The Onin War 1467-77: A Turning Point in Samurai History

The story of the terrible Ōnin War has now been told. In this groundbreaking book the author has drawn on previously untranslated primary sources to set the famous yet misunderstood conflict in its true context. Its history begins with the glory days of Ashikaga Yoshimitsu who made the position of shogun into something that was admired and respected, and left a legacy symbolized by his famous Golden Pavilion.

Within decades all that he had achieved seemed to have been lost. In 1441 the reign...