The Ways of the Samurai: From Ronins to Ninjas, the Fiercest Warriors in Japan

Learn the Samurai Code

•Only samurai were permitted to wear two swords.

•Only sons of the samurai could become samurai.

•Suicide was the acceptable solution when honor had been lost.

•Looking inside another warrior’s helmet was a grave insult.

•Under bushido (the samurai code), samurai pledged justice, courage, benevolence, politenesss, honesty, honor, and loyalty.

From history to philosophy to daily lifestyle, find out what made the samurai the fearsome warriors whose legacy survives today.
Honor, loyalty, and self-sacrifice defined the life of the samurai, fierce warriors who controlled Japan for more than seven centuries. This book explores the history of these dedicated fighters from their roots as soldiers of the imperial court to their eventual rise to power greater than that of the emperor. Illustrated with B&W era drawings and art.

Carol Gaskin has written six previous books for young readers, including the Forgotten Forest series: THE WAR OF THE WIZARDS, THE MAGICIAN’S RING, THE FORBIDDEN TOWERS, and THE MASTER OF MAZES. She also writes non-fiction articles for adults. She is the author of TIME MACHINE #13, SECRET OF THE ROYAL TREASURE, TIME TRAVELER #2, THE LEGEND OF HIAWATHA, and TIME TRAVELER #3, THE FIRST SETTLERS.
WALTER P. MARTISHIUS is a book illustrator and theatrical set designer, and a production designer and art director for films. He is the illustrator of TIME MACHINE #10, AMERICAN REVOLUTIONARY, and of the EXPLORER series.