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Hatamoto: Samurai Horse and Foot Guards 1540-1724
Paperback / softback
Main Details
Title |
Hatamoto: Samurai Horse and Foot Guards 1540-1724
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Authors and Contributors |
By (author) Stephen Turnbull
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Illustrated by Richard Hook
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Series | Elite |
Physical Properties |
Format:Paperback / softback | Pages:64 | Dimensions(mm): Height 248,Width 184 |
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Category/Genre | Asian and Middle Eastern history Military history |
ISBN/Barcode |
9781846034787
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Classifications | Dewey:355.310952 |
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Audience | |
Illustrations |
3 b/w; 20 col
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Publishing Details |
Publisher |
Bloomsbury Publishing PLC
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Imprint |
Osprey Publishing
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Publication Date |
10 March 2010 |
Publication Country |
United Kingdom
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Description
Each great samurai warlord, or daimyo, had a division of troops known as the Hatamoto, 'those who stand under the flag'. The Hatamoto included the personal bodyguards, the senior generals, the standard bearers and colour-guard, the couriers, and the other samurai under the warlord's personal command. Apart from bodyguard and other duties in immediate attendance on the daimyo, both horse and foot guards often played crucial roles in battle. Their intervention could turn defeat into victory, and their collapse meant certain defeat. As favoured warriors under the warlord's eye, members of the bodyguards could hope for promotion, and a few even rose to be daimyo themselves. All the three great leaders of the 16 and 17th centuries - including Oda, Hideyoshi and Tokugawa - had their own elite corps. Such troops were naturally distinguished by dazzling apparel and heraldry, with banners both carried and attached to the back of the armour, all of which will be detailed in an array of colour artwork specially created for this publication.
Author Biography
Stephen Turnbull took his first degree at Cambridge University, and received a PhD from Leeds University for his work on Japanese religious history. He has travelled extensively in Europe and the Far East and also runs a well-used picture library. His work has been recognised by the awarding of the Canon Prize of the British Association for Japanese Studies and a Japan Festival Literary Award. He currently divides his time between lecturing in Japanese Religion at the University of Leeds and writing.
Reviews"Lavishly illustrated (as usual) by English artist Richard Hook and written by Dr. Stephen Turnbull, the book gives a very nice overview of the Hatamoto, who were Samurai warriors in the 16th through the 18th centuries. Turnbull has drawn from his tremendous knowledge of Japanese history, culture, and customs to research and write a compelling overview that is certain to add to the casual reader's understanding of this legendary group of warriors. Hook's illustrations are colorful, vivid, and useful for wargamers wishing to recreate the period on the miniature battlefield. This book will be a useful addition to the bookshelves of gamers and modelers, as well as those military buffs looking for something out of the ordinary. Well done in Osprey's usual style!" --Charge! Civil War Wargaming
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