Product Description

The first proper fortifications in Japan began to develop with the appearance of the first emperors around 250. Although initially fortifications were simply wooden constructions, as internal strife became a way of life in Japan, more and increasingly elaborate fortifications were built. By the mid-16th century elaborate and beautiful traditional stone castles were wide spread. At the same time, rivalries between different monastic orders led to the development of fortified Buddhist temples and monasteries until the suppression of the warrior monks under Tokugawa Ieyasu. The 19th century saw the development of European-style forts, and the strengthening of costial defences against incursions by the West.

This book not only studies the entire period of Japanese castle development from the very first fortifications, through to the sophisticated structures of the 16th and 17th century and beyond to the 19th century, but also covers the castles built to control Korea during the brief samurai invasion in the late 16th century and the development of fortified temples and monasteries in Japan. The text also explains how castles were adapted to accommodate the introduction of firearms in the 16th century, and explores life within Japanese fortifications. With photographs from the author's private collection and full-color artwork, including detailed cutaways, this is an essential guide to the fascinating development of Japanese fortifications.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #665807 in Books
• Published on: 2009-03-24
• Released on: 2009-03-24
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Hardcover
• 272 pages

Features

• ISBN13: 9781846034138
• Condition: NEW
• Notes: Brand New from Publisher. No Remainder Mark.
• Click here to view our Condition Guide and Shipping Prices

Review
"Stephen Turnbull is one of the best writers in the Fortress series, as well as an outstanding authority on Japanese fortifications." -Bolling Smith, The Coast Defense Journal (July 2009)

"Castle fortifications for Japan's military began appearing after the first emperors and quickly evolved from simple wooden barriers to complex and beautiful stone structures. This focus explores how these castles were adapted to accommodate firearms and changing military technology, and considers how they lent to Japanese military developments as a whole. Unpublished photos from the author's private collection and color artwork accompany a survey recommended for both military and Japanese history holdings." -California Bookwatch (June 2009)

"Overall, 'Strongholds of the Samurai' is an excellent compilation, giving a detailed overview of the development of Japanese fortifications throughout time, social classes, and different countries. At less than half the price of two of the original works, it's also a great value. An attractive volume, it's loaded with photos, prints, color plates, maps, and artwork. The majority of the information given in three of the four chapters has never been seen in English, and author Turnbull is still among the best when it comes to bringing the old legends and stories of Japan to life for the reader. It's a winner-an absolute no-brainer of a purchase." -http://shogun-yashiki.blogspot.com

"In all, it makes for an excellent primer on the subject and fully meets this reviewer's expectations of books in this series. If you want to learn about the subject, I know you will find it to be equally useful. Buy with confidence." -Scott Van Aken, www.modelingmadness.com (May 2009)

About the Author
Stephen Turnbull took his first degree at Cambridge University, and received a PhD from Leeds University for his work on Japanese religious history. He has travelled extensively in Europe and the Far East and also runs a well-used picture library. His work has been recognised by the awarding of the Canon Prize of the British Association for Japanese Studies and a Japan Festival Literary Award. He currently divides his time between lecturing in Japanese Religion at the University of Leeds and writing.

Customer Reviews

Combination of four books
This is a well written book by Stephen Turnbull about the history and evolution of Japanese castles and fortified temples. The book covers from the early Nara-Heian era all the way up to fall of the Tokugawa Shogunate. The book is well illustrated, photographed, mapped and written. Anyone with passing interest in Japanese Samurai history will find this book to be a very good basic source of reference.

However, it should be reminded that this book is basically a combination of four previous Osprey books already written by Stephen Turnbull. The two books on Japanese castles, the book on fortified temples and the book on Japanese castles in Korea, all written by Stephen Turnbull, are complied in this single volume. If you already owned these four books, there is little reason to buy this book. The short expanded section of this book only covers the period of the Mejii Restoration period. I think there were few extras here and there although my memories isn't so good in the exact detail. But needless to say, "expanded" section of this book is extremely limited. Some b/w photos are now in color and maps and diagrams increase or decrease in sizes. However, if you do not own any of these four books or own just one or two, then this current book will be a definite money saver.

While I was hoping for a more original work by Stephen Turnbull, I guess for most, this book should fill the need.

How these castles were adapted to accommodate firearms and changing military technology
Castle fortifications for Japan's military began appearing after the first emperors and quickly evolved from simple wooden barriers to complex and beautiful stone structures. This focus explores how these castles were adapted to accommodate firearms and changing military technology, and considers how they lent to Japanese military developments as a whole. Unpublished photos from the author's private collection and color artwork accompany a survey recommended for both military and Japanese history holdings.