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Japanese Samurai were apex warriors, superlative fighters dedicated to their
daimyo, or lord, and living according to the principles of
bushidō, an honour code that stressed selfless service, martial excellence, valour in battle and implacable determination. Often fighting on horseback and skilled archers, they developed a style of armour which, although changing over time, suited the dexterous combat techniques developed in Japan in the medieval and early modern eras.
Samurai Armour provides a vivid and informative guide to the many types of armour worn by Japanese warriors from the 10th to the 19th centuries. Learn about the classic
o-Yoroi ('great armour'), designed for its lightness and flexibility for firing a bow from horseback; understand the development of the
haramake ("belly wrap") armour, worn by the
ashigaru men-at-arms - a new class of foot soldier that emerged during the Warring States period (1467-1615); explore the many types of classic
Dō-maru, a heavy box-like armour constructed from flexible small scales of leather or metal laced into plates with cord; and see the various armoured elements used by samurai, including highly decorative
kabutos (helmets),
haidate (thigh guards) which were tied around the waist, and elaborate ornamental
mempo (face masks) designed to reflect the personality of the wearer and strike fear into his enemies.
With 200 photographs and illustrations covering every aspect of Japanese armour,
Samurai Armour provides a compact, accessible guide to this complex, highly decorative protective clothing that still fascinates modern readers.
Info autore
Martin J. Dougherty is a former defence consultant, he has written numerous books on history and military history, including Vikings: A History of the Norse People, Medieval Warrior, Weapons and Fighting Techniques of the Medieval Warrior 1000-1500AD and books on personal self-defence. He lives in northern England.
Riassunto
With 200 photographs and illustrations covering every aspect of Japanese armour, Samurai Armour provides a compact, accessible guide to this complex, highly decorative protective clothing that still fascinates modern readers.
