Takeda Shingen is both the third book in the Saga of the
Samurai series and the third installment in the history of the famous Takeda
clan. In this book the saga of the Takeda continues with the introduction
of the best known member of the Takeda Family, Takeda Shingen.
Shingen's life was one of almost constant warfare, and his military campaigns
have earned him renown among students of the Sengoku Period. Begining with
his early years, continuing through his efforts to attain clan leadership in
1541, and following his military campaigns through 1548, where the battle of
Uedahara is one of the highlights of Shingen's campaigns discussed in detail in
this book. Readers will also come to learn more about the families living
in Shinano province, and how they fought and tried to resist the Takeda.
Later volumes in the Saga series will tell the story of families like the Suwa,
Ogasawara, and Murakami.
Appendices in Takeda Shingen include short biographies of personalities of note
in Shingen's life, information on Shingen's military organization as of 1541,
and information on clan flags.
With ten painted color plates, seven color maps, several black and white
illustrations, and black and white photographs taken on location by the author,
the third Saga of the Samurai book, Takeda Shingen, is a must-read for anyone
interested in Japanese history, Takeda Shingen, or samurai in general.
Although this volume begins Shingen's story, volumes 4-6 will continue the epic
story of Shingen's life.
Beginning where Takeda Rises to Power ends, Takeda Nobutora the Unification
of Kai
leads the reader into the Sengoku Jidai, one of the most turbulent
periods of Japanese
history. This 150-year period began with the Onin War, which
lasted from 1467 to 1477.
Families of all sizes battled during this time;
usually until one of the families either
surrendered or was destroyed. As this
conflict grew in size its originalCauses were soon
forgotten. During this time
local lords and ji-samurai ruled as they saw fit and only the
strongest families
were able to maintain order in the territories under their control. The
Takeda
Family, like many other families, suffered during the turbulance of the Sengoku
period.
This Second volume in the Saga of the Samurai series focuses on the life of
Takeda
Nobutora (1494-1574). Father to Takeda Shimgen, Nobutora's life
history is often
overlooked in the shadow of his son's many
accomplishments as a warlord. Without
Nobutora's work laying both military and
economic foundation for Shingen's massive
military campaigns his son's successes
might not have been as extensive as they were.
The Sengoku period was a
difficult time for Japan, and for a less-than charismatic leader
like Nobutora
it was made even more so. This volume will also discuss the difficulties
Nobutora had as a leaderin within his own lands and how his inability to relate
better to
his people made his governing the Takeda lands more difficult than it
could have been.
With eleven painted color plates and several black and white illustrations
and maps,
Saga of the Samurai: Takeda Nobutora the Unification of Kai further
brings to life the
dramatic saga of the Takeda family and the rich history of
Japan.
You hold in your hands the first volume in the Saga of the
Samurai: Takeda Rises to Power. The Saga of the Samurai is a multi-volume
series bringing to life the little-known histories of the key samurai families
of importance during the Sengoku Jidai (1467 - 1615), a 150-year period of
nearly constant strife within Japan.
The first book explores the beginning, and early history of the Takeda family of
Kai Province. In the West, this aristocratic clan is best known for it's charismatic
and able leader Takeda Shingen, who lived during the sixteenth century.
The general history of the Takeda clan, however, is little known outside of
Japan. This first volume will describe the political and military struggle
of the clan to maintain it's influence, from the first Takeda to the beginning
of the Onin War of 1467. This thrilling tale spans over 500 years of
Japanese history from the Takeda clan's point ov view.
Readers will become acquainted with members of the Takeda clanw ho played
decisive roles in the family's early history, and touch upon significant events
that influenced their lives.
With many black and white illustrations, photographs, and ten beautifully
painted watercolor plates, The Saga of the Samurai: Takeda Rises to Power is a
valuable resource for readers interested in Japanese military history, the
Takeda, and of course, Japan itself.