Bushido Explained: The Japanese Samurai Code: A New Interpretation for Beginners

This seminal work by historian Alexander Bennett presents a broad overview of the Japanese Way of the Warrior as it is expressed in scores of classical Japanese texts written by famous Samurai themselves.

Bennett's analysis of these writings shows that the essential meaning of Bushido, the Samurai's code of conduct and ethics, evolved significantly over timefrom the 12th century when the warrior class was elevated to become an elite group, to the 19th century when the Samurai class was suddenly disbanded.

Bushido Explained takes a visual approach to presenting important concepts and terminology, helping readers easily navigate the complex world of the Samurai. The text is written in a highly accessible style, with sidebars presenting interesting concepts, facts and important Samurai figures who were central to Bushido's evolution. The different types of Bushidowhich vary by region, time period and Samurai rankare presented with over 300 informative diagrams and illustrations.

No other book offers such a wide-ranging, yet clear analysis of Bushidodebunking myths and misconceptions about who the Samurai truly were. Bushido Explained presents a precise overview of Samurai ideals and culture in a logical, chronological order.

Author Alexander Bennetta professor of Japanese history, martial arts and Budo theory at Kansai university in Japanuses this information and teaching methods in his Japanese Studies: Introduction to Bushido class. Now, readers all over the world can sit in on the unique lesson. See more