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Asian Studies Book Services |
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About us contact details Catalogue
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‘Rich in disasters, dreadful in its battles, rent by its seditions, and even cruel in its times of peace’, the Warring States period (1467-1568) was the most destructive in Japan’s long history of civil strife. It began when the dearly won supremacy of the Ashi-kaga clan was squandered by a weak and indecisive ruler, allowing the jealous rivalry between local warlords to spiral out of control. It was a time when thousands upon thousands of warriors either perished on the battlefield, or persevered simply on the strength of their martial skill. At the end of the day, only those with superior skill remained standing to survey the carnage. In spite of this mayhem, they were also men with an inextinguishable moral core, who adhered with great devotion to the bushidô dictates of duty, fidelity, decorum, indeed, even of benevolence. Two such men were Iizasa Chôisai Ienao and Kami Izumi Nobutsuna. Both not only witnessed but actively participated in the dramatic events of the period at hand. Thus, Ienao served on the Shogunal guard when, following the outbreak of the Ônin War in 1467, the capital Kyoto was reduced to ashes in a decade of trench warfare. Thus, Nobutsuna had to witness how, in the terrible wave of anarchy that followed in its wake, all that his ancestors had toiled for was lost. Their story, told against the greater historical backdrop of ruthless political intrigue and vast military campaigns, is a story of the tragedy of civil war experienced at the personal level - it is a story of sacrifice, of blind devotion, of seemingly insurmountable setbacks. Yet it is at the same time a testimony to the kind of perseverance and dedication that can have no equal in times of peace. Published by Floating World Editions
Famous Japanese Swordsmen of the
Two Courts Period From the author of the bestselling Famous
Japanese Swordsmen: The Warring States comes more solid sword history
in the guise of thrilling narrative. The Two Courts Period was a turning
point in Japan's medieval era—a time when an unbridgeable rift appeared
in the fragile fabric of Japanese feudal society. On each side stood a
separate imperial court, each with its own army and its own agenda. As the
schism deepened and the positions hardened, one by one clans and domains
were rent asunder until each and every man faced the terrible choice
between loyalty and friendship. Published by Floating World Editions |
