Strongholds of the Samurai: Japanese Castles 250-1877 Hardcover - 2009

Media reviews

"Strongholds of the Samurai is an essential guide to the unique fortifications of Japanese castles... Author Stephen Turnbull looks at the styles and construction methods of each era, advances in military strategy and defense, and explores what life was like inside the walls of a Japanese castle. 

"Stephen Turnbull is one of the best writers in the Fortress series, as well as an outstanding authority on Japanese fortifications." -Bolling Smith, The Coast Defense Journal (July 2009)

"Castle fortifications for Japan's military began appearing after the first emperors and quickly evolved from simple wooden barriers to complex and beautiful stone structures. This focus explores how these castles were adapted to accommodate firearms and changing military technology, and considers how they lent to Japanese military developments as a whole. Unpublished photos from the author's private collection and color artwork accompany a survey recommended for both military and Japanese history holdings." -California Bookwatch (June 2009)

"Overall, 'Strongholds of the Samurai' is an excellent compilation, giving a detailed overview of the development of Japanese fortifications throughout time, social classes, and different countries. At less than half the price of two of the original works, it's also a great value. An attractive volume, it's loaded with photos, prints, color plates, maps, and artwork. The majority of the information given in three of the four chapters has never been seen in English, and author Turnbull is still among the best when it comes to bringing the old legends and stories of Japan to life for the reader. It's a winner-an absolute no-brainer of a purchase." -http://shogun-yashiki.blogspot.com

"In all, it makes for an excellent primer on the subject and fully meets this reviewer's expectations of books in this series. If you want to learn about the subject, I know you will find it to be equally useful. Buy with confidence." -Scott Van Aken, www.modelingmadness.com (May 2009)