- The rise of the Japanese warrior class and how they established their grip on political power
- Rival clans, legendary Samurai, the unification of warlord states, and famous female Samurai
- Samurai "tools of the trade"--swords, bows, spears, guns, castles, and armor
- The cult of Bushido, the fabled warrior's code
- The transformation of Samurai into cultured "gentlemen" warriors, poets, and aristocrats
- Their legacy in modern world literature, media, film, and popular culture
- And so much more!
A foreword by leading Samurai historian Alexander Bennett, the celebrated translator of works such as The Complete Musashi and Hagakure, introduces readers to these fascinating warriors, who continue to captivate modern audiences.