Product Description

47 Ronin Story is the classic Japanese story of Lord Asano of Ako and one of the bloodiest vendettas in Japan's feudal history. In a shocking clash between the warriors and the merchant class of seventeenth century Japan, there emerged the most unlikely set of heroes-the forty-seven ronin, or ex-samurai, of Ako.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #119668 in Books
• Published on: 2006-09-15
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 224 pages

Features

• ISBN13: 9780804838276
• Condition: NEW
• Notes: Brand New from Publisher. No Remainder Mark.
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From the Inside Flap

Customer Reviews

Samurai Ethics 101
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It is based on an 18th century historical event, which has been retold many times. Mr. Allyn writes a very readable story that emphasizes duty, honor, betrayal and loyalty. Mr. Allyn's version of this story is not only exciting but he also does an effective job describing the rigid social structure of this period in Japan. And he does so in a simple and elegant prose. In this story, the admirable Lord Asano goes to visit the Shogun at his palace. While preparing to meet the Shogun, he insults a greedy scheming sycophant, who plots revenge and traps the fiery but naive Lord Asano into taking an action which leads to his demise. As a result, the Shogun also takes the lands of the dead Lord and banishes his wife. Hearing of his death, his samurai, who are now ronin, plot the death of the sycophant. To tell more is to spoil it but suffice it say that this book not only tells an exciting story but illustrates a society where the code of behavior is very different than the one in which we live. I recommend this book. Read it and then go watch the Seven Samurai for the full effect.

I felt it could have been better
This is a novelized version of a famous historical even, the revenge of the 47 ronin. It was enjoyable reading but I felt it could have moved at a faster pace. I also felt that it should have been geared more toward a younger audience since this type of story would probably be popular with middle school age boys. It would have been more engaging in the way of foreshadowing if the chapters had been given names instead of just numbers. Since it's a novel based on an actual historical event the author should have made some delineations and given actual facts for each major development in the story. Maps and drawings would have also been helpful.

Outbreak, an Epidemic of Culture
This gets 5 out of 5. The 47 Ronin Story has to be one of the best stories I have ever read. It puts you right into 16th, 17th, and 18th century Japan capturing the very essence of traditional Japanese culture meeting today's modern Japanese. The story's arranger John Allyn does a very good job balancing entertainment and translational, historical, accuracy. It displays many subtle but devastating and drastic changes of the attitudes, society, and culture of Japan as its feudal era began to come to an end. Honor, Loyalty, Service, Revenge, Truth, Justice, Patience, Wisdom, Perfection. Those are just a few of the words that describe some of the greatest warriors of our time: the samurai.