking to understand martial artists, and their seeming paradoxes in the so called "modern age".
Rating:
Summary: A book about life, not just Japanese sword training
Review: Having previously read the author's book, Moving Into Stillness, I expected this to be a fine book--I was not disappointed. The book interweaves chapters on how the author, as a teenager in the Midwest, came to undertake the arduous study of kenjutsu with chapters concerning the lives of the masters of his art in feudal Japan. I was captivated by both threads. The anecdote that explains the title, Autumn Lightning, is evocative of the essence of this book. The book is suffused with a subtle melancholly. The author is well aware that his art is nothing more than a museum piece, without any practicality and receiving little appreciation. Yet it is pursued because it is excellent, beautiful and transformative. In that way it is far more "real" than the ugly, debased "reality" of the modern world. This book will delight natural aristocrats who are at odds with the spirit of the age.
Rating:
Summary: A great read and fascinating insight into bushido
Review: I bought this book on a hunch and it paid off. Dave Lowry manages to blend his training as a modern Samurai with the story of the history of his school. The combination is a fascinating insight into the ideals and philosophies of the Japanese warrior - how they shaped his training and how they grew around the school (ryu) that he has chosen.If you are interested in bushido or Japanese sword arts (such as Kendo) /martial arts - this is a must. Not so much for techniques (I don't think any specific techniques are discussed) but as a look into how a samurai is trained mentally. (As a beginner to Kendo I found many ideas in the book particularly relevant)But don't lend this book to your friends! I still haven't got my copy back.
Rating:
Summary: Ranks with Path Notes of an American Ninja Master: Must Read
Review: I have added Lowry-sensei's works to the list of required readings for my students and psychotherapy clients. He has, in a form, explained much of what our tradition is about and expresses the accompanying angst of being bugeisha well and provides an insightful and honest roadmap for the clever to follow. I hold Lowry-sensei with great respect. He honours our traditions and his Sensei well. Yagyu-san would be proud. He is in the caliber of Dr. Glenn Morris, Jack Hoban, and Forrest Morgan with his works. Thank you for your contribution to our future generations. You do Yagyumura proud, Buyu. THIS IS A MUST READ The Black Tiger
Rating:
Summary: An autobiography of great merit
Review: I met David Lowry quite a few years ago, appropriately at the St. Louis Japanese Festival held in Forest Park's lovely Japanese tea garden. It was a good thing I had a chance to meet him--otherwise I might think this story was fiction. It's not, though it reads like a novel, maybe titled "Karate Kid meets Yoda." Lowry, a country boy living in Springfield, Missouri, went on a youthful quest to find his sensei, his teacher, after hearing rumors that there was a sword master living in town. Unlikely as that was (Springfield is better known for the Ozark Mountains and being near Laura Ingalls Wilder's homestead) it was true. In scenes that follow, Lowry gets training not only from the sensei but from his equally fierce consort. The Japanese couple become a second set of parents and teachers, and they make their indelible mark on David's life. Not only is this an fascinating tale of coming-of-age and two cultures meeting, but it is written with great style. Lowry is a journalist and freelance writer with many, many bylines from top publications. His writing is crisp and visual, and above all, humorous. This is one of my favorite memoirs.
Rating:
Summary: The best of old and new.
Review: I was handed this book by one of my Aikido students and found it difficult to put down. As a teacher and practitioner of Aikido and Batto-Do I found it was informative as well as entertaining. I found the discriptions and images of the Yagyu tsubas most interesting. I will make it a point to visit the village of Yagyumura and the gravesite of the Yagyu Ryu swordsman when I travel to Japan
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