help, I need information

[eickhorn]

Hi to all!

I want to learn more about japanese medieval history, Could you recommend me books (in english please)? about:

-Samurai armours or weapons
-Japan general history
-Japan samurai history

Also, Do you know where is a good place for buy samurai militaria, like armours, helmets...?

Thanks!

[steamboat28]

I could recommend a few books, but I'm not sure most of them discuss the period you're curious about.

The one I own that I would suggest is Samurai: An Illustrated History, by Mitsuo Kure, which is chock-full of gorgeous photographs and some interesting illustrations. It's got lovely full-color photos of reenactors, prints of old artwork, etc. I really love it, if for no other reason than the photography.

I also have Nitobe Inazo's Bushido, but it's so far out of period that it isn't funny, and Miyamoto Musashi's The Book of Five Rings (which I have still embarrassingly yet to read).

Seriously consider the first one, though. It's a beautiful work.

[eickhorn]

Hi, thanks! I will take a look at these books, about period, I think I'm interested from 15 to 19 century. I'm planning doing a small collection of samurai items, but the first step is always learn and study (as I'm for years a collector of XIX and XX centuries militaria, but samurai items are a really different way of collecting, mixing history, art...). Any advise or recomentation will be welcome of course, if anyone need help about militaria or information for a trip in Spain, just contact me!

[Saionji Shonagon]

Pierre Souryi's The World Turned Upside Down is a good overview of the end of the Heian period up to Sekigahara.
www.amazon.com/The-World-Turned-Upside-Down/dp/0231118430/ref=sr_1_11?ie=UTF8&qid=1339084822&sr=8-11

There's a three volume History of Japan by George Sansom that's been out for a number of years.

Stephen Turnbull has written a number of titles on samurai which may be of interest.

[eickhorn]

Thanks! more books for the list, will be a long list... ;D

About websites who sell original items?

[Deleted]

Jun 7, 2012 11:36:58 GMT -5 eickhorn said:

About websites who sell original items?

I know "www.toraba.com/" is well regarded as its proprietor is knowledgeable, but many sites exist. Look through the "Vendors" section of this forum for more. I know I saw some stuff at "www.kikuimports.com/" but I can't find it right now.

Keep in mind that anything truly old and worthwhile will be very difficult to get outside of Japan. They are very good at tracking and preserving cultural treasures, and serious about restricting foreign trade in antiquities.

[solveig]

Noble Cousin!

Greetings from Solveig! Have you considered:

The Cambridge History of Japan, Vol. 3: Medieval Japan

On a less expensive note, have you considered:

"Handbook to Life in Medieval and Early Modern Japan" by William E. Deal

There is also:

Daily Life in Japan at the time of the Samurai, 1185-1603 by Louis Frederic translated by Eileen M. Lowe.

Louis Frederic also authored: Japan Encyclopedia

[Saionji Shonagon]

And then there was the tsunami.

Ebay seller japan.antiques is reputable. I've purchased fabric and fans from them in the past, but they sometimes carry militaria.

[eickhorn]

Thanks to all for your help, I'll find most of these books

About Toraba, looks the best shop (and the owner wrote some books about samurai armours).

Regards!