The Alamo: An Illustrated History

Book Description

This work is an in-depth review of the long and complex story of this intriguing site. Over 100 old maps and pictures, along with a review of 300 years of historical records from various archives provide the reader with vivid eyewitness accounts of how the Alamo looked and evolved, together with the rich human history that has taken place there. Included in the book are six color birds-eye views by the author.

Customer Reviews:

If a picture is worth a thousand words..........2002-08-04

If a picture is worth a thousand words then George Nelson's "The Alamo: An Illustrated History" is worth many times that. Through much research Mr. Nelson gives you a birds eye view of the Alamo grounds through the ages with his drawings. Actually I like his drawings better than the historical drawings and photographs used in the later part of the book. Its a great book just to carry around the Alamo grounds as you try to imagine what it was really like in past times.
I recently met Mr. Nelson at the Alamo gift shop. He was holding court, signing books and telling tales of Texas. Filling all the tourist with the "real" story of the Texas Revolution. He was sincere, knowledgeable, and seemed to really enjoy interacting with the crowd.

Fascinating Photos........2002-03-21

Though a cliché, the phrase "A picture is worth a thousand words" finds worthy illustrations, even literally, in this book by artist and author George Nelson, "The Alamo: An Illustrated History."

A collection, by common usage and by operative definition, is an accumulation of objects for purposes of examination, comparison, study, display and viewing, and enjoyment. Private collections usually contain treasures only a chosen few can enjoy. Nelson has done every history enthusiast a real service by putting into literal publication this volume of Alamo images. They are, in a word, fascinating.

Though not as massive in its heft as the facsimile of Leonardo's "Leicester Codex," in format Nelson's volume could easily serve as a superb "coffee table" book. In it, one finds accounts, illustrative and written, of the Alamo's evolution throughout the centuries. Some of the artist's renderings are the author's own, and most of the photographic images are historic.

The most unique picture in the book might be the 1849 Alamo daguerreotype. It's unique mainly for two reasons: it's the first photographic image known to have been made in Texas - and it's the only known photograph of the Alamo Church before the now-iconic campanulate roof was added by the U.S. Army not long after the image was made. That there are a few people visible in the photo lends a special distinction - a human quality - to the image, even though we're seeing in it a literal freeze-frame of mid-19th-century time. That instant shows certainly not the battle that occurred there thirteen years before, or even a "reality" of daily life at the moment the photo was made: what it captures is essentially a brief view of one of history's "coffee breaks."

We should be thankful for the existence of this particular Alamo photo, and that George Nelson included it in this book. Made the very year Chopin died, the picture seems to cement the attachments that tie us to our own history. Historic photographic images like this one have certain primacies others do not, and only the most minimal reflection and effort reveal to us the important connections between the times of those photos and the corresponding people and events. As just one example, the first known photographic image ever made is a "heliograph" on a pewter panel by French lithographer Joseph Niepce. A view from his window at Gras, it took eight hours to expose, is primitive by any standards and lacks real detail. Nevertheless, that photographic image is still extraordinary: when it was made in 1826, Beethoven was still alive, with the mighty Missa Solemnis and the Ninth Symphony already two years behind him. There's no way to know that the 1849 Alamo daguerreotype has no hidden story: can anyone say that none of the people visible in that photo didn't actually witness the events of Sunday, March 6, 1836 from a safe point in or near the town of San Antonio de Bexar? Conjecture may be fruitless, but it's still fascinating.

The artist's speculative rendering of the 1836 Alamo compound, one of the finest in the book, has an odd detail. The southern main gate seems totally surrounded by a U-shaped fortification of earthworks and cannon, with two rather narrow doorways on the eastern side of the Galera (often referred to as the "Low Barracks") being the only visible means of ingress or outlet to and from the entire compound. It's conceivable the artist might be suggesting that at the time of the battle, entry and exit might have been effected via those two doorways, perhaps with the intent of maximizing protection of the compound under conditions of seige. This still leaves open certain questions about how larger apparati might have been brought in. Even if this unusual peculiarity was an oversight in the rendering - after all, nothing is "perfect" - it certainly doesn't invalidate the overall worth and quality of the book, just as a wrong note or two wouldn't invalidate an otherwise fine performance by a fine pianist.

Exemplified in Nelson's book is the "Show, don't tell" principle. The finest writers show us with prose; and as the skilled musician can "hear with his eyes" by reading a score, the finer artists can "tell" us with images rather than words. Resurrected in this book are conceptual renderings and actual photos of places in eras long gone. With such a wealth of illustrations, the book offers us a rare and fascinating opportunity for comparison and study of images that have a very direct Alamo connection.

Though there's much to learn from the written accounts given here, the images themselves are the mean feature of this book. And images - especially historic ones - can resonate with us as no written descriptions can.

...

Nelson succeeds where many literary works fail........1999-10-02

"George Nelson has chosen to catalog in a chronological fashion events associated with the building of the Alamo and its geographical setting from prehistoric times to last year. . . the images speak to us and tell us of the changes endured by the most well-known building in Texas. . . (Nelson's) reconstructions add immeasurably to the reading of the public's understanding of 'What was a mission?' . . . He suceeds where many literary works fail. . . "

A useful and beautiful piece of work........1999-10-02

This is both a useful and beautiful piece of work.It is now the most frequently recommended books on the Alamo by the San Antonio Public Library.

A useful volume, of special interest to history teachers........1998-11-26

The six original paintings by artist/author George Nelson, together with over 100 historical photographs, maps, and drawings of the Alamo and a brief chronicle of the the history of Mission San Antonio de Valero make this one useful volume for any history teacher. The paintings depict the Alamo from 1745 to 1861. Students could use these painting to gain a more complete spatial understanding of the buildings, walls, and fences of the compound. Students can compare the painting of 1836 San Antonio with a modern map to see changes in environments...photos can be primary sources for class activities...discussion of the development of the mission is particularly useful...details about inventories,epidemics, weather, construction,vistors and intrigue bring the old Alamo to life.Modern periods are synthesized and contrasted with the efforts at preservation by Adina DeZavala and Clara Driscoll. Children and teachers will find this book interesting, intriguing, and useful when studying Texas history or focusing on the Shrine's role in the development of San Antonio and Texas.

The Alamo: The Illustrated Story of the Epic Film (Newmarket Pictorial Moviebook)

Average customer rating:

A Classic
A treasure for cinema buffs especially
A must have for Alamo fans
Making of Awesome Alamo Adventure

The Alamo: The Illustrated Story of the Epic Film (Newmarket Pictorial Moviebook)
Frank T. Thompson
Manufacturer: W. W. Norton & Company
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 1557046077

Book Description

With more than 125 photos in full color and the complete screenplay, the exciting companion to the only theatrical Alamo film in over 40 years—from director John Lee Hancock, starring Dennis Quaid, Billy Bob Thornton, Jason Patric, and Patrick Wilson.

This lavish volume reveals the behind-the-scenes story of the making of this extraordinary film, covering its pre-production, the 101 days of production (most of it on the largest movie set in the world, on 45 acres near Austin, Texas), and post-production. Included is first-hand testimony from stars Dennis Quaid (Sam Houston), Billy Bob Thornton (David Crockett), Jason Patric (James Bowie), Patrick Wilson (William Barret Travis), Jordi Mollá (Juan Seguin), and Emilio Echevarría (Santa Anna), as well as the talented production team who tell how they brought the world of 1836 Texas to vivid life with meticulously re-created costumes and sets. 125 color photos and drawings • Alamo chronology and bibliography.

Customer Reviews:

A Classic.......2004-07-12

Frank Thompson does an excellent job of depicting the sadness yet triumph of the real battle in San Antonio in this book. This is an excellent novel which ties in adventure, action, war, comedy, and romance into one great book. Great portrayals of Davy Crocket, Jim Bowie, and William Travis. They truly were heroes. Sam Houston is also good, deciding whether to accept his destiny as a general, or to stay with his wife Talihina and the Cherokee Indians. This is a great read, and I highly recommend it.

A treasure for cinema buffs especially.......2004-06-06

Featuring more than 125 full color photographs, Frank Thompson's The Alamo: The Illustrated Story Of The Epic Film is an amazing tour of "The Alamo", from director John Lee Hancock, starring Billy Bob Thornton, Dennis Quaid, Jason Patric, and more. "The Alamo" was the first theatric film about the brutal battle in over 40 years; The Alamo: The Illustrated Story Of The Epic Film includes a point-by-point summary of historical events, an extensive tour of casting, costuming, historical recreations and set design, the full movie script, and more. A treasure for cinema buffs especially, and the perfect companion volume to anyone who enjoys and appreciates the power "The Alamo"movie has had in bringing history to life.

A must have for Alamo fans.......2004-05-01

The Alamo: The Illustrated Story of the Epic Film is a must have for fans of the Alamo. The book includes over 120 pictures from the movie, including the making of and production stills. As well, the full script is included in the book so readers can see what was cut from the final version of the movie. It is interesting to see all the things that director John Lee Hancock had to cut from the originally intended version. The book documents the making of the huge movie, background on cast and characters, and even some Alamo history on society and in the movies. If you enjoyed the movie, I highly recommend this book. Check out Frank Thompson's The Alamo: The Illustrated Story of the Epic Film!

Making of Awesome Alamo Adventure.......2004-04-05

Author Frank Thompson reveals hundreds and hundreds of details of the making of the most current version of 'The Alamo', which is surely to be the most historically accurate film on the subject.

From the beginning of director John Lee Hancock's interest in the Alamo in his childhood, through his early meetings with producer Ron Howard (originally slated to direct), to the hiring of two major historians and the building of the detailed and awe inspiring set, right into the extra-filled battle scenes complete with authentic weaponry and perfect period wardrobe, Thompson escorts the reader on an amazing visit to the set of what is certain to be 'the movie masterpiece of 2004'. Reading this book will educate you about the making of this weaponry, the selection of the cast, the decisions on the locales, the building of the sets, and every other intricate facet of film making at its best.

Get the inside scoop on the unusual 'naming' of extras, the selection of composer Carter Burwell (Oh, Brother, Where Art Thou), and what part Matte World Digital and CG plays in crafting 'The Alamo'. You will truly feel as if you are physically on the set hearing the actors recite their lines when you read the entire screenplay, which is contained in this book. Discover why the cast, including stars, bit players, and extras were totally personally dedicated to the making of this masterful film.

All this interesting inside information is accompanied by: 100+ beautiful color photos (many of which are full page) of the actors, the scenery and all that will make this film a beautiful visual experience, as well as historical details and time charts of the actual event that culminated with the cry of 'Remember the Alamo'.

You will 'remember' reading about the making of 'The Alamo' while you watch it unfold on the screen. This beautiful book will entertain and enlighten you and your enjoyment can only extend your pleasure when actually seeing the film for yourself.

A quote early in the book from actor Billy Bob Thornton begins: "When I first got here and I walked on the set, I got a chill up my back bone like I can't describe....and every time we walked through the gate...we were in 'The Alamo'...". Every time you open the pages of 'The Illustrated Story of the Epic Film The Alamo', you will be on that same set as if by magic.

Thompson has done an extraordinary job in capturing the making of what is destined to be a classic epic film. If you are not already dying to see this film, you will certainly change your mind after reading the book. If you ARE already hyped-to-the-max to view 'The Alamo', this will just increase your anticipation to nearly the I-can't-stand-the-wait level.

The Alamo 1836: Santa Anna's Texas Campaign (Praeger Illustrated Military History)

Average customer rating:

Concise, Great Graphics, Maybe a Little Too Definitive
A Sober Overview of a Heroic Tale

The Alamo 1836: Santa Anna's Texas Campaign (Praeger Illustrated Military History)
Stephen L. Hardin
Manufacturer: Praeger Publishers
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Library Binding

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ASIN: 0275984605

Book Description

This volume covers the story of the 1836 campaign in Texas, including the epic siege of the Alamo. In 1835 Texas was a province of the Mexican Republic, the President of which was the despotic Santa Anna, a thief, liar, compulsive gambler, opium addict and megalomaniac to boot. Dissatisfaction with increasingly oppressive Mexican rule on the part of the Texans led ultimately to war. Their initial success was short-lived and in February 1836 Santa Anna marched his army into Texas and laid siege to an old mission named the Alamo outside San Antonio. It was defended by a collection of volunteers under Colonel William Travis and the famous adventurer Jim Bowie (he of the knife), and included David Crockett. After a siege of 11 days the Mexicans stormed the Alamo and slaughtered the garrison. Outrage at the Alamo galvanised the Texans. Sam Houston's force, now the only thing between Texas and subjugation, fell upon Santa Anna's army and destroyed it in a battle lasting a mere 18 minutes. Their battle cry as they charged was 'Remember the Alamo!', and the result was Texan independence.

Customer Reviews:

Concise, Great Graphics, Maybe a Little Too Definitive.......2006-01-21

THE ALAMO 1836 upholds the fine tradition of the Osprey series. The slim soft-cover contains the events before, during, and after the siege of the Alamo. Within is a nice assortment of photographs, maps, and 3-D graphics. After reading this book -- and the Osprey books are quick reading -- I felt as if I had read a much thicker volume on the subject. This is definitely a resource for someone interested in reading about the Lone Star State's war of independence in overview format.

Much like the other books in the Osprey series, there is not a lot of room for too much detail. Quotations are minimal. The limited number of pages rule out historical debates. As such, THE ALAMO 1836 races straight toward definitive conclusions on issues that will never fully be confirmed or denied.

The Osprey books are excellent stepping stones to other resources.

A Sober Overview of a Heroic Tale.......2001-10-18

The siege of the Alamo has become so imbued with a legendary aura that attempting to write a military history of the 1836 campaign in Texas is now a daunting task. Heroic visions of Crockett, Bowie and Travis fending off Mexican assault troops on the ramparts has tended to obscure the fact that the siege of the Alamo was neither the beginning or the end of the war for Texas independence. Noted Texas historian Stephen L. Harding has framed the 1836 campaign in its proper perspective, without embellishment or historical embellishment. The result is a lucid and well-written account that covers the entire campaign from February to May 1836, without over-focusing just on the Alamo.

In accordance with the standard Osprey Campaign series format, the book begins with a section on the origins of the campaign and the chronology. While this section lays out the roots of the conflict clearly, the relationship between the fledgling Texan republic and the United States is left ambiguous, particularly in regard to military support and volunteers. The section on opposing commanders focuses almost exclusively on the Mexican General Santa Anna and the Texian General Sam Houston, both of whom are portrayed as very flawed commanders. Unfortunately, details on other significant commanders such as Travis, Bowie, Crockett and Fannin are inserted in the campaign narrative, which is disruptive. It was interesting however to see that attention given to the oft-neglected Mexican General Urrea's skillful operations. The section on opposing armies is weak, compounded by the fact that there is not even an order of battle provided for the Mexican army. Nevertheless, what the narrative lacks in military detail is often compensated for by an effective literary style is used to enhance the author's points. For example, the author notes both the rank discrimination and logistic difficulties in the Mexican army by asserting, "[Mexican] generals drank French wine from cut crystal, soldados drank stagnant water out of mud holes."

The text is supported by five 2-D maps (Mexico & Texas in 1836, the Texas Campaign in 1836, the Battle of Coleto Creek, the San Jacinto Campaign and the Mexican Retreat) and three 3-D Birds-eye-view maps (two depicting the assaults on the Alamo and one on the Battle of San Jacinto). There are also three very good battle scenes: the death of Travis at the Alamo, Crockett falling back into the Alamo Church and the execution of Colonel Fannin. Numerous illustrations and modern photographs of the Alamo complement the narrative. In addition, the author has provided a detailed section on visiting the battlefield today and includes relevant Internet websites. Taken together, this book represents an excellent short history of the campaign and a useful battlefield guide for visitors.

The campaign narrative itself is quite good, with about ten pages devoted to the siege of the Alamo, nine to Fannin's pathetic efforts and the Goliad massacre, and nine to the San Jacinto Campaign. The author is a bit vague on casualties and military details, but he does detail the effects of the harsh winter weather and desolate terrain on the Mexican offensive. Indeed, weather and terrain probably played a bigger role in the Mexican defeat than Texian heroics. Concerning the fall of the Alamo, the author believes that Santa Anna launched a costly frontal assault for political rather than military reasons, but this downplays the fact that Santa Anna was de facto Mexican head of state and commander in chief. Santa Anna could not afford to waste too much time in sieges of minor rebel fortifications. Also, Santa Anna's "no quarter" policy to the Texian rebels was not out of step with other similar 19th Century sieges like the Paris Commune in 1870 or even Dublin in 1916. Imagine if Santa Anna had accepted surrender at the Alamo and allowed the rebels to go home on parole; could men such as Travis ever be trusted to live meekly under centralista rule? Not likely. If Santa Anna wanted to hold onto the rebels, he had to either kill them or drive them out, since there was no room for compromise. If anything is reaffirmed by the 1836 campaign, it is that war is tough on the defeated, whether Texians at the Alamo or Mexicans at San Jacinto.

Book Description

Read of the triumph, passion, and tragedy of the valiant yet doomed defenders of the Old Spanish mission.

Customer Reviews:

Good Book for the Illustrations.......2000-09-16

This is a book to read primarily for the illustrations, which are numerous and fun to look at. The narrative is an adequate telling of the story of the Alamo, but the book is not well written. The book is Alamo Lite--good for a quick, breezy overview of the battle, but not for an in-depth treatment. Readers interested in a more definitive treatment of the battle should turn to Jeff Long's Duel of Eagles.

Total Waste of Time.......2000-03-30

A year earlier than the release of this Illustrated history The Alamo: An Illustrated History by George Nelson was released a excellent book full of images, information and original artwork, unlike this awful illustrated history in which I can find nothing original, new or even mildly interesting. This might catch an elementary school students attention if they had not been exposed to any Alamo history previously, and I wouldn't guarantee that, in otherwords skip this book go straight to George Nelsons originally titled and excellent book and spend your dollars on a book thats worthwhile

A fine tribute to the fallen heroes of the Alamo!.......1999-12-18

I remember United States History from high school and how the Alamo was overrun by a huge Mexican Army lead by Santa Ana. I also remember John Wayne portraying Davy Crockett in the movie version of the Alamo.

All of that was fine until I was able to read this book and what I missed from high school and the movies was filled in. Reading this book brought to life the what really happened at that missionary in Texas.

Once you open this book and start reading you'll be transformed back in time and ride along with Fanin's Army, meet Sam Houston, follow Jim Bowie and share a laugh with Davy Crockett.

The author's ability to transform the one event that has always remain the folklore of history into so much more is nothing short of remarkable. It was one of the best books I have read all year - excellent job!

Not a very original idea; even the title is a repeat........1999-10-02

I was very disappointed when I heard that the writer of the book had never even been to the Alamo! The book is put together in a haphazard way and does not offer any new insights.The publishing company seems to have jumped on the bandwagon to have a book about this famous place on its listings. The focus of the book is not really about the Alamo, but about people and places that do not directly relate to the place or San Antonio. True students of history will appreciate and recognize a well-organized work that is put together with the true meaning of history at the forefront.

Average customer rating:

THE ALAMO AN ILLUSTRATED HISTORY
George Nelson
Manufacturer: Aldine Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: 0965916006

The Illustrated Alamo 1836: A Photographic Journey

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The Illustrated Alamo 1836: A Photographic Journey
Mark Lemon
Manufacturer: State House Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 1933337184

The Story of the Alamo: An Illustrated History of the Siege and Fall of the Alamo

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The Story of the Alamo: An Illustrated History of the Siege and Fall of the Alamo
Frederic Ray
Manufacturer: U.S.A.: , 1955
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000NZ79EM

Average customer rating:

The story of the Alamo: An illustrated history of the siege and fall of the Alamo
Frederic Ray
Manufacturer: s.n.]
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding

The real David Crockett;: A short, authentic, illustrated, history of Tennessee's famous hunter, frontiersman, soldier, legislator, statesman, patriot, and hero of the Alamo, Colonel David Crockett

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The real David Crockett;: A short, authentic, illustrated, history of Tennessee's famous hunter, frontiersman, soldier, legislator, statesman, patriot, and hero of the Alamo, Colonel David Crockett
John Morrison
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding

Average customer rating:

not a comprehensive handbook

GOOD SOURCE

confused...

Great first sword book

Great book

Samurai Sword: A Handbook
John M. Yumoto
Manufacturer: Tuttle Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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The Japanese Sword: A Comprehensive Guide (Japanese Arts Library)

The Connoisseurs Book of Japanese Swords

The Craft of the Japanese Sword

Modern Japanese Swords and Swordsmiths: From 1868 to the Present

Practice Drills for Japanese Swordsmanship

ASIN: 0804805091

Book Description

The samurai sword: symbol of the spirit of old Japan it embodies the samurai's steely discipline, unswerving devotion, and peerless skill. A feat of craftsmanship by hereditary artisans, the samurai sword is often judged superior to the famed blades of Western Damascus and Toledo. This complete handbook reveals the lore of the samurai sword, fascinating both for owners and for the intrigued. Detailing the origins and development of the samurai sword, its historical background, styles, famous schools, and differences in construction, outlining methods of identifying and researching the sword, as well as caring for it properly.

Customer Reviews:

not a comprehensive handbook.......2006-06-28

mr. yumoto's work is very descriptive and pictures fill the pages more than text does.

"Samurai Sword a Handbook" lacks an analytic quality that would bring togheter the social, historical, technical and martial dimensions of the nihonto.

last but not least, such an important - and relatively undocumented - subject as care and maintenance of japanese blades is simply and vaguely evoked in two pages that make up a ridiculous chapter.

all in all, yumoto's work is too old to be satisfying to comtemporary readers in search of a meaningful, concise handbook which would explain rather than describe.

GOOD SOURCE.......2006-03-17

A PERFECT SOURCE WHO WANTS TO LEARN ABAUT JAPANESE SWORDS AND THEIR HISTORY

confused..........2006-03-03

I finished reading it yesterday. It is too much for beginner and not enough for intermediate or even expert...

It is definitely usefull for future reference in terms of finding more about your sword or swords you want to buy and using some of the criterias. Photos are B&W and crappy and references text-to-drawings are badly organized.

What is strongly missing is types of sword damage, how to eveluate type of damage and find it on blades etc...

I dont know when book was written but some information also seems bit obsolete...

If the book was hardcover, had two times more pages, colored photos to go with drawings, better organized and have more information, I would give 5. Now I give 3 of 5.

Great first sword book.......2005-10-27

This is a good, short overview of the basics of Japanese Swords. Recommended.

Great book.......2005-05-05

This is an awesome book for anyone wnating to know more about samurai swords and speaking as a beginner myself, I found that this book explained everything clearly and concisely - I now know a lot more about swords than i did before :)

Arms and Armor of the Samurai: The History of Weaponry in Ancient Japan

Average customer rating:

The ultimate book on its subject
Chi
Excellent Photographs, a good resource in general
Top notch book for any lover of the samurai
a classical and best one in peers

Arms and Armor of the Samurai: The History of Weaponry in Ancient Japan
Ian Bottomley
Manufacturer: Gramercy
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0517103184
Release Date: 1993-07-20

Customer Reviews:

The ultimate book on its subject.......2003-06-01

This is a large book full of excellent photographs and drawings which would, on their own, make the book an exceptional coffee table book for leisurely thumbing through. It is also an extremely well researched, incredibly in-depth textbook on the design, function and history of samurai armament. If you have an interest in the subject, there is no substitute for this book.

Chi.......2001-07-21

A completely fascinating look at one of the most intriguing periods of history, the Ancient Japanese period equivilent to Medieval Europe. This book details the arms and armor of the Samurai class that dominated the battles, protecting their aristocratic interests, the Samurai were the champions of their era, always following the code of Bushido. This book is superb in it's presentation of rare photographs of authentic weapons and clothing worn by the Samurai, imcluding the beginnings with archery and weapons of hand to hand combat. The novice historian will be fascinated by the intricate breastplates made of leather, often embellished to the point of art. The helmets are elegant displays of fine tooling and craftsmanship . The arms themselves are exquisite. The blades of the swords or daggers are hammered with fine details that was only fitting of the Samurai class but the fine craftsmanship continues to this day. The similarities to the arms and armor of Europe are interesting and when taken as individual pieces they are at times hardly distinguishable. The Japanese culture however is reflected in the terrifying masks worn to frighten their opponents. The face plates are beautiful representations of a wonderful culture. The ornate wormanship involved in all facets of the "war gear"can only be considered art now as it is so intricate and detailed that it amazes the senses. An example is the display of delicate tsuba or sword guards that have intricate patterns or designs that are nothing less than inspirational pieces of art. The totality of the outfits are mind boggling in terms of sheer beauty. This book is an excellent addition to the novice historian's library or collector of books relating to Japanese culture or what I call art. The excellent glossary is ideal for the novice who desires to know more than just what a katana is. Every piece of arms or armor is given in the language of the Samurai and explained in English. An extremely useful tool for a middle or high school instructor to compliment his course on World or Japanese history. This book is a treasure of text and photographs of one of the most colorful periods in history.

Excellent Photographs, a good resource in general.......2001-05-01

_____This book is good for a flip-through as well as an involved read. It covers much of Samurai weapons and armor hustory, from the beginnings of Japanese history right up to the modern times. There are plenty of excellent quality photographs as well. _____Unfortunately, I had a few problems with this book. First, sometimes an item pictured did not fall into place with the historical period in the text on the same page. Second, the book was about 75% armor, 25% arms. There was a brief discussion of Naginata, and quite a bit on Katana/Tachi, but not much on Kyudo and very very little on Tanegashima. If these areas were covered a little more, then I would have rated this book a 4 or 5.

Top notch book for any lover of the samurai.......2000-12-10

I've run a feudal Japan SIG for 12 years now, and have quite a library on the samurai and Japanese culture. This is by far one of my favorites. The book begins with an overview of the warrior culture in Japan, reviewing the eight points of Bushido (the Way of the Warrior) and the periods in Japanese history.

It then begins with photos and descriptions of early history armor and weapons, back in the 800s when Japan was just forming its culture. It then moves into the more and more elaborate outfits and armor, with drawings, photos and historical illustrations explaining how the items were put on and used.

The helmet and armor photos are simply gorgeous, with all details showing up clearly and then described in full detail. I could look at the photos of the swords and tsuba, or guards, for quite a while. The glossary at the back helps explain any terms with which you are unfamiliar.

Highly recommended for any fan of this fascinating culture.

a classical and best one in peers.......2000-11-11

i think this is the best book i ever met focused on samurai arms and armor. the pictures qualities are beyond expectation. the price is low comparing to the book's quality. hesitate no more to buy it!

Average customer rating:

Overview of Samurai History
Essential reading
Priceless illustrations
Good GENERAL history of samurai arms, armour, and events

Samurai Warriors
Stephen Turnbull
Manufacturer: Blandford Pr
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0713722851

Customer Reviews:

Overview of Samurai History.......2007-04-14

This book tells the tale of the Samurai, and therefore Japan itself, from their beginnings in Ancient times through the Gempei Wars and the Mongol Invasions, all through the Sengoku Jidai Period up to their official destruction in 1877, at the Battle of Ueno on 4 July. It also depicts sohei warrior monks and ninja assasins, as well as the Samurais' lesser compatriots, the ashigaru footmen and the ronin 'men of the waves', Samurai with no lord or cause. The text is detailed enough to provide a thorough introduction but is easy to read for someone who knows little or nothing of the topic. The artwork by James Field is incredible, providing nearly as much detail on the Samurai and their arsenal as the text, and capturing both the beauty and the carnage of their armor and their battles.

Essential reading.......2003-09-10

Written by the English-speaking world's leading historian of Japanese military and political history, Samurai Warriors is a well-written and masterfully illustrated survey of the Heian to late Edo periods. The author, fluent in Japanese and well-versed with the historical texts, has written several other outstanding books and articles that the novice and specialist will profit from reading. Enjoy!

Priceless illustrations.......2001-07-07

A fascinating read from an even more fascinating time period, Samuarai Warriors is an accessible history book for teachers and students alike. This book details various time periods and documents the "knights" of Medieval Japan. It begins with the period known as the Heian Period and the first known use of the term samurai and concludes with the end of the samurai as a seperate class in 1876, when it became forbidden to wear a sword. The urban samurai ceased to exist. The book follows a chronological order, dividing the book into periods of history concluding with the fall of the Tokugawa at the end of the Edo period. There are some interesting side excursions into history such as a section on the Christian Samurai. It tells the story of religious persecution both to Buddahists and Christians and how opposition to this intolerance arose and ultimately Twenty-Six Saints were crucified and became martyrs. It also tells of the banishment and expelling of all missionaries. Another interesting side bar is the discusion of the ronin or masterless samurai who was a renegade of sorts, the stuff of countless legends and even the subject of some films, most noticeably by Kurosawa. The information is a good steping stone for further exploration but typically for the novice it is suffice.This book is authoritative but not overly dry or pedantic as Turnbull teams up again with James Field for some of the best illustrations I've ever seen on the subject. The illustrations are superb and the photographs enhance the subject matter. This is a perfect book to compliment a teachers course on Japanese History or for the interested student of Japan or it's samurai.

Good GENERAL history of samurai arms, armour, and events.......2000-04-09

Turnbull provides a very accessible and clearly written narrative of samurai history, including details about personal arms and armour, as well as political anecdotes. As an intriguing outline, the book serves as a guide for more detailed exploration of other sources by more demanding historians.

Average customer rating:

Nice intro to the samurai

Samurai Armies 1550-1615 (Men-at-Arms)
Stephen Turnbull
Manufacturer: Osprey Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Japan | Asia | History | Subjects | Books

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Military Science | History | Subjects | Books
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ASIN: 085045302X
Release Date: 1979-03-22

Book Description

In 1543 three Portuguese merchants entered a turbulent Japan, bringing with them the first firearms the Japanese had ever seen: simple matchlock muskets called arquebuses. They proved a decisive addition to the Japanese armoury, as for centuries the samurai had fought only with bow, sword and spear. In 1575, one of the greatest original thinkers in the history of samurai, Oda Nobunaga, arranged his arquebusiers in ranks three deep behind a palisade and proceeded, quite literally, to blow his opponent’s cavalry to pieces, marking the beginning of a new era in Japanese military history.

Customer Reviews:

Nice intro to the samurai.......2000-06-01

Filled with basic information about the samurai. A very good introduction to these great warriors. Covers such things as weapons, armor, military tatics, their culture, etc. The author also have several other books about the samuria that go into deeper detail.

Average customer rating:

Excellent

The Book of the Samurai
Stephen R. Turnbull
Manufacturer: Smithmark Publishers
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Japan | Asia | History | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0831776765

Customer Reviews:

Excellent.......2000-04-19

I study the art of the samurai. And I found this book very informative and usful. I highly recomend this book for all those people interested in samurai and the unique ways. Steven Turnball is the expert on samurai and you can't go wrong with any of his books

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ARMS AND ARMOR OF THE SAMURAI: THE HISTORY OF WEAPONRY IN ANCIENT JAPAN.
Ian & Anthony Hopson. Bottomley
Manufacturer: Crescent Books,
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000N7KOYM

Average customer rating:

Arms and Armor of the Samurai: The History of Weaponry in Ancient
I. and Bottomley; A. P. Hopson
Manufacturer: CRESCENT BOOKS
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000WSC83W

Average customer rating:

Arms & Armor of the Samurai
I Bottomly , and A P Hopson
Manufacturer: Crescent
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000Q18XWK

ARMS AND ARMOR OF THE SAMURAI - HISTORY OF WEAPONRY IN ANCIENT JAPAN.

Average customer rating:

ARMS AND ARMOR OF THE SAMURAI - HISTORY OF WEAPONRY IN ANCIENT JAPAN.
I and A.P. Hopson Bottomley
Manufacturer: Crescent Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000JRL65C

Average customer rating:

ARMS AND ARMOR OF THE SAMURAI THE HISTORY OF WEAPONRY IN ANCIENT JAPAN
I and AP Hopson Bottomly
Manufacturer: Crescent
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000KZAAIW

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