Driven by strict codes of honour and bound by deep allegiances of rank, family or religion, the elite warriors of medieval Japan were bold fighters, loyal comrades and deadly enemies.
With rare material from Japanese sources and lavish artwork and photography, this book examines the military lives, beliefs and battle experience of four formidable warrior types - samurai, ninja, warrior monk and ashigaru foot soldier - resulting in a highly authoritative account of Japan's warrior elite.
Warriors of Medieval Japan combines material previously published as Warrior 29: Ashigaru 1467-1649, Warrior 64: Ninja AD 1460-1650, and Warrior 70: Japanese Warrior Monks AD 949-1603, with an added section on Samurai, additional images, and an updated introduction and conclusion.

Introduction
Chronology
Part 1: Samurai
Introduction
Recruitment, organization and command of samurai
Appearance and equipment of the samurai
Daily life and training of samurai
Belief and belonging
The samurai on campaign
The samurai's experience of battle
Part 2: Ashigaru
Introduction
Ashigaru recruitment
Organization and command of ashigaru
Campaign life of the ashigaru
The ashigaru's experience of battle
Part 3: Ninja
Japan's secret warriors
Recruitment and training
Ninja appearance and equipment
The daily life of a ninja
The ninja on campaign
The ninja's experience of battle
Aftermath - the ninja myth
Part 4: Warrior Monks
Introduction
Warrior monk recruitment and service
Appearance and equipment of the warrior monk
Belief and belonging
Daily life and training of warrior monks
The warrior monk on campaign
The warrior monks in battle

Conclusion
Glossary
Museum collections and places to visit
Bibliography and further reading
Index

Stephen Turnbull is widely recognised as the world's leading English language authority on the samurai of Japan. He took his first degree at Cambridge and has two MAs (in Theology and Military History) and a PhD from Leeds University. He is now retired and pursues an active literary career, having now published 85 books. His expertise has helped with numerous projects including films, television and the award-winning strategy game Shogun Total War.