Feudal Japan, ancient China and samurai

[Drome]

Does anyone have any recomendations for books on feudal Japan, ancient China and samurai's in general? I have been googling for days but nothing good comes up so I figured I'd ask here for any knowledge.


Thanks in advance.

[JBI]

China does not have a Samurai tradition. For books on Ancient China, I could recommend many, but you seem to be unclear on what you are asking for.

[mortalterror]

Try the Book of Five Rings by Miyamoto Musashi. A lot of young people use it as an entry point into Japanese culture. If you want a book about ancient Chinese warfare try The Romance of the Three Kingdoms by Luo Guanzhong. Another good book of samurai fiction is the Japanese play Chushingura by Takeda Izumo translated by Donald Keen about 47 vengeful ronin (masterless samurai).

[ralfyman]

There are lots from Tuttle Publishing.

[Drome]

China does not have a Samurai tradition. For books on Ancient China, I could recommend many, but you seem to be unclear on what you are asking for.


Ah, I know that China did not have a samurai traidition, it was just the way I wrote it that made it seem that way. Sorry , english is not my mother tounge.

Iam asking for ancient chinese novels about warriors, armies and politics. The same about feudal Japan.

Thanks.

[Lykren]

China: Romance of the Three Kingdoms.

Japan: The Tale of the Heike.

[JBI]

Water margin also. Also Jin Yong novels, not sure which are translated now.

[coeus]

For an outsiders view of Japanese Samurai culture, you might try Shogun by James Clavell. It is set in the 16th Century and told from the point of view of an English sailor.

[ralfyman]

Try

http://www.tuttlepublishing.com/literature/chinese-classics

http://www.tuttlepublishing.com/literature/japan