Tales of the Samurai by Algernon Bertram Freeman-Mitford


Tales of the Samurai
Title : Tales of the Samurai
Author :
Rating :
ISBN : 1435166787
ISBN-10 : 9781435166783
Language : English
Format Type : Hardcover
Number of Pages : 272
Publication : First published January 1, 1871

In this lavishly illustrated volume, A.B. Mitford presents ancient Japanese tales filled with action, romance, and the supernatural. Proud lords and their loyal retainers, a brave samurai and his faithless wife, a vampire cat, and howling spirits are all featured in the engaging stories that follow, including:

* The Forty-Seven Rōnin: In this account of fierce heroism, a band of rōnin—masterless samurai who wander the country as somewhat disreputable knights errant—swear to lay down their lives to avenge their lord, who was condemned to hara kiri and his property and castle forfeited to the state.
* How Tajima Shumé was Tormented by a Devil of his Own Creation: When a traveling rōnin amasses great wealth with a dead priest’s money, he finds himself confronted with a fearful vision of the man he murdered.
* The Badger’s Money: An old priest takes pity on a helpless badger that asks to enter his warm cottage so that it may live through a bitterly cold night.

Appendices covering hara kiri and funeral rites conclude this collection of mesmerizing stories about Japanese life in days of yore.

Tales of the Samurai Reviews

  • Jason McCuiston

    A great read with wonderful illustrations. However it suffers from some poor editing of the text.

  • Pedro Mesquita

    A really nice book to have some insights around these feared and at the same time admired warriors from the land of the rising sun. Although I did not appreciate the writing style most of the time, it was an enjoyable book. For those who want to learn more about the legends about the samurai, as well as traditional Japanese folklore, this book is a good starting point.

  • Carl Grider

    Really probably a 3.5 for me. Has some great information about a topic I enjoy reading about. The older style of writing was at times appreciated and other times not.

  • John Geddie

    Nice introduction to a classic I haven’t been exposed to before, sort of a Japanese Grimms Fairy Tales.

  • Emily

    8/10

  • Kimi

    Did not actually finish. Pretty boring. But the pictures were cool.

  • Adam

    Sort of a Japan-focused version of 1,001 Arabian Nights. This version in particular is beautifully designed and illustrated.

  • Tyler Meissner

    Enjoyed the tales! Very amazing artwork as well.