An Epic Journey into the Legend and Legacy of Japan's Samurai

A History of the Samurai tells the complete story of Japan's legendary warrior class from beginning to end—an epic tale of intrigue, bloodshed, and bravery that offers deep insight into a pivotal era of Japanese history and culture. With renewed global fascination fueled by popular shows like SHOGUN and other feudal Japan dramas, this book offers timely insight into the real warriors behind the legend.

It explores in detail the core Samurai philosophy of Bushido—"the way of the warrior"—a complex code of conduct embracing ideals of honor and loyalty that continue to influence Japanese life today.

Historian Jonathan Lopez-Vera offers a compelling look at these enigmatic warriors, including:

• The lives of famous Samurai—Miyamoto Musashi, Japan's greatest swordsman; Tomoe Gozen, the legendary woman Samurai; Tokugawa Ieyasu, the last Shogun; and many more
• The tragic tale of the 47 Ronin, who chose honor over their own lives and were forced to commit ritual suicide after avenging their fallen master
• The philosophy of Bushido, the code of conduct embodying honor and loyalty that governed the Samurai way of life
• The decline of the Samurai and their transformation from fierce, battle-hardened warriors to highly educated philosopher-poets

Illustrated with 125 archival prints and photographs, this book brilliantly showcases the nobility and grandeur of the Samurai. Readers will be fully immersed in the world of these legendary warriors as Jonathan Lopez-Vera traces their rise and fall throughout Japanese history.

"In A History of the Samurai there are seven centuries of battles, intrigues, invasion attempts and great characters with exciting biographies." -- 20 Minutos newspaper
"…a thorough investigation into these warriors." -- Sapiens magazine
"Lopez-Vera's book sows a series of historical pearls that are a delight all on their own." -- El Peso Del Aire blog

Jonathan Lopez-Vera has a PhD in Japanese History and an MA in World History from Pompeu Fabra University (Spain). He is a member of the Ethnographies, Cultural Encounters and Religious Missions (ECERM) research group and Research Group on Empires, Metropolis and Extra-European Societies (GRIMSE). He also runs the HistoriaJaponesa.com website and is co-editor of the journal Asiademica.

Russell Calvert has a masters degree in translation studies from Pompeu Fabra University (Barcelona). He has 25 years TESOL (Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages) experience, including posts at ESADE Business School (Barcelona) and Salalah College of Applied Sciences (Oman). He was the subtitler, translator and interpreter for the 2012 Mecal International Short Film Festival of Barcelona.