Samurai Armour

<p>Japanese Samurai were apex warriors, superlative fighters dedicated to their <em>daimyo</em>, or lord, and living according to the principles of <em>bushidō</em>, an honour code that stressed selfless service, martial excellence, valour in battle and implacable determination. Often fighting on horseback and skilled archers, they developed a style of armour which, although changing over time, suited the dexterous combat techniques developed in Japan in the medieval and early modern eras.</p><p><em>Samurai Armour</em> provides a vivid and informative guide to the many types of armour worn by Japanese warriors from the 10th to the 19th centuries. Learn about the classic <em>o-Yoroi</em> (‘great armour’), designed for its lightness and flexibility for firing a bow from horseback; understand the development of the <em>haramake</em> (“belly wrap”) armour, worn by the <em>ashigaru</em> men-at-arms – a new class of foot soldier that emerged during the Warring States period (1467–1615); explore the many types of classic <em>Dō-maru</em>, a heavy box-like armour constructed from flexible small scales of leather or metal laced into plates with cord; and see the various armoured elements used by samurai, including highly decorative <em>kabutos</em> (helmets), <em>haidate</em> (thigh guards) which were tied around the waist, and elaborate ornamental <em>mempo</em> (face masks) designed to reflect the personality of the wearer and strike fear into his enemies.</p><p>With 200 photographs and illustrations covering every aspect of Japanese armour, <em>Samurai Armour</em> provides a compact, accessible guide to this complex, highly decorative protective clothing that still fascinates modern readers.</p>