Japanese Warrior Monks AD 949-1603

by Stephen Turnbull, Wayne Reynolds (Illustrator)

Overview

From the 10th to the mid-17th century, religious organisations played an important part in the social, political and military life in Japan. Known as sohei ('monk warriors') or yamabushi ('mountain warriors'), the warrior monks were anything but peaceful and meditative, and were a formidable enemy, armed with their distinctive, long-bladed naginata. The fortified cathedrals of the Ikko-ikki rivalled Samurai castles, and withstood long sieges. This title follows the daily life, training, motivation and combat experiences of the warrior monks from their first mention in AD 949 through to their suppression by the Shogunate in the years following the Sengoku-jidai period.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781782000105
Publisher:	Bloomsbury Publishing
Publication date:	06/20/2012
Series:	Warrior , #70
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	64
File size:	14 MB
Note:	This product may take a few minutes to download.

About the Author

Stephen Turnbull is the world's leading English language authority on medieval Japan and samurai warfare. He has travelled extensively in the Far East, particularly in Japan and Korea and is the author of numerous titles, including Men-at-Arms 86: 'Samurai Armies 1550-1615', and Campaign 69: 'Nagashino 1575'.

Wayne Reynolds was born in Leeds, UK, and attended art college in Middlesborough. He has had a life-long passion for illustration, and since 1991 has worked as a professional artist. Wayne has provided illustrations and source material for many gaming companies, creating figures, landscapes and interiors, as well as providing core characterisation. He is perhaps best known for his work on titles such as '2000 AD', 'Slaine', and 'Judge Dredd'. Wayne is also a keen modeller and historical re-enactor.
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.
WAYNE REYNOLDS was born in Leeds, UK, and attended art college in Middlesbrough. He has had a life-long passion for illustration, and since 1991 has worked as a professional artist. Wayne has provided illustrations and source material for many gaming companies, creating figures, landscapes and interiors, as well as providing core characterisation. He is perhaps best known for his work on titles such as 2000AD, Slaine, and Judge Dredd. Wayne is also a keen modeller and historical re-enactor.

Table of Contents

Introduction · Chronology · Religious recruitment · Monk training · Appearance and equipment · Everyday life in the monastery · The warrior monk in battle · Colour plate commentary · Museums · Re-enactment · Index