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Bushido Explained: The Japanese Samurai Code: A New Interpretation for Beginners
This seminal work by historian Alexander Bennett presents a broad overview of the Japanese "Way of the Warrior" as it is expressed in scores of classical Japanese texts written by famous Samurai themselves.
Bennett's analysis of these writings shows that the essential meaning of Bushido, the Samurai's code of conduct and ethics, evolved significantly over time--from the 12th century when the warrior class was elevated to become an elite group, to the 19th century when the Samurai class was suddenly disbanded.
Bushido Explained takes a visual approach to presenting important concepts and terminology, helping readers easily navigate the complex world of the Samurai. The text is written in a highly accessible style, with sidebars presenting interesting concepts, facts and important Samurai figures who were central to Bushido's evolution. The different types of Bushido--which vary by region, time period and Samurai rank--are presented with over 300 informative diagrams and illustrations.
No other book offers such a wide-ranging, yet clear analysis of Bushido--debunking myths and misconceptions about who the Samurai truly were. Bushido Explained presents a precise overview of Samurai ideals and culture in a logical, chronological order.
Author Alexander Bennett--a professor of Japanese history, martial arts and Budo theory at Kansai university in Japan--uses this information and teaching methods in his Japanese Introduction to Bushido class. Now, readers all over the world can sit in on the unique lesson.
Bennett's analysis of these writings shows that the essential meaning of Bushido, the Samurai's code of conduct and ethics, evolved significantly over time--from the 12th century when the warrior class was elevated to become an elite group, to the 19th century when the Samurai class was suddenly disbanded.
Bushido Explained takes a visual approach to presenting important concepts and terminology, helping readers easily navigate the complex world of the Samurai. The text is written in a highly accessible style, with sidebars presenting interesting concepts, facts and important Samurai figures who were central to Bushido's evolution. The different types of Bushido--which vary by region, time period and Samurai rank--are presented with over 300 informative diagrams and illustrations.
No other book offers such a wide-ranging, yet clear analysis of Bushido--debunking myths and misconceptions about who the Samurai truly were. Bushido Explained presents a precise overview of Samurai ideals and culture in a logical, chronological order.
Author Alexander Bennett--a professor of Japanese history, martial arts and Budo theory at Kansai university in Japan--uses this information and teaching methods in his Japanese Introduction to Bushido class. Now, readers all over the world can sit in on the unique lesson.
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Published March 10, 2020
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About the author
Alexander Bennett
95 books27 followersAlex Bennett was born in 1970 in Christchurch, New Zealand.
He graduated from the University of Canterbury in 1994. He received his Doctoral degree from Kyoto University in 2001, and another from the University of Canterbury in 2012.
After working at the International Research Center for Japanese Studies, and then Teikyo University's Department of Japanese Culture, he is currently employed as an Associate Professor at Kansai University's Division of International Affairs where he teaches Japanese history and society.
He lectures frequently on Japanese martial culture.
His recent publications include Naginata: the Definitive Guide, Budo Perspectives, and may other publications on Budo.
He’s also Editor-in-Chief of Kendo World, the world’s only English language journal dedicated to Kendo, the Vice President of the International Naginata Federation and Director of the Japanese Academy of Budo.
He graduated from the University of Canterbury in 1994. He received his Doctoral degree from Kyoto University in 2001, and another from the University of Canterbury in 2012.
After working at the International Research Center for Japanese Studies, and then Teikyo University's Department of Japanese Culture, he is currently employed as an Associate Professor at Kansai University's Division of International Affairs where he teaches Japanese history and society.
He lectures frequently on Japanese martial culture.
His recent publications include Naginata: the Definitive Guide, Budo Perspectives, and may other publications on Budo.
He’s also Editor-in-Chief of Kendo World, the world’s only English language journal dedicated to Kendo, the Vice President of the International Naginata Federation and Director of the Japanese Academy of Budo.
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
May 27, 2025
I began reading this book anticipating the visit of the author to my AP Lit classroom and also to our school community. My class and I, with a short window, were able to finish the first chapter together before Dr. Alexander Bennett's visit. Alex, as he preferred being called, was not only a wealth of information about bushido and the martial arts, but his Japanese backstory, which was also a part of his exigency for first getting into studying bushido (many people would ask him about the philosophies behind kendo) and in writing Bushido Explained.
The book itself begins with a history of Japan and then delves into various ways of the samurai, ending with Nitobe's Quaker interpretation. This history and comparison of philosophies was fascinating for me as someone who has spent one-third of his life in Japan. But beyond a person like me, this book gives so much insight into the idiosyncrasies of this fascinating country, helping people around the world better understand what truly resides in the heart of the Japanese.
The book itself begins with a history of Japan and then delves into various ways of the samurai, ending with Nitobe's Quaker interpretation. This history and comparison of philosophies was fascinating for me as someone who has spent one-third of his life in Japan. But beyond a person like me, this book gives so much insight into the idiosyncrasies of this fascinating country, helping people around the world better understand what truly resides in the heart of the Japanese.
September 6, 2022
Bushido Explained: The Japanese Samurai Code: A New Interpretation for Beginners by Alexander Bennett
A great little book with some helpful visuals. If you’re at all interested in samurai or ancient Japanese culture give this one a read.
A great little book with some helpful visuals. If you’re at all interested in samurai or ancient Japanese culture give this one a read.
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews