Ninjutsu: The Art of Invisibility--Japan's Feudal-Age Espionage Methods

by Donn F. Draeger

"Ninjutsu", the ancient and secret Japanese art of espionage and assassination, has long fascinated the Western world. Ninja masters were adept in the martial arts and techniques of stealth and concealment. Stripping away the myth and mystery, Donn Draeger reveals the secret tactics, weapons, tricks, and disguises that have earned the ninja a reputation as history's most feared agents.

Genres: Martial Arts, Japan, History, Nonfiction, Research

128 pages, Paperback

First published March 15, 1992

About the author

From Wikipedia:

Donald 'Donn' Frederick Draeger (April 15, 1922 – October 20, 1982) was an expert practitioner of Asian martial arts, an author of several martial arts books, and a United States Marine. Draeger was widely known and respected in the martial arts community, and was a leading martial arts researcher.

Throughout his life, Draeger was known by his nickname 'Donn.' He held the rank of Captain during peacetime and Major during wartime in the Marine Corps. Draeger's tombstone reflects his peacetime rank of Captain. He spent several decades of his life in the Pacific area and Japan, becoming well acquainted with several classical martial arts of the region. Today, he is probably best known for his martial arts scholarship.

Reviews

[Raven · Rating 2 out of 5]

Ooh I hate to two-star a Draeger book, but it seems like not a lot of critical thought was applied here. I would have loved this book when I was ten, and tried to do all the things. I... am not ten now.

[Steven · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an enjoyable book. Unfortunately the original author of the book passed away and the book was finished by another. I learned a great deal from this about the philosopy of the ninjas.

[Zare · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have to say book was not what I expected. I was expecting more of a philosophical work but instead this was pretty detailed and interesting historical overview of ninjutsu, development of shinobi clans and their use on the battlefield and as assassins and spies.

History, techniques, equipment, way they operated - everything is given here in a very brief but clear manner. And wadda you know, nothing changed for centuries and location does not make difference. Shadow operatives, saboteurs, spies, shock troops and assassins operated and will operate in the same manner in any age and time, because their actions are ruled by common sense, and this is constant.

Very interesting book, if you ever need for introduction book into secrets of Japan's assassins this is the definitive work. After that you can read into more detailed works by specialized authors. I have seen some comments that book might be .... how they say "triggering"(?) .... but I could not find anything like that. But then again I am not a professional historical perspective deconstructor so what do I know, right :)

Highly recommended.

[Carolyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

I actually read the older 1971 edition of this (with way cooler cover art), which I picked up at a book sale. This was certainly written in a different era! It’s a peculiar mixture of research, legends, and sensationalism. Quite a ride. When this was written, it was acceptable to speak of Japanese religious practice in a manner we now consider dismissive and inappropriate, so that was disconcerting. It definitely contains adult content. This author is plainly a fan of ninjas and had a lot of fun writing it.

[Burrito von Ska · Rating 1 out of 5]

Nothing I love more than books about the history of stuff with absolutely no citations of any kind. Lotsa hilarious typos and misspellings just ass to the flavor.

I would give it 1.5 if that was possible (weird that it isn’t), but I can’t justify 2 stars, even if it was the best kind of entertaining garbage that I love in my books about ninjas.

[David · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book reads like a poorly written high school term paper. Considering that the author is supposed to be an expert, the book was very disappointing - three stars is being generous.

(Razor thinks that Ninja are cool , because they are dressed in black like he is.)

[Andrew Luce · Rating 2 out of 5]

Interesting stories of ninja activity, but all from an unsubstantiated rumor or fairy tale perspective.

[Marci · Rating 2 out of 5]

Typically, Draeger did a good job of distinguishing facts from fables. In this case, though, it is as though he believed every story he was told without much critical thought.

[Eric Brown · Rating 4 out of 5]

Informative and entertaining. Enjoyed the stories of famous ninja warriors.

[Bryan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Two word: Don't Buy!: I totally regret buying this book.

There are no references to any historical works, nor any martial arts references either. It tells the story of the ninja clans and and the super-ninjas of the more fictious kind.
The only worth is the pages in the end that tells a few of the histocal ninja legends. But even these are better written by others.

If you are interested in historical ninja - S. Turnbulls book Ninja is a much better choice. If you are looking for the Martial arts aspect, I suggest any book by Grandmaster Masaaki Hatsumi or his students.

Some of the tools he has connected to the historical ninja is very modern fiction picked from comic books.

[Benjamin Spurlock · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book as a child. I wore out the pages and had to tape them back together, and I blame this book for placing me firmly on the ninja side of the Pirates vs Ninja debate. Just holding it in my hands brings back memories... but alas, older eyes can't view it with the same unquestioning respect.

[Edward Chamberlin · Rating 2 out of 5]

Fun little book, but nothing more. It was unfortunately marred by numerous grammatical and spelling errors, as well as poor organization and very little in-depth content. Great subject, but a pretty disappointing primer. Still, not a bad book to pick up from the Japanese section of Epcot, Disney World!

[Rebekah · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very good, concise overview of the ninjas and their history. If you want to learn ninjutsu, this isn't the book for you, but it does do a nice job of encapsulating such a fascinating subject.

[Sae-chan · Rating 2 out of 5]

Wish there were more pictures.

[Snufkin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this short summary- some very shocking examples (aaa the stake!!!)

[Marina Andreou · Rating 5 out of 5]

way cool book! loved every page of it!

[Nathanael Ayling · Rating 3 out of 5]

A fun little book about those artful assassins, Ninja and their ways of stealth. Packed with information it was very informative with a rather macabre twist at the end!

[Sylvia · Rating 2 out of 5]

I don't know about newer editions, but the old ones really don't have sources of any kind so you need to fact check a lot. Specially when the author starts talking about historical figures.