THE WAY OF THE SAMURAI
Richard Storry (r. 1978)
Storry cites prior accounts of Japanese culture beginning with
Nitobe's Bushido: The Soul of Japan (1920) to identify changing
western perspectives of Japanese culture and the samurai class. The
familiar narrative of an evolving samurai integral to centralized
authority and modernization is treated with concern for this changing
perspective. This large format presentation makes
liberal use of prints, illustrations, photographs and artifacts to
supports its narrative as shown here. Includes chronology, glossary and bibliography.
128 pgs., 8¾ x 11½" hardcover $30.00 |
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HISTORICAL & GEOGRAPHIC
DICTIONARY OF JAPAN
E. Papinot (Tuttle r.1976)
A very useful text that presents the obscure and not-so-obscure
references that are discovered in the course of cultural study.
With its dictionary-type format, Papinot has created a concise
encyclopedia geared toward historical and geographic themes.
One has only to look up a name, place, or article to appreciate its
significance. Remember, historical study is culturally based
and without this key frame-of-reference meaning is lost. The
translated series -
Nihonto Koza
calls upon its readers to make frequent use of this essential text.
842 pages + foldout maps, soft cover
$55 |
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JAPANESE NAMES:
A COMPREHENSIVE INDEX OF CHARACTERS AND READINGS
P. G. O'Neill (r.1972)
This book came to our attention by recommendation of John Slough, author of
Modern Japanese Swordsmiths, who cites O'Neill's text as the
most useful text for the difficult and often confusing task of reading signatures.
This well organized reference begins with a brief guide for use and is followed by
three sections allowing reference by character (kanji), reading (Romanji),
or by radical. An effective key also confirms if names are given or
surname (by gender), and/or of historical or artistic importance.
359 pages, 47/8 x 71/8" soft cover
$45 |
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SHOKAN: HIROHITO'S SAMURAI
R.Fuller (1992)
Fuller identifies more than 1000 General Officers and Flag Officers of the Japanese
military hierarchy during WWII. Includes biographical detail and many accounts of
formal surrender ceremonies. This is an essential tool for researching the
provenance of officers' swords. Indexed.
319 pages, 6¼ x 9½" hardcover $69 |
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THE SAMURAI,
A Military History
S.R.Turnbull (1977)
An outstanding history of the samurai class, this book traces the origins through to its
end. Turnbull does well to connect the legends and myths to historical account while
maintaining a clear chronology throughout. Well supported by prints, diagrams,
photographs and charts, it is one of our favorite books on the subject of the Japanese
military class. Includes: appendix, bibliography, and index.
304 pgs., 7½ x 9¾" hardcover $45.00 |
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THE BOOK OF THE SAMURAI: The
Warrior Class of Japan
S.R. Turnbull (r. 1982)
A survey of the samurai class from its origins to its final
reconciliation with the modern age. This large format presentation makes
liberal use of prints, illustrations, photographs and artifacts to
supports its narrative as shown here. Includes glossary and bibliography.
192 pgs., 9¼ x
12" hardcover $30.00 |
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MON: The Japanese Family Crest
Kei Keneda Chappelear & W.M.Hawley
A listing of 1,475 Mon including dual index, both by family surname and visual
subject.
120 pages, 8½ x 11" soft cover $35.00 |
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LEGEND IN
JAPANESE ART
Henry L. Joly (r.1967)
Originally published in 1908, this well researched volume describes "the historical
episodes, legendary characters, folk-lore, myths, and religious symbolism
illustrated in the arts of old Japan." Both an encyclopedia and a
"detailed iconography", this book belongs on the shelf of every serious
collector and student of things Japanese. This is the classic reference used to
identify pictorial elements and themes in Japanese art.
623 pages, 8¾ x 11½" hardcover $335.00
The significance of identifying subtle, culturally based, cues in art
cannot be overstated. Consider the importance for understanding
pictorial themes in recognizing the works of specific fittings schools.
Clive Sinclaire's article
Ten
Tsuba well illustrates the importance of recognizing pictorial
themes - in particular, see the description of tsuba number
seven. |
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THE NEW NELSON
JAPANESE-ENGLISH CHARACTER DICTIONARY
A complete new revision by J.H. Haig
This volume sets new standards for ease of use and reliability in the field of Japanese
language-learning reference tools. Includes a new radical index that simplifies the chore
of hunting for a kanji by its often difficult-to-distinguish primary radical, and also has
an expanded cross-referencing system that includes the character's index number in
Morohashi's Dai Kanwa Jiten, its JIS code number, and its sequential position in the total
character listing.
1,600 pages, hardcover $69.95 |
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NATIONAL TREASURE
Peter Bleed
Though a work of fiction, this novel shows the author's expertise in the area of
Japanese archaeology and swords in particular within a highly absorbing story of two
swords and six-hundred-years of history. Anyone who has ever wondered 'if these
could talk' will find Bleed's clever story an excellent read.
311 pages, 5½ x 8½" soft cover
$19.95 |
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NIHONGI:
CHRONICLES OF JAPAN FROM THE EARLIEST TIMES TO 697
A.C.E.
G.W.Aston (trans.)
This book often called the Nihonshoki, is one of the most important classics of
Japanese literature. The text remains as fresh today as when it was written in the 8th
century, and provides a vivid picture of a nation in formation. This edition combines two
volumes in one, 26 b&w illustration; index.
852 pages, 4¾ x 7" soft cover $19.95 |
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A HUNDRED VERSES FROM OLD JAPAN
W.N. Porter, translator
An early translation of Hyaku-nin-isshu, one of Japan's most famous anthologies of
poetry. Contains the original woodcut illustrations, and is accompanied by informative
background notes.
224 pages, 4¼ x 7" soft cover $12.95 |
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THE BOOK OF TEA
Okakura Kakuzo, (E. Grille, trans.)
This famed Zen volume is neither a simple study of "tea" nor an esoteric study of
Japan's tea cult. Rather, it is an attempt to make understandable the essence of
Japanese culture. A striking assessment that contrasts cultural identifications.
154 pages, 5 x 7¾" hardcover, boxed $18.95 |
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BUSHIDO: THE SOUL OF JAPAN
Nitobe Inazo
Describes Bushido as the Japanese feudal equivalent to chivalry, and as the standard for
the nation. Written in 1905, it is a product of Meiji national ideology, and offers a
unique perspective for the scholar.
204 pages, 4¼ x 7" soft cover $12.95 |
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THE FORTY-SEVEN RONIN STORY
J. Allyn
This is the historical account of the famous mass seppuku of the 47 ronin, or masterless
samurai, that occurred shortly after the turn of the 18th century.
240 pages, 4¼ x 7" soft cover $12.95 |
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CODE OF THE SAMURAI
TAIRA Shigesuke, (T.Cleary, trans.)
A modern translation of Bushido Shoshinshu, the 400-year-old explication of
the rules and expectations of Bushido, the way of the warrior. Cleary's translation
offers a clear conversational narrative of this important text.
98 pgs, 5¼ x 7¾" hardcover $14.95 |
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TAIKO, A NOVEL
Eiji Yoshikawa, (W.S.Wilson, trans.)
Yoshikawa's epic novel centers on the ascendance of Toyotomi Hideyoshi as the unifier of
Japan. This fictional account charts the true chaos and cunning of rival daimyo
positioning for control at the close of the sixteenth century. Province by province
conquest!
926 pgs, 7¼ x 9¼" hardcover $38.00 |
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EHON TOYOTOMI KUNKOKI
Pictorial Biography of Toyotomi Hideyoshi, The Unifier of Japan
Ichiyusai Kuniyoshi
Includes reproductions of over 600 accurately detailed woodblock prints depicting the life
of Toyotomi Hideyoshi by the artist, Ichiyusai Kuniyoshi. With a color fold-out triptych.
620 pages, hardcover $150.00 |
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BUSHIDO OF THE FORTY-SEVEN RONIN
20¼ x 10" triptych, 100lb paper $50.00
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FORTUNE TELLING BY
JAPANESE SWORDS
O'Hamaguchi, C.Talbot
A translation from Japanese of a manuscript that detailed various characteristics apparent
in swords, including kizu and suriage, as a means to tell the fortune of the sword's
owner. An interesting text with many illustrations.
43 pages, 5½ x 8½" soft cover $7.95JAPANESE CREST DESIGNS
W.M.Hawley
An abridged listing of 220 Mon with family surnames representative of the principle motifs
of Japanese heraldry.
34 pages, 5½ x 8½" soft cover $6.00
PERRY'S BAY
B.Taylor
A first-hand account of the American expeditions led by Commodore Perry's that resulted in
the Treaty of Kanagawa - the "opening of Japan". This primary source
record of events includes illustrations from the famous mission and offers a unique
glimpse at Edo period Japan as seen by westerners.
49 pages, 5½ x 8½" soft cover $6.95
BUDDHIST SYMBOLS ON JAPANESE
SWORD BLADES
W.M. Hawley
An explanation of various Bonji characters appearing as horimono on blades, and
illustrations of the various Buddhas represented.
14 pages, 5½ x 8½" soft cover $4.95
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SAMURAI PAINTERS
Addiss/Hurst (1983)
A unique text presenting artistic creations of the samurai. The works of Musashi,
Ieyasu, and many others offer the viewer a direct glimpse into the samurai mind and
spirit. This beautiful work includes 25 large format, full color plates plus
additional supporting text and pictures.
48 pages, 10½ x 14½" hardcover |
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HEIHO OKUGISHO:
The Secret of High Strategy
Yamamoto Kansuke (Toshihiro Obata, trans.)
Reproduction of the 1804 illustrated, woodblock edition of writings attributed to
Takeda Shingen's strategist Yamamoto Kansuke with English and
German-language translation. The original text predates Musashi's
writings.
400 pages, 8½ x 11" comb bound $85.00 |
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A BOOK OF FIVE RINGS
Miyamoto Musashi (V. Harris, trans.)
The classic guide to strategy written over three centuries ago by master swordsman
Miyamoto Musashi. The text includes footnotes to assist the reader, while the actual
writings have been maintain with great attention not to color their meaning. An
introduction by the translator gives an overview of the period and biography.
96 pages, 7¼ x 8½" hardcover |
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JAPANESE NAMES AND HOW TO READ THEM
A Manual for Art-Collectors and Students
A. Koop, H. Inada (r.1960)
First published in 1923, this is the definitive 'guide to the reading and interpretation
of Japanese proper names, dates, and formal expression.' This is the essential tool
so often referred to by serious collectors and advanced students.
561 pages, 7½ x 10" hardcover |
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JAPANESE ART SIGNATURES
J. Self and N. Hirose (r.1987)
Many collectors owe their ability to read Japanese signatures to this text. While
lacking the depth of O'Neill's or Koop & Inanda's works, this book is geared
specifically toward reading art signatures, locations, and dates as appearing on Japanese
art. Divided into nine sections, it specifically addresses reading: key characters,
provincial and geographic names, and variant characters with extensive charts. Of
special note is its categorized listing of artists' signatures. In all, this text
serves as an introduction to the process of reading inscriptions, emphasizing 'how' with
effective diagrams and explanations - think of it as a text book.
399 pages, 7 x 10" soft cover |
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SAMURAI: An Illustrated History
Mitsuo KURE
A very accessible survey of the samurai class well supported with nearly 800 photographs,
illustrations, and diagrams. It is something of a cross between the works of Turnbull and
Bottomley with the unique
addition of photographs from modern reenactments demonstrating many aspects of the samurai
class not seen elsewhere such as: a 10 photo series showing the reloading sequence for the
Japanese matchlock, and various methods employed for tying kabuto and mempo.
A title to be appreciated by collector and historian alike.
192 pages, 9¼ x 12¼" hardcover |
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A DICTIONARY OF MILITARY TERMS
English - Japanese and Japanese - English
Lt.Col. H.T.Creswell, et al (1942)
A publication of the University of Chicago Press, this unique, scholarly reference fills a
needed gap when translating military materials. Unlike conventional
Japanese-language dictionaries, this was prepared specifically with contextual references
to military use. An effective tool to draw from your bookshelf for research, it
affords the reader the important perspective and insight to both period and application.
685 pages, 7¼ x 6¼" hardcover |
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