Arms and Armor of the Samurai
The History of Weaponry  in Ancient Japan

If you have even the slightest interest in Japanese arms and armor, then this book will be of great
service, adding to your understanding and enjoyment of samurai weapons and wear. It is probably
the finest book in English to date regarding the long development of weapons and in particular armor
of the samurai.

The authors, Ian Bottomly and Anthony Hopson, both long-term Japanophiles and members of kendo
clubs in their native Britain, have certainly done their homework, and the result is this superbly detailed
book.

The book traces the history of the samurai caste, and along with it, the changes in its military
formations, particularly the weapons used, and the styles of armor worn. As warfare evolved,
so too naturally did the arms and armor.

First published in 1988 and richly illustrated with over 3,000 color and black and white photographs
and quality diagrams, this book is both beautiful to look at and fascinating to read.