"Johnson brings clarity, depth, and narrative flair to the world of samurai history and culture, making this a valuable addition for both seasoned enthusiasts and curious newcomers" - David Thatcher, Samurai historian and armour expert. Explore the fascinating history of the Japanese samurais in this spectacular hardback guide, richly illustrated with full-color art and photography throughout. The Samurai are the legendary warrior class of Japan. They played a crucial role in the country's history, politics and religion and their legacy continues to hold immense sway over popular culture. In this authoritive history, samurai expert Rod Johnson takes us through the rise and fall of the samurai in Japanese society from the emergence of the new class in the eighth century through the turbulent periods of the Mongol invasions and the civil wars of the Sengoku period to the attempts of the class to adapt to a changing world after the Meiji restoration in the nineteenth century. With features on key events, battles and figures in the history of the samurai, this beautifully illustrated volume serves as the perfect reference for anyone who wants to know more about these fascinating people.