Samurai: An Illustrated History

Book Description

Samurai: An Illustrated History brings the violent, tumultuous, and, at the same time, elegant world of the medieval Japanese samurai to life. With a general introduction that examines the origins of the samurai and their rise to power, Samurai presents a chronological coverage of samurai history detailing the main battles, personnel, and general themes. Additional chapters are studies of samurai armor and weaponry, fortifications, and the changes in strategy and armor upon the introduction of firearms and cannon. All chapters are illustrated by photographs of battle re-enactments meticulously conducted by the enthusiastic historical re-enactment societies of Japan, and by line drawings of fortifications and armor. Samurai vividly details the long bloody era of the samurai, when sons killed their fathers, brothers attacked their brothers, wives betrayed their husbands and hosts their guests, and the forces of the samurai rulers destroyed those of the emperors and the monasteries. The samurai fought for property, lands, and money, and only rarely for honor--Samurai tells that compelling story with vigor.

Customer Reviews:

Readable overview of the samurai throughout history........2007-07-30

Following some points made by Marc Winter's review, whereas I agree with some of what was said, I disagree on at least three things.
Obviously the recoloured photos that we do have represent only a very narrow slice of time - that time of the absolute dying embers of the Samurai - the thin slice between the relatively late invention of photography and the class' demise in the reformation. However, I too would have liked to have seen more included, though their worth should not be overvalued. There are books that specialise in these posed samurai photos, for what its worth.

This book visually and accurately shows all the historical developments of the armour over time - obviously of which there are no extant photos. If you recheck the book, it *does* have many colour photos, line drawings and ukiyo-e(musha-e) reproductions of historical armour and more.

It's an exaggeration to say this is poor scholarship, it is not an academic text admittedly (and often that's a very good thing), but reenactment photos or not, is an accurate and in depth overview of samurai history.

Great illustrations.......2006-11-10

Best illustrated english text on Japan's Samurai. Covers most topics giving enough general info to satisfy the casual student of this genre. Amazon has the BEST price on this book!

Excellent for Japanese Samurai historians.......2005-07-05

The pictures and documentation on the Samurai in ths book are great. It is a gerat coffee table book and is really a great find.

Buy it for the pictures.......2005-01-05

I agree with Marc Winter's review. I had hoped that the book would contain old photographs of samurai with artificial coloring, but instead, the book was filled with modern day photographs. Nonetheless, I enjoyed looking through the book. The pictures make good reference material for conceptual, illustrative artwork, which is why I bought the book in the first place. It could have used more pictures to make up for its lack of authenticity, but I was happy with the numerous photographs provided.

The written-text is an interesting read as well. It discusses many different aspects of samurai, such as their overall history, military strategies, fashion trends of certain periods, weaponry, how to put on armor, etc. The book contains a good number of fun facts as well. It's not a heavy read, but it's very detailed.

Poor scholarship without historical pictures .......2004-12-17

This is a coffes table book at its best: nice format, high quality paper and illustrations, thus the two stars.
The contents though are mainly photos from a Japanese festival where modern day Japanese history buffs wear reproductions of uniforms. There are no historic armors, the historic swords are only depicted in the sheaths, and the old photo of the warrior on the front is the only historic photo.
So you get a fair idea about today's reception of Samurai period Japan among Japan's clerks, but there is more to a warrior than the clothes - the look in their eyes for instance. Imagine a history of the Civil War with no pictures from the 1860, but rather only photos taken at the re-enactment that takes place in Gettysburg every once in a while.
The text written around the pictures is not very high standard scholarship, but rather "history lessons for foreigners", which really is not so surprising, since the author is a surgeon. Not baldy written, but sort of what you get from the introductory section of a well-written travel guide (more detailled though).

Kawanakajima 1553-64: Samurai Power Struggle (Praeger Illustrated Military History)

Average customer rating:

Fascinating explanation, illustration in chronological order
Very Good Overview
clear and well written
Simple explanation that anyone can follow
Tokugawa takes the cake

Kawanakajima 1553-64: Samurai Power Struggle (Praeger Illustrated Military History)
Stephen Turnbull
Manufacturer: Praeger Publishers
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Japan | Asia | History | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 0275988686

Book Description

Kawanakajima is unique in history. In the space of 12 years, between 1553 and 1564, this valley deep in the mountains of central Japan witnessed no less than five battles between two of Japan's greatest warlords. Takeda Shingen and Uesugi Kenshin were both descended from great families and were highly skilled tacticians. Both had taken the tonsure and risen to high rank in their respective Buddhist sects. When Shingen attempted to seize control of Shinano province they were set on a collision course. Stephen Turnbull chronicles the see-saw struggle between two men who epitomize the warrior daimyo from Japan's 'Warring States' period.

Customer Reviews:

Fascinating explanation, illustration in chronological order .......2007-09-25

History is like a mirror. We read real stories of great successes and failures in history, we want to learn from the past so that we can repeat successes and avoid the mistakes. We too want to learn about the culture and achievements of people in the past. When we take closer look of the lifestyles our forefathers lived in an environment very different from ours today, we will better understand and appreciate them especially the things they have left behind.

Very Good Overview.......2005-10-14

In the battle between the inheritors of Toyotomi Yoshimitsu and the new usurper Tokugawa Ieyasu, there were few of the nicities associated with former times of the Momoyama Jidai. This was a very intense, large, and fanatical battle, worthy in terms of slaughter with those being undertaken in Europe at the same time.

For anyone with little understanding of the intricacies of the battle and the times, this slender volume manages to give you a good background to the events, a political primer of the major figures involved in the eventual politics and battle, details the battle organisation, tactics and weapons of the soldiers and also details in superior graphics the events on the battlefield. For a volume of this size, that is a lot to ask for, but Byant delivers.

It is a good volume and one that I would recommend.

clear and well written.......2003-12-04

Battle of Sekigahara was one of the most important moments in Japanese military history since it established the reign of the Tokugawa Shogunate which ruled Japan in peace for the next 250 years or so. The book clearly and basically tell, without bogging down the readers, the politics, reasons and why of this campaign and the battle. The maps provided in this book proves to be highly useful, epecially the one that showed how Japan was divided between Ishida and Tokugawa sides. I think the only issue where the author failed was in part, he didn't explained how the Toyotomi family felt at this period since they were at the moment, the ruling family of Japan. (They thought this was a war between their two major retainers - only to realized later on that only one of the retainers were really loyal to them - the loser!) In a campaign and battle where loyalty, betrayal and backstabbing seem to be the order of day, the author does an admirable job in putting it all together under 100 pages. Considering that there isn't too many books written in English about this battle in the first place, it probably a must read for anyone who have any interest of the Sen-joku Jidai.

Simple explanation that anyone can follow.......2000-03-08

This book offers a simplified explanation of the political motivations and battlefield tactics that led to the defeat of Ishida Mitsunari by the armies of Tokugawa Ieyasu. This is a fascinating account of one of the defining battles in Japanese history. If someone sees A.J.Bryant before I do, ask him about my armor... ;)

Tokugawa takes the cake.......1999-09-04

Woo-hoo!

This book is a great combination of the bare bones military maneuverings, and the motivations behind them. As one of the key battles in Japanese history, every student of Japan's history would do themselves well to read this book.

Kawanakajima 1553-64: Samurai Power Struggle (Praeger Illustrated Military History)
Average customer rating:
Kawanakajima 1553-64: Samurai Power Struggle (Praeger Illustrated Military History)
Stephen Turnbull
Manufacturer: Praeger Publishers
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000OROV72

Living Life's Circle: Mescalero Apache Cosmovision
Average customer rating:

A great book for a lover of Religion

Living Life's Circle: Mescalero Apache Cosmovision
Claire R. Farrer
Manufacturer: University of New Mexico Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | World | History | Subjects | Books
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Thunder Rides a Black Horse: Mescalero Apaches and the Mythic Present

ASIN: 0826315607

Book Description

The product of more than fifteen years contact and life with the Mescalero people in southern New Mexico, Living LifeÂ's Circle is one of the first works devoted to the emergent new interdiscipline of ethnoastronomy, the study of how the sky and its movements form Â“templatesÂ” for life in particular cultures. Urged by her friend and mentor, the remarkable singer and medicine man Bernard Second, to Â“Pay attention,Â” Farrer began to recognize a powerful primary metaphor based on acute astronomical observation and its direct relevance to all aspects of Mescalero life.

Â“Should be read by every student of culture.Â”Â—M. Jane Young

Customer Reviews:

A great book for a lover of Religion.......2000-09-26

This book focuses only on the affects of religon in an Apache society. The author, Claire Farrer, uses first person encounters to discribe rituals and the society surrounding them, not facts written fifty years ago. It is very lively and not at all what I expected for an Antro. class. I would reccomend this book to anyone who loves Native American history.

The Crayfish: An Introduction to the Study of Zoology
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The Crayfish: An Introduction to the Study of Zoology
T. H. Huxley
Manufacturer: The MIT Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Nutrition | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books
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ASIN: 0262580349

An Introduction To The Study Of Zoology Illustrated By The Crayfish
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An Introduction To The Study Of Zoology Illustrated By The Crayfish
Thomas Henry Huxley
Manufacturer: Kessinger Publishing, LLC
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: 1428632328

The Crayfish. An Introduction to the Study of Zoology.
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The Crayfish. An Introduction to the Study of Zoology.
T. H. HUXLEY
Manufacturer: The MIT Press
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Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000OR5HUC

THE CRAYFISH: AN INTRODUCTION TO THE STUDY OF ZOOLOGY, INTERNATIONAL SCIENTIFIC
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THE CRAYFISH: AN INTRODUCTION TO THE STUDY OF ZOOLOGY, INTERNATIONAL SCIENTIFIC

Manufacturer: D. Appleton and Company.
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000FLF8OW

The International Scientific Series Volume XXVII The Crayfish An Introduction to the Study of Zoology
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The International Scientific Series Volume XXVII The Crayfish An Introduction to the Study of Zoology
Huxley T.H.
Manufacturer: D. Appleton And Company
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000UD8PWW

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An introduction to the study of zoology: The crayfish
Thomas Henry Huxley
Manufacturer: Logos Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding

General | Zoology | Biological Sciences | Science | Subjects | Books
ASIN: B0007BJHEC

Book Description

Written by experts, peer-reviewed to adhere to the strictest standards and highest quality criteria, this book discusses natural and human-caused forest change. The chapters explore forest disturbance and spatial pattern from an ecological point-of-view within the context of structure, function, pattern, and change. They conclude with a summary of the issues related to detection and mapping of forest disturbances with remotely sensed and GIS data. The book elucidates how the elements presented, from ecological underpinnings, data considerations, change detection method, and pattern analysis, combine into a problem solving, information generating approach.

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Good Book

Managing Natural Resources with GIS
Laura Lang
Manufacturer: ESRI Press
ProductGroup: Book
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GIS for Environmental Management
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Getting to Know ArcGIS Desktop: The Basics of ArcView, ArcEditor, and ArcInfo Updated for ArcGIS 9 (Getting to Know series)
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The ESRI Guide to GIS Analysis Volume 1: Geographic Patterns & Relationships

ASIN: 1879102536

Book Description

Find out how GIS technology helps people design solutions to such pressing problems as wild-fires, urban blights, agricultural yields, air and water quality, endangered species, disaster mitigation, resource location and extraction, coastline erosion, and public education.

Customer Reviews:

Good Book.......2000-04-14

Very good book that explains the uses of GIS in the Natural Resource Environment. Book is very simple to understand yet can also be used by more advanced individuals for exmaples on how to use GIS.

Quantifying Spatial Uncertainty in Natural Resources: Theory and Applications for GIS and Remote Sensing

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Quantifying Spatial Uncertainty in Natural Resources: Theory and Applications for GIS and Remote Sensing
Russell Congalton
Manufacturer: CRC
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ASIN: 1575041316

Book Description

Spatial uncertainty analysis has become a recognized discipline that integrates expertise from geographic information science, remote sensing, spatial and classical statistics and many others. The chapters are divided into two sections; the first section concentrates on accuracy assessment issues and the second on modelling uncertainty. This book will be useful both to those new to spatial uncertainty assessment and to experienced practitioners. Those interested in the application of appropriate uncertainty assessment techniques are provided with examples of many applications based in remote sensing and geographic information systems (GIS). For researchers, this book presents a snapshot of the state-of-the-art of uncertainty assessment, providing theoretical chapters based in classical and spatial statistics.

Exploring Water Resources: GIS Investigations for the Earth Sciences, ArcGIS® Edition

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Exploring Water Resources: GIS Investigations for the Earth Sciences, ArcGIS® Edition
Michelle K. Hall , C. Scott Walker , Anne Huth , Larry P. Kendall , Jennifer A. Weeks , and Jeff S. Jenness
Manufacturer: Brooks Cole
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Binding: Paperback

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Exploring Ocean Environments: GIS Investigations for the Earth Sciences, ArcGIS® Edition (with CD-ROM)
Geographic Information Systems and Environmental Modeling

ASIN: 0495115126

Book Description

Start using the technology you'll need tomorrow, today! EXPLORING WATER RESOURCES: GIS INVESTIGATIONS FOR THE EARTH SCIENCES, ARCGISÂ® EDITION is a collection of invesigation guides that let you tap into the power of ArcGISÂ® software no matter your skill level. Use it to explore, manipulate, and analyze large data sets quickly and easily. And because this GIS textbook is full of study tools, it will come in handy during test time as well.

Manual of Remote Sensing, Remote Sensing for Natural Resource Management and Environmental Monitoring (Manual of Remote Sensing - Third Edition)

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Manual of Remote Sensing, Remote Sensing for Natural Resource Management and Environmental Monitoring (Manual of Remote Sensing - Third Edition)
Susan Ustin
Manufacturer: Wiley
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Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0471317934

Book Description

Part of an ongoing series of manuals covering the range of applications of remotely sensed imagery, Volume 4 addresses the use of this technology in natural resource management and environmental monitoring. Comprehensive, authoritative, and up-to-date, it covers terrestrial ecosystems, aquatic ecosystems, and agriculture ecosystems, as well as future directions in technology and research.

GIS for Coastal Zone Management (RESEARCH MONOGRAPHS IN GIS)

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GIS for Coastal Zone Management (RESEARCH MONOGRAPHS IN GIS)
Darius Bartlett
Manufacturer: CRC
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ASIN: 0415319722

Book Description

Increasingly used to analyze and manage marine and coastal zones, Geographical Information Systems (GIS) provide a powerful set of tools for integrating and processing spatial information. These technologies are increasingly used in the management and analysis of the coastal zone. Supplying the guidance necessary to use these tools, GIS for Coastal Zone Management explores key technical, theoretical, and applications issues. Drawing on the practical experience of experts in the field, the book discusses recent developments and specific applications. A comprehensive, authoritative, and up-to-date overview of the state-of-the-art in coastal zone GIS applications, this down-to-earth and practical book puts the science in a management context. The chapters present groundbreaking coastal applications of GIS based decision support tools, spatial data infrastructures, remote sensing technology including LiDAR and CASI, and more. Covering a broad range of topics by international experts, the logical organization supplies a flow and structure to the entire book that makes the information not only easily accessible but immediately applicable.

Spatial Accuracy Assessment: Land Information Uncertainty in Natural Resources

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Spatial Accuracy Assessment: Land Information Uncertainty in Natural Resources

Manufacturer: CRC
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 1575041197

Book Description

Spatial technologies such as GIS and remote sensing are widely used for environmental and natural resource studies. Spatial Accuracy Assessment provides state-of-the-science methods, techniques and real-world solutions designed to validate spatial data, to meet quality assurance objectives, and to ensure cost-effective project implementation and completion. If you use GIS, remote sensing and other spatial mapping technologies for resource management, land use planning, engineering or environmental studies, this vital reference will save you time and money.

Geographic Information Systems: Applications in Forestry and Natural Resources Management

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Geographic Information Systems: Applications in Forestry and Natural Resources Management
Pete Bettinger , Michael G Wing , and Michael Wing
Manufacturer: McGraw-Hill Science/Engineering/Math
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0072562420

Book Description

This first edition of GIS Applications in Forestry and Natural Resource Management is intended for introductory courses in Geographic Information Systems or computer applications in forestry and natural resource management. The emphasis of the book is on the use of Geographical Information Systems (GIS) in natural resource management, or GIS applications. We provide detailed coverage of GIS operations such as querying, buffering, clipping, and overlay analysis (and others), as well as background information on the history of GIS, database creation, editing, and acquisition, and map development. The applications provided can be extended to any region of the World, although the primary emphasis is North America, as portrayed by alternative management scenarios.

Resource Management Information Systems : Information Systems

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Updated Second Edition to Reflect Software Capabilities

Resource Management Information Systems : Information Systems
Keith R. McCloy
Manufacturer: CRC
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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Book Description

Customer Reviews:

Updated Second Edition to Reflect Software Capabilities.......2006-04-12

This book provides the reader with the knowledge and skills necessary to design, build, implement, operate and use spacial resource management information systems for the management of the physical resources of a region. As with most computer related books, the previous book of the same title went out of date and this second edition was required to correctly report on the changes that have occurred in the industry. This edition reflects the current state of the art.

Geographical Information Systems are basically visually oriented analytical tools that allow for the computer presentation and modification of graphical information. As a result, this book discusses the basic concepts of remote sensing using cameras, satellites, radar and other sources. There is then a detailed description of the kinds of processing that can be conducted on these data to produce the needed information. The book is general enough in nature to discuss the overall concepts of GIS software without being tied to a specific package.

The book is supplied with a CD-ROM that includes data, notes on applications and the web addresses for data analysis software.

Mapping the Future of America's National Parks: Stewardship Through Geographic Information Systems

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Knowledge is power, but geographic knowledge shows the way

Mapping the Future of America's National Parks: Stewardship Through Geographic Information Systems

Manufacturer: Esri Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 1589480805

Book Description

Demonstrating how geographic information systems (GIS) captures, stores, analyzes, manipulates, updates, and displays all forms of geographically referenced information, this visually stunning book is a unique resource for national park visitors and managers. Filled with colorful maps, charts, and photographs, this book documents the spread of GIS into every corner of the National Park Service and details its use in repairing trails and roads, locating artifacts, restoring American battlefields, guiding development, understanding wildfires, and protecting fragile lands. Dozens of detailed examples illustrate the invaluable role of GIS mapping in national parks.

Customer Reviews:

Knowledge is power, but geographic knowledge shows the way.......2004-10-24

This beautiful and intense book, stuffed with full-color maps in many formats, is not just for national park managers, those of us who are map addicts, and tech-types attracted to anything computer-based. Anyone who loves the outdoors, uses natural resources, or ponders wildlife biosystems will see how geographic information systems (GIS) have -- and will even more -- shape the future of our national park system. Although not for the purely casual reader, Mapping the Future illustrates so well the surprisingly diverse GIS applications already used in many of our parks... from snow-removal in Glacier Park to wildfire management in Southern California. The National Park Service plans extensive GIS information access for use by the general public. This book is a step towards understanding the amazing data available to all of us.

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