Reviews for Samurai Heraldry

The average rating for Samurai Heraldry based on 2 reviews is 4.5 stars.

Review # 1 was written on 2019-11-17 00:00:00 Tom Barnett Many years ago- my late Father took me to see Kurosawa's Samurai Epic Kagemusha The Shadow Warrior. I marveled at the amazing uniforms/armour in the movie- each unit clearly marked by its dress and banners. Being already familiar with the almost impossibility of distinguishing friend from foe in European Ancient and Medieval warfare, I immediately assumed that this was Creative License- Kurosawa and his art directors had gone off historical script to make things easier on the viewer. I was wrong- as this book ably discusses. With their lighter and more workable Lacquer Armour- and the ability of Lacquer to hold colours- Japanese units in the Medieval and Renaissance period WERE often more uniformly attired- and they DID carry a plethora of banners- some even worn individually on each soldier's back- that identified each unit and often each Samurai. Stephen Turnbull's book is a real revelation to the previously uninformed. He explains Japanese heraldry - from the basic "Mon"- a unique crest/symbol- to the myriad of other forms of Identifying Expression that made Japanese warfare signs and flags different from the Western record. He patiently explains how the "branding" developed and spread- until by the later period, a Lord would have a Three Dimensional Standard, a Banner standard, and a plethora of sub-units and sub-lords' banners- that iterated the Identifying Symbols in logical patterns. I was held in rapt attention- and just LOVED Angus McBride's really wonderful Illustrations in the great Colour plate section- 10 plates of real beauty- not something I usually say about Military Illustrations! With no adult themes and little gore (amazing for something about Samurai)- this is a fine book for any Junior reader over about 9-10. For the Gamer/Modeller/Military Enthusiast- this is a joy to behold, explaining as it does how to construct both Historical and Fantasy heraldry- something that even SciFi and Fantasy Gamers can appreciate. With Japanese style iconography so dominant in contemporary culture- there is no end to the places one may find themes from this book. This is that rare Osprey Military -themed book I think almost everyone should read- so dazzling are the pictures(both the B/w and the Colour plates)- and so far-reaching is the subject matter. A strong recommendation.

Review # 2 was written on 2020-08-17 00:00:00 Dennis Woods This is a nifty little overview to act as an introduction. I was after something that gave me a quick explanation, various types of heraldry, origin, design etc., and uses through time. This did the trick.