£14.99

STRONGHOLDS OF THE SAMURAI JAPANESE CASTLES 250-1877 by STEPHEN TURNBULL

The strongholds of the Samurai are among the world's finest examples of military architecture.Fortification in Japan began to develop with the appearance of the first emperors in around 250. Though initially simple wooden stockades, as internal strife became a way of life, increasingly complex fortifications were built. By the mid-16th century elaborate and beautiful traditional stone castles were widespread.

At the same time, rivalries between different monastic orders led to the development of fortified Buddhist temples and monasteries. The 19th century saw the development of European-style forts, the strengthening of coastal defences against incursions by the West, and the constuction of Japan's only star-shaped fortress. This book not only describes the entire period of Japanese castle development, but also covers the castles built to control Korea during the brief samurai invasion in the late 16th century..

The text explains how castles were adapted to accomodate the introduction of firearms and explores life within the strongholds. With unpublished photographs from the author's private collection and full-colour artwork, including detailed cutaways, this is an essential guide to the fascinating history of Japanese fortification.

• Hardcover
• Publisher: Osprey Publishing (5 Mar 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1846034132
• ISBN-13: 978-1846034138
• R.R.P.  £20

Product Code: M163