Warrior and General: Japan

Author: Time-Life Books
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2003-01-01
Features: Empress Koken, the mother of Emperor Komei, was reportedly furious when she heard that Fujiwara Iezumi had spoken disrespectfully and attacked her, as well as her brother Fujiwara no Michinaga, who was expected to become Regent. Empress Koken was well-liked throughout the court, and like other women of similar status in Japan, she held great authority in family matters. On the other hand, Fujiwara Iezumi, a clever, dashing, and arrogant young man, was a close friend of the Emperor. He believed that if his father, the former Regent, had not suddenly passed away, he would have already been appointed as Regent. However, even the divine Emperor had to account to his mother. Empress Koken, accompanied by Fujiwara no Michinaga, came to the Emperor's sleeping quarters. She left Fujiwara no Michinaga waiting outside and entered the inner chamber. After a long time, she finally emerged, and her smile told Fujiwara no Michinaga everything he needed to know.
The Samurai and the·Japan is one of the world history series Living in Faraway Times published by Time-Life Books for you. This volume tells the stories of medieval Japanese men and women. It describes the daily lives of all sorts of people in Japan, from the Emperor to artisans, from samurai to poets, from the noble families and monks in Kyoto and Edo to the farmers and villagers in the countryside, as well as the battles and struggles on the battlefield. There are female writers like Murasaki Shikibu, who wrote the renowned The Tale of Genji, and warriors like Minamoto no Yoshitsune, who committed seppuku to avoid capture by rebel forces; there is also Toyotomi Hideyoshi, who succeeded in unifying Japan after many others failed.
To compile this series, the colleagues at Time-Life Books thoroughly studied the collections of scholars, travelers, museums, and universities. They not only provided each book with rich illustrations of artworks and crafts to vividly recreate the life of the past but also drew various maps, reconstructions of cities and buildings, and other visuals to recreate the entire world in which the stories took place. The introductory overview is a profound historical essay, accompanied by a timeline, giving you a clear understanding of the era being described. The narrative is engaging and avoids clichés. Every detail, every image, every anecdote, and every historical fact will refresh your perspective—allowing you to experience what life was like in that distant time.