Book 64

Ninja AD 1460-1650

by Stephen Turnbull

Published 19 February 2003
The Ninja were the secret agents and assassins of feudal Japan, and they remain a subject of enduring fascination. Many of the books about them are unreliable and promote the myth of the 'invincible superman', that fiction continues to perpetuate. This title provides an accurate and detailed account of the reality of the Ninja, detailing methods of daily life, training, hiring, combat use and secret operations: also covered are the Ninja's use and knowledge of poisons, medicines and charms.

Book 70

From the 10th to the mid-17th century, religious organisations played an important part in the social, political and military life in Japan. Known as sohei ('monk warriors') or yamabushi ('mountain warriors'), the warrior monks were anything but peaceful and meditative, and were a formidable enemy, armed with their distinctive, long-bladed naginata. The fortified cathedrals of the Ikko-ikki rivalled Samurai castles, and withstood long sieges. This title follows the daily life, training, motivation and combat experiences of the warrior monks from their first mention in AD 949 through to their suppression by the Shogunate in the years following the Sengoku-jidai period.

N0. 84

Mongol Warrior 1200-1350

by Stephen Turnbull

Published 19 November 2003
The Mongol warriors were one of the great success stories of world military history. Under the leadership of Genghis Khan and his successors the Mongols conquered much of the known world, fighting in territory ranging from the frozen steppes, the wilderness of Palestine, the jungles of Java and the great rivers of China. Through all this they showed a remarkable ability to adopt, adapt and improve a vast range of military techniques and technology, from siege weapons to naval warfare. This book tells the story of this remarkable military organisation, including details of weaponry, tactics, training and beliefs.