The Book of Samurai - Fundamental Samurai Teachings: The Collected Scrolls of Natori-Ryu (for fans of Shogun): 1

First book in a series of possibly as many as 8 (?). Probably one of the more detailed instructional texts of Japanese warfare I've read. It's a nice, fat book, which describes what you need to consider, and how, as a samurai, both in daily life, in preparation for various events, and for war. It's a vast array of topics, each titled in old Japanese and English, and it's not messing around either. Great in depth view into the life of Sengoku and early Edo Period Samurai, from the mundane to the gritty reality of war. Absolutely recommend! I also recommend Mr. Cummins other books as well, as he tend to keep it in the same style and genre. It's a pure translation, and looks to be a very good one as well. I'm usually very good at spotting typos in books, which tend to be abundant even in later copies, but in this I could only see one, which shows how much consideration has gone into every detail. Absolutely brilliant.

Possibly one of the most important books I have ever brought regarding Gunyaku etc......I have been in need of a book like this for years.....once again the people of The Historical Ninjutsu Research Team bring a high quality book with an excellent translation to the "martial arts" community that will change the way people view not only the Samurai but the way people approach and train in these art we use in Bujutsu/Budo....

This in an outstanding text. Everything you ever wanted to know about being a samurai but where afraid to ask. This book has the translation of two scrolls from a Japanese school of war. This book covers the foundation of what a Samurai needed to know and offer a true insight into the medieval battlefield.

Excellent volume 1 of the Natori Ryu scrolls by Anthony Cummins & Yoshie Minami. Everything one needs to know of the minutiae of Japanese Samurai life, beliefs, arms & armour, plus tactics. I also own volume 2. If your a student of Japanese military history, I cannot recommend these works, enough.

Good read and lots of info.

First Natori book, as usual Antony and Yoshie have gone above and beyond to bring us a spendid translation from a forgotten era, absolutely outstanding text here, filled with info that truley smashes the still misunderstood image of one of the world's greatest warriors\historical cultures. As this the first of many volumes I'd recommend it as the best start you can get in learning straight from the mouth (or writing) of the man himself, Natori.

Basically a samurai warrior handbook on doing what is expected of a samurai, his duty to his Lord and his fellow and enemy samurai... Ok if you want a factual book on what it was all about...

Fanatico di giappone e di arti marziali, è il libro giusto per aumentare la mia conoscenza.

Since I am a huge fan of samurai movies, this review cannot hope to be impartial. This book however really fills an important void. Translations of day to day life of samurai are few and far between, and this book is an English translation of an original manuscript from the Natori-Ryo school of samurai. This book is a veritable how-to manual, a text book, on what it means to be a samurai and how the samurai are supposed to handle themselves. It is a code of conduct, invaluable. It is not simply because it describes the various protocols of what the samurai should do in specific situations and conduct themselves as a samurai. This text delves deep into what it means to be a samurai. Some of these qualities are easy. Loyalty and Honor top the list. But the text lists other qualitites that must be possessed by any samurai: Trustworthy Reliable A sense of Self-Sacrifice Devotion A sense of Justice, usually employed in situations where revenge is justified. Does not give into lust of greed. Is Discrete Is cautious Avoids being arrogant. Speaks the Truth Doesn’t spread rumors Keeps promises. The text dives deeper in what it means to be a samurai. The way of the samurai was the warrior’s code. The text goes into great detail on when to confront the enemy, how the enemy is to be killed, when, under what circumstances, the weapons used, even to the point where the text explains when certain garments are put on, in what order, and who is to assist the samurai warrior. A good part of the text deals with war strategies. Who dies, when the enemy should be taken prisoner, and other topics. The text begins in the very beginning of the Daoist Way. Arjuna in the Bhagavad Gita despairs because he cannot go into battle and has Krishna convince him that as a warrior this is dharma in which Arjuna must follow. The samurai is a warrior. The Samurai must always be conscious of his chi, the vital force inherent in all things and objects in the universe. Even though the way of life is incredibly bloody, the samurai’s chi is being a Warrior. That is his calling, that is his chi. An incredible text by any measure, it is highly recommended for any reader.

Excellent book for the samurai enthusiast or history buff, or anyone interested in martial arts who wants to know how a samurai was trained in an authentic military school.

Muy interesante. Muestra muchos detalles, costumbres, conocimientos y creencias de la época. Da consejos sobre supervivencia, etiqueta, tratamiento de los sirvientes, etc. Merece la pena como documento histórico.

The hardcover book in its looks, looks good and expensive with its gold lettering. The content seemed authentic and true and this book is a must to have for any Samurai lover