Looking for a good book set in feudal Japan
09-17-02 | 10:18 PM
#1
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From: Shermer, Illinois
Looking for a good book set in feudal Japan
Just to let you know, I'm usually into fantasy books, like Arthurian tales or Lord Of the Rings, ect.
I've never read a book about ninja or samurai, and I think it might be an interesting twist.
Any suggestions are welcome, thanks in advance.
I've never read a book about ninja or samurai, and I think it might be an interesting twist.
Any suggestions are welcome, thanks in advance.
09-18-02 | 12:26 AM
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From: Gateway Cities/Harbor Region
Shogun
09-18-02 | 12:31 PM
#3
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The shogun series of books is excellent, I would also recommend
Musashi by Eiji Yoshikawa, Charles S. Terry (Translator)
Or I have not read this but based on musashi and the title of this next one could be a perfect fit.
Taiko: An Epic Novel of War and Glory in Feudal Japan
by Eiji Yoshikawa, William Scott Wilson (Translator)
I loved how shogun merged all the way into Whirlwind is brilliant. I disliked however King Rat.
Musashi by Eiji Yoshikawa, Charles S. Terry (Translator)
Or I have not read this but based on musashi and the title of this next one could be a perfect fit.
Taiko: An Epic Novel of War and Glory in Feudal Japan
by Eiji Yoshikawa, William Scott Wilson (Translator)
I loved how shogun merged all the way into Whirlwind is brilliant. I disliked however King Rat.
09-18-02 | 12:55 PM
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While not technically a historical series, the Empire Trilogy by Raymond E. Feist and Janny Wurts is heavily influenced on Japanese Feudal society. It's an absolutely great series and if you like fantasy novels it should be right up your alley. There are three books in the trilogy, Daughter of the Empire, Servant of the Empire and Mistress of the Empire. Feist is known for his very good Riftwar Saga, a very decent "old school" fantasy series, IMHO, and this trilogy takes place from the alternate perspective.
Overall, it's a great series and is heavily influenced by the warrior society of feudal Japan.
I heartily recommend it, as well as Shogun, which was already mentioned.
Overall, it's a great series and is heavily influenced by the warrior society of feudal Japan.
I heartily recommend it, as well as Shogun, which was already mentioned.
09-18-02 | 06:58 PM
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From: Gateway Cities/Harbor Region
Originally posted by BadlyDrawnBoy
Musashi by Eiji Yoshikawa, Charles S. Terry (Translator)
Musashi by Eiji Yoshikawa, Charles S. Terry (Translator)
This same Samurai, Miyamoto Musashi, wrote "THE FIVE RINGS". It's a guide for Samurai that has become a classic.
09-22-02 | 02:33 PM
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From: Shermer, Illinois
Slightly Off Topic: Anybody interested in this Genre might really enjoy the Samurai Jack show on Cartoon Network. Good stuff!
Back On Topic: Thanks a lot for the above suggestions. Anybody got anymore?
Back On Topic: Thanks a lot for the above suggestions. Anybody got anymore?
09-25-02 | 07:02 PM
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From: Cincinnati, OH
you could try reading some of the comic books in the usagi yojimbo series if you're into that.
if you'd like a classic book set in feudal Japan, there's The Tale of Genji (which is reportedly the first novel ever)
if you'd like a classic book set in feudal Japan, there's The Tale of Genji (which is reportedly the first novel ever)
09-26-02 | 05:05 PM
#11
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Re: Musashi All The Way
Originally posted by Wicked_Oblivion
"Musashi" all the way. It is around 800 or 900 pages, but it is an EXCELLENT read. I read the entire thing in about 5 days. The book is excellent.
"Musashi" all the way. It is around 800 or 900 pages, but it is an EXCELLENT read. I read the entire thing in about 5 days. The book is excellent.
10-06-02 | 05:31 AM
#14
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Not sure if this is what you're after but....
<small>
</small>.... my book club this month features "Across the Nightingale Floor: Tales of the Otori: Book 1" by Lian Hearn of which the blurb (written by Stephen Lawhead) says:
Originally posted by krunchyfrogg
Just to let you know, I'm usually into fantasy books, like Arthurian tales or Lord Of the Rings, etc.
I've never read a book about ninja or samurai, and I think it might be an interesting twist.
Just to let you know, I'm usually into fantasy books, like Arthurian tales or Lord Of the Rings, etc.
I've never read a book about ninja or samurai, and I think it might be an interesting twist.
Written in the simple language of a fable, AtNF is a polished gem of a book. [....] The tale is set in an imagined Japanese feudal world where duty, status and honour far outweigh individual freedoms [....this] is a striking debut, featuring a lush and exotic background against which the action uncoils with the sensual elegance of an assassin's silken rope. For anyone who enjoys an unusual but thoroughly captivating read, this is a book to be savoured.
10-07-02 | 01:06 PM
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From: Denver
Lian Hearn: Across the Nightingale Floor
This books looks great, but I found out Lian Hearn is a pseudonym. Anyone know who he/she really is? Know where I can find out?
10-07-02 | 03:39 PM
#16
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It's a fairly open secret that "Lian Hearn" is award-winning children's author Gillian Rubinsteinan, an English-born South Australian resident.
10-09-05 | 08:57 PM
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I know I'm ressurecting an old thread but I felt the following question didn't warrant a thread of its own.
What do you guys think of Genpei by Kara Dalkey?
What do you guys think of Genpei by Kara Dalkey?
