Hagakure - In the Shadow of Leaves

[hakucho]

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/de ... s&n=507846

There doesn't seem to be a publisher's review for this book at the moment, but it's been credited as a manual for the samurai based on anecdotes and philosophy. My sister bought it recently and I've had a flick through it so far...it's very interesting, as it suggests bushido as being very natural for the samurai as well as advice applicable to politics and military affairs (ie how to punish someone if the nature of the crime is uncertain).

Is anyone else familiar with this book and found it useful for an insight on how the minds of daimyo and retainers worked?

[go]

Dear Readers,
Was this not the book in the movie Ghost Dog?
This is the real thing, " a series of short anecdotes and reflections ...".
Well, 300 selections from the 1,300 original.
The translation reads very well but I do not know about the accuracy.
Kodansha International published it so the quality of the book itself is very good. I think you will really like this book.
Here is a quote from the book chosen at random:
" A warrior should not say something fainthearted even casually. He should set his mind to this beforehand. Even in trifling matters the depths of one's heart can be seen."
This would be a great book to illustrate as a graphic novel (comic book).....
I totally recommend this book. I hope this helps.
Best wishes to all,
go

[hakucho]

Wow, this was in Ghost Dog? *hasn't seen that film yet *

As a graphic novel this would be interesting to see...it could be like those cartoons mentioned before which thought philosophy and teachings of the Buddha (the name escapes me) plus it would reveal aspects of the samurai warrior that people don't seem to consider, such as ways to remove your enemy's skin XD