The First Samurai: The Life and Legend of the Warrior Rebel, Taira Masakado
A portrait of Japan's first significant samurai leader and his world
Was samurai warrior Taira Masakado a quixotic megalomaniac or a hero swept up by events beyond his control? Did he really declare himself to be the "New Emperor"? Did he suffer divine retribution for his ego and ambition? Filled with insurrections, tribal uprisings, pirate disturbances, and natural disasters, this action-packed account of Masakado's insurrection offers a captivating introduction to the samurai, their role in 10th-century society, and the world outside the capital-a must-read for those interested in early Japan, samurai warfare, or the mystique of ancient warriors.
Book details
- Author
- Karl F. Friday
- Imprint
- Trade Paper Press, an imprint of Turner Publishing Company
- Published
- Formats
- Hardcover, Paperback
- Subjects
- Biography & Autobiography › Historical
History › Asia › Japan
History › Europe › Medieval - Topics
- samurai history · ancient Japan · medieval Japanese warfare · 10th century Japan · political insurrection · Japanese biography · warrior culture
- ISBN-13
- 9780471760825 (Hardcover)9781684425891 (Paperback)
About the author
KARL F. FRIDAY is a Professor of History at the University of Georgia and the author of four books on samurai and early Japanese history.
Friday has appeared on programs for A&E, the History Channel, and the Discovery Channel.
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