Samurai: The Last Warrior - (P.S.) by John Man (Paperback)

About the Book

"Originally published in slightly different form in the United Kingdom in 2011 by Transworld Publishers"--Title page verso.

Book Synopsis

The definitive history of the Samurai, by acclaimed author of Ninja: 1,000 Years of the Shadow Warrior

"One could ask for no better storyteller or analyst than John Man." --Simon Sebag Montefiore, author of Jerusalem: The Biography

The inspiration for the Jedi knights of Star Wars and the films of Akira Kurosawa, the legendary Japanese samurai have captured modern imaginations. Yet with these elite warriors who were bound by a code of honor called Bushido--the Way of the Warrior--the reality behind the myth proves more fascinating than any fiction. In Samurai, celebrated author John Man provides a unique and captivating look at their true history, told through the life of one man: Saigo Takamori, known to many as "the last samurai." In 1877 Takamori led a rebel army of samurai in a heroic "last stand" against the Imperial Japanese Army, who sought to end the "way of the sword" in favor of firearms and modern warfare. Man's thrilling narrative brings to life the hidden world of the samurai as never before.

From the Back Cover

The inspiration for the Jedi knights of Star Wars and the films of Akira Kurosawa, the legendary Japanese samurai have captured modern imaginations. Yet with these elite warriors who were bound by a code of honor called Bushido--the Way of the Warrior--the reality behind the myth proves more fascinating than any fiction. In Samurai, celebrated author John Man provides a unique and captivating look at their true history, told through the life of one man: Saigo Takamori, known to many as "the last samurai." In 1877 Takamori led a rebel army of samurai in a heroic "last stand" against the Imperial Japanese Army, who sought to end the "way of the sword" in favor of firearms and modern warfare. Man's thrilling narrative brings to life the hidden world of the samurai as never before.

Review Quotes

"One could ask for no better storyteller or analyst than John Man. ... Superb, as compellingly readable as it is impressive in its scholarship. ... There is something fascinating and new on every page." - Simon Sebag Montefiore, author of Jerusalem: The Biography (on ATTILA THE HUN)
"John Man's absorbing and beautifully written book investigates a vast amount of evidence to produce a thrilling account of Genghis's life, death and his continuing influence." - The Guardian (on GENGHIS KAHN)
"An intriguing look at the enigmatic world of the deadly Asian assassin. ... Fascinating. ... A thoroughly researched, appealing examination of the original 'men in black.'" - Kirkus Reviews
"With a relaxed and honest prose style [Man] slashes through the thicket of 19th-century Japanese politics with the keenness of a samurai's tempered steel blade." - The Daily Express
"A well-written piece of history with an easy storyteller's rhythm and plenty of intrigue. Readers will quickly realize that the author is well-versed in Far Eastern history, but he also accommodates new discoveries and insights. ... Smooth, sophisticated history writing." - Kirkus Reviews
"Exciting, surprising, and moving. ... A well-written saga" - Booklist
"An engaging look at the final days of a military elite." - Shelf Awareness