For centuries, the ninja has occupied a unique place in Japanese culture, straddling the border between fact and folklore. Through classical art, traditional proverbs, and superb research, this exquisitely designed volume takes a look back into the origins and history of these notorious shadow warriors. Explore their traditions and guiding philosophy, their weapons and martial-arts skills, their mystique as stealthy black-clad assassins, and their enduring appeal as icons of popular culture. A timeline goes back beyond even the very first ninjalike figure, and follows the movement right through the 1800s, when the final ninja mission ever was recorded: the attempt to infiltrate Commodore Perry's black ships off Japan.
- ISBN10 1402763131
- ISBN13 9781402763137
- Publish Date 1 August 2008
- Publish Status Out of Stock
- Publish Country US
- Publisher Sterling Publishing Co Inc
- Imprint Sterling
- Format Hardcover
- Pages 208
- Language English