With their flamboyant clothing and armour, their adherence to Bushi-do — the Way of the Warrior — and the images of lone chivalrous sword-wielding Japanese knights, the Samurai has long been a favourite in the west. A member of the aristocracy from the tenth century, Samuai have a fascinating 700-year history during which they progressed from mounted archers, through the cult of the sword to the use of guns and cannon.Samurai Battles uses clear mapping, contemporary illustrations and Mitsuo Kure's signature re-enactment photography to illustrate the classic battles fought by the warrior knights of Japan. Bands of enthusiasts, with rigid attention to detail and verisimilitude, re-enact and re-create battles and moments from history. This allows 'live' photography detailing the history, the weapons — swords, guns, pikes and clubs — the clothing, armour, flags and fortifications of these fascinating warriors.As well as examining the detail of the armour and weaponry, Samurai looks too at the Samurai women and families, the way Samurai travelled, the social context in which the warriors lived — and all in glorious colour. The illustrations that accompany this book make it stand out from others on the Samurai. In full-colour throughout, the illustrations are composed of: * specially commissioned artwork showing Samurai heraldry, clothing and weaponry in colourful detail* original illustrations, paintings and photographs of artifacts, locations and museum pieces * specially commissioned re-enactment material that provides museum-quality reference material * computer-drawn mapping to show the topographical details of the stories

«This new edition of the «Encyclopedia of Native Tribes of North America» is revised and expanded, including newly commissioned color plates, an extended and illustrated glossary, an appendix that covers major museum and cultural exhibits, and updated census information for both the U.S. and Canada. Respected researcher Michael G. Johnson meticulously details every aspect of each tribe’s history, arts, crafts, and material culture. His clear and detailed text is complemented by hundreds of stunning illustrations and photos, both archival and current. Far removed from the oversimplifications and stereotypes of the “noble savage”, the «Encyclopedia of Native Tribes of North America» is a testament to the history and cultural significance of North America’s native populations. With a wealth of information and a rich collection of images, it is truly a feast for both the mind and the eyes. This remarkably thorough and beautifully illustrated encyclopedia provides a complete reference to all of North America’s native populations and covers ten distinct regions. The Encyclopedia of Native Tribes of North America includes: • A comprehensive classification of native languages; • Detailed color maps that show the distribution of each culture; • A thorough history of each tribe and its affiliations; and • Hundreds of specially commissioned illustrations that demonstrate tribal dress, art, crafts, and daily life, past and present. This new edition features numerous updates based on the latest scholarship, an expanded and illustrated glossary, an appendix that covers major museum and cultural exhibits, and updated census information for both the USA and America.»