Arms and Armor of the Samurai: The History of Weaponry in Ancient Japan

by Ian Bottomley, Anthony Hopson

With introduction by Dr. Y. Sasan. Expertly written and researched history of Japanese weaponry. Traces the rise, development, and demise of the Samurai who dominated Japan for over 700 years. With many previously unpublished photographs. 270 illustrations.

Genres: Japan, History, Military Fiction, Military History, Reference, Nonfiction, Martial Arts

192 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1986

Reviews

[Quantum]

Quite detailed but The Samurai Swordsman integrates its weapons/armor descriptions in their historical context.

[James · Rating 3 out of 5]

The title says it all, organized by era with a fair number of photos from museum collections, period drawings and the like. Nice reference if you are painting samurai figurines or other art.

[Shin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Marvelous work. Maybe author studied about not only armors but also Japanese history. So this book is the best to know what is Japanese armor is. Recently so many people want to buy Japanese armor or sword ecc. If you want, before you buy please check this book. I can recommend

[Alex Cunningham · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is _still_ the best book in English that stands as an introduction to Japanese arms and armour. The pictures, especially those in color, are exquisite and many are one-of-a-kind in English. Bottomley's book is unnecessarily detailed, and pleasingly so. It earns four stars because the most serious fault I can find in it is that, as a serious amateur katchu-shi (Japanese armourer), I want it to be twice as long and twice as technical.

[Brandon Chang · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing book if you want to learn more about Japanese history and armor! Highly recommended for history buffs like me.