- Hardcover: 224 pages
- Publisher: Osprey Publishing; First Edition edition (10 Oct 2006)
- Language English
- ISBN-10: 1846030218
- ISBN-13: 978-1846030215
- Product Dimensions: 19.8 x 2.4 x 24.9 cm
- Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
- Amazon Bestsellers Rank: 510,947 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
Samurai and the Sacred
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More About the Author
Product Description
Review
Praise for Stephen Turnbull's "Samurai - World of the Warrior" from Professor Richard Holmes
'A lively and compelling study of the samurai, the warrior elite of old Japan. Stephen Turnbull blends real scholarship with a flair for story telling to create a gripping account. It is good to see illustrations that rise to the high quality of the text to produce a book wholly worthy of the remarkable characters it describes.'
'A lively and compelling study of the samurai, the warrior elite of old Japan. Stephen Turnbull blends real scholarship with a flair for story telling to create a gripping account. It is good to see illustrations that rise to the high quality of the text to produce a book wholly worthy of the remarkable characters it describes.'
Product Description
The fierce loyalty and self-sacrificing attitude of the Samurai have made them both a legend and a cult. Yet, although their military prowess and skills in the martial arts have been studied exhaustively, an understanding of their belief system still eludes many. This original and exciting work examines the spiritual world of the samurai, from their attachment to Japan's mainstream religions of Shinto and Buddhism, to their involvement in Confucianism, Christianity and Folk Religion. Samurai expert, Stephen Turnbull, examines important topics such as Zen and the martial arts, modern militarism, the cult of the sword, revenge and suicide, hara kiri and the kamikaze pilots - the suicide bombers of their day. He also looks at the fascinating issue of Japanese religious terrorism, as well as the growing cult status of the Samurai both in Japan and in the West.
Inside This Book
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First Sentence
The worship of the kann was practised for centuries before other religions entered the Japanese scene, and even to the most casual visitor to Japan today, 'the way of the gods' appears to have very ancient and deep-rooted foundations. Read the first page
Front Cover | Copyright | Table of Contents | Excerpt | Index | Back Cover
The worship of the kann was practised for centuries before other religions entered the Japanese scene, and even to the most casual visitor to Japan today, 'the way of the gods' appears to have very ancient and deep-rooted foundations. Read the first page
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Concordance
Browse Sample PagesConcordance
Front Cover | Copyright | Table of Contents | Excerpt | Index | Back Cover
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
I purchased this as part of an elective I did which was taught by the author himself, and, unlike most of my course books, this is one that I would never sell. Not only is it a beautiful book, it contains a wealth of fascinating information on Japan's religious history, and more modern religious attitudes. I love this book, and would happily recommend it to anyone!
3 of 4 people found the following review helpful
Stephen Turnball is one of the foremost experts on Japanese religion and the Samurai in the west
11 Mar 2008
Format:Hardcover
Stephen Turnball is one of the foremost experts on Japanese religion and the Samurai in the west - if you are interested in either do not dismiss this book!
Both the history of Japan and the history of the Samurai have been shrouded with mysticism, confusion and misunderstanding. But Turnball's brilliance as both a military historian and a theologian seek to find answers and does so very convincingly in every book I've read.
Whilst 'The Samurai and the Sacred' is somewhat limited in its depth in any one particular area its strengths shine as a book which covers the religious devotions of the Samurai throughout their entire history, one that begins thousands of years ago and ends only last century.
As a previous student of Dr Turnball I thoroughly recommend this or any of his books for his superior insight and love of the subject which shines through every page of brilliant writing.
Both the history of Japan and the history of the Samurai have been shrouded with mysticism, confusion and misunderstanding. But Turnball's brilliance as both a military historian and a theologian seek to find answers and does so very convincingly in every book I've read.
Whilst 'The Samurai and the Sacred' is somewhat limited in its depth in any one particular area its strengths shine as a book which covers the religious devotions of the Samurai throughout their entire history, one that begins thousands of years ago and ends only last century.
As a previous student of Dr Turnball I thoroughly recommend this or any of his books for his superior insight and love of the subject which shines through every page of brilliant writing.
Most Helpful Customer Reviews on Amazon.com (beta)
Amazon.com:
7 reviews
23 of 24 people found the following review helpful
SHINTO, BUSHIDO, AND BUSHI.
28 Nov 2006
Format:Hardcover
I have several other books from this author published recently and though I treasure those, I believe this book to be the most practical for my understanding of Japan.
Between the years 1962 & 1964 while with the military I resided in Japan on the Kanto Plain between Tokyo and Yokohama. During those years I visited many shrines, temples, and places of the Kami. In fact I was stationed at a Navy/Marine base named Kamiseya. Many of the questions I had and still have concerning sacred things of the Kami, Shinto, Buddha, temples, Torii gates, pagodas and shrines are addressed in this book. In addition, the numerous color photographs which exist on almost every page only heighten the understanding; as I look at many of these I know what it felt like to actually be there. The photos offer much greater realism to the text.
In addition the author traces the path of Buddhism from India through China and Korea to eventually reach Japan, where it was intermingled with both existing Shintoism and the Imperial family. The fact of the sun goddess being intertwined with the Imperial family explain why the Emperors were seen to be divine. All of this gives more understanding of just 'what' makes the Japanese to be "Japanese" than many other volumes I've read.
If you have any interest in the history of Japan concerning her religious roots that continue through present day, this is a book for you. Mr. Turnbull has issued at least 3 major books in the last few years that deal with both Japanese history and the Samurai, but this latest is the best for anyone wanting to know the force other than military that has both driven and sustained Japan through the centuries.
Semper Fi.
Between the years 1962 & 1964 while with the military I resided in Japan on the Kanto Plain between Tokyo and Yokohama. During those years I visited many shrines, temples, and places of the Kami. In fact I was stationed at a Navy/Marine base named Kamiseya. Many of the questions I had and still have concerning sacred things of the Kami, Shinto, Buddha, temples, Torii gates, pagodas and shrines are addressed in this book. In addition, the numerous color photographs which exist on almost every page only heighten the understanding; as I look at many of these I know what it felt like to actually be there. The photos offer much greater realism to the text.
In addition the author traces the path of Buddhism from India through China and Korea to eventually reach Japan, where it was intermingled with both existing Shintoism and the Imperial family. The fact of the sun goddess being intertwined with the Imperial family explain why the Emperors were seen to be divine. All of this gives more understanding of just 'what' makes the Japanese to be "Japanese" than many other volumes I've read.
If you have any interest in the history of Japan concerning her religious roots that continue through present day, this is a book for you. Mr. Turnbull has issued at least 3 major books in the last few years that deal with both Japanese history and the Samurai, but this latest is the best for anyone wanting to know the force other than military that has both driven and sustained Japan through the centuries.
Semper Fi.
7 of 9 people found the following review helpful
The Samurai and Their way of life
10 Jan 2007
Format:Hardcover
The Samurai and the Sacred is exactly what we have all come to love when reading Stephen Turnbull's books, well narrated facts. This book is a must have for any samurai lover, martial art practitionar, or stephen turnbull fan.
Very nice color illustrations which no other book has also adds to its value.
Very nice color illustrations which no other book has also adds to its value.
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
The Samurai and the Sacred
8 Feb 2008
Format:Hardcover
Great book, gives alot of info on the native Japanese religion w/ relation to the samurai. Great picture, of artwork, shinto shrines, statues etc.
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