Written by one of the worlds leading authorities on samurai, this witty, informative guide to the samurai class of Japan is presented as a training manual written by a fictional samurai lord. It offers lively and engaging coverage of every aspect of early 17th-century Japanese warrior culture, from training and armour to how to perform on the battlefield, from Japanese religion to how to attain entrance to the White Jade Pavilion when your warrior days are over. Colour images and 100 historic wood-block-style prints provide a step-by-step guide to becoming and being a samurai. Perfect for all ages interested in military history or in Japanese culture.