Early Samurai AD 200–1500

Osprey Elite #35

by Anthony J. Bryant, Angus McBride (Illustrator)

War played a central part in the history of Japan. Warring clans controlled much of the country. The wars were usually about land, the struggle for control of which eventually gave rise to perhaps the most formidable warriors of all time: the Samurai. Ancient Yayoi warriors developed weapons, armour and a code during the ensuing centuries that became the centrepiece for the Japanese Samurai. Anthony Bryant chronicles the history, arms and armour of these truly élite warriors, from the rise of the Yayoi through the Genpei War (1180–1185) between the Minamoto and Taira clans, to the Mongol invasions of the 13th century.

Genres: History, Japan, Nonfiction, Military History

64 pages, Paperback

First published May 23, 1991

About the author

Anthony J. Bryant was an American author and editor. He worked in Japan for a period of time, and became an authority on medieval Japanese armor and samurai culture.

Reviews

[Little Timmy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very nice history book with a great selection of color art plates showing the various armors. Recommended

[Little Timmy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great reference book. Very good pictures and write ups of the various units. Recommended

[Shane Kiely · Rating 3 out of 5]

Really liked the first half which offers a general history of the early era of Japan’s recorded history (with some snippets of its pre history) and the rise of the samurai as a class & culture. The second part wasn’t as much to me taste as it went into more detail about armour than I’d like (but almost nothing about weapons). Still more than worth a read for the history stuff.

[Robert Lloyd · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting look at early samurai

Good illustrations and overview of early Japanese history, some major foundational events, and what ancient samurai warriors looked like. The narrative could be a bit hard to follow at times though.

[Wai Zin · Rating 2 out of 5]

It's briefly outline the political and dynastic struggle of early Japan.
Almost no accounts of how these early Samurai waged war.
A bit let down for me.