ARMS & ARMOUR OF THE SAMURAI. (ARMOR.) by Bottomley, I. and Hopson, A.P - 1988

London: Bison, 1988. 192 pp, 4to (12 1/8" H). Profusely illustrated in colour and b&w with photographs, reproductions, drawings. "A member of the aristocracy, from the tenth century the Samurai was primarily a mounted archer. This is reflected in the light, lamellar yoroi armour which left the right arm free for drawing his bow. Helmets were simple, with leather neckpieces. Battle began with an exchange of arrows, and was followed by a series of hand-to-hand combats among champions who relied on the sword. The long wars of Kusonoki and Ashikaga produced several changes in the nature of warfare. Fighting in wooded, mountainous countryside, hand-to-hand combat came into its own. The bulky yoroi was superceded by the lighter, less constricting do maru and the no dachi, a longer version of the naginata (glaive), was introduced. The renowned Samurai cult of the sword began in this period. The Samurai's most ornate and elaborate armour dates from the Tokugawa era, and was probably not intended for use in actual battle. The long development of arms and armour in the Samurai's 700-year history is fully detailed in this handsome volume. Illustrated with over 300 photographs, (it) will be a welcome addition to the libraries of all military enthusiasts." Small bump to top of front hinge, two tiny corner bumps, slight bump to bottom of spine. Dust jacket has light edgewear, moderate edge wrinkling - mainly at top edge, light rub marks, tiny scuff at bottom of spine, scattered light foxing marks on inside top edge, small light soiling marks and tiny surface paper pull on inside surface of rear panel.. First Edition. Hard Cover. Very Good/Very Good-.