"A captivating and comprehensive guide to Japan's elite class of warriors. The Samurai played a leading role in Japanese society for centuries, and this is the first encyclopedia to showcase the fascinating history and culture of these enigmatic warriors. This book contains 171 highly detailed alphabetical entries and essays on a broad variety of intriguing topics, including the following: Samurai weapons and armor, including the fearsome katana sword Famous Samurai including Miyamoto Musashi, Japan's greatest swordsman; Tokugawa Ieyasu, the founder of the Tokugawa shogunate; and Toyotomi Hideyoshi, a uni?er of Japan and notorious persecutor of Christians in the 16th century The Battle of Sekigahara, the largest battle ever to take place in Japan, and the Boshin War, which led to the fall of the shogunate and restoration of imperial power The Bushido code--the legendary Samurai code of chivalry and honor A foreword by Samurai scholar and martial arts expert Alexander Bennett provides expert insights into the lives and philosophy of the Samurai. Also included are many informative sidebars, suggestions for further reading, a selection of primary sources, and over 125 illustrations."-- Provided by publisher