Tales of the Samurai: Stories of Old Japan. Book 1

by Roald Knutsen

Written by the pen of a high-ranking swordsman who has immersed himself in the warrior traditions of old Japan for over fifty years and author of several books relating to the Samurai culture and its traditions, here are some absorbing short tales supported by the author’s own illustrations that will take the reader directly back to both ancient and medieval Japan. The stories end in the final upheavals of the mid-sixteenth century prior to the unification of Japan under the Tokugawa shoguns. Drawing inspiration from his own extensive researches and popular folklore of late-nineteenth century scholars, these brilliantly crafted stories offer an authentic flavour of the humour, hardships, and sudden violence of a country often suffering from war. Dangers lie hidden on all sides... Compulsive reading.

252 pages, Paperback

First published January 28, 2010

Reviews

[Jon · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an excellent read. I mainly enjoyed it for the rich detail of historical Japan without being bogged down in analysis or exposition. These entertaining short stories are not just full of tales of fighting styles and the samurai honor (though there is a good amount of that), but also they explore the spirituality and philosophy of the time.

Definitely looking forward to read more from Knutsen.