Hired Swords: The Rise of Private Warrior Power in Early Japan

 

The book covers the period from the 7th century through to the 12th century, during this period of Japanese history which is the prelude to the rise of the Samurai, the Imperial Court used its own police and military personnel towards the end of the 12th century the Imperial Court turned to using hired swords-professional mercenaries for its protection, placing itself in a potentially precarious situation of contracting for its military needs with private warriors, or were they? A well researched reference book, if you are interested in the Samurai of Japan, this is the book which explains the begining of how they were allowed to gain their initial power.

 

Karl F. Friday

Hardcover with d/w 265pp Stanford University Press 1992 1st Ed

 

Fine/Fine

 

Hired Swords: The Rise of Private Warrior Power in Early Japan

Book Code:  SH1463