47 Ronin: The Classic Tale of Samurai Loyalty, Bravery and Retribution
47 Ronin: The Classic Tale of Samurai Loyalty, Bravery and Retribution book cover

47 Ronin: The Classic Tale of Samurai Loyalty, Bravery and Retribution

Paperback – August 7, 2018

Price
$11.39
Format
Paperback
Pages
256
Publisher
Tuttle Publishing
Publication Date
ISBN-13
978-4805314654
Dimensions
5.1 x 0.8 x 7.9 inches
Weight
9.6 ounces

Description

"The book contains a new foreword by Stephen Turnbull, the historical advisor for 47 Ronin and the author of more than 50 books on military history. …As Turnbull says in his foreword: 'The raid of the Forty Seven Ronin holds a unique place in Japanese history. There is nothing quite like it, and John Allyn's masterful re-retelling of the tale captures for modern readers much of the excitement with which the Japanese populace of the mid-eighteenth century would have responded to what for them was the equivalent of a newspaper sensation.'" -- Publishers Weekly "Fans of samurai will enjoy this retelling of a classic story of revenge and loyalty." -- Japan Powered blog John Allyn studied Japanese at Stanford University and was stationed in Japan during the early years of the U.S. occupation. After returning to the U.S., he entered UCLA where he received his master's degree in Theater Arts in 1951. He went on to specialize in Japanese theater, receiving a doctorate in Theater History. Stephen Turnbull is the author of over 50 books on the military history of Europe and the Far East. He works as a Japanese cultural consultant and a Lecturer in Japanese Religion at the Department of East Asian Studies at Leeds University. He served as the historical advisor for the Universal Pictures film 47 Ronin starring Keanu Reeves.

Features & Highlights

  • A classic tale that will captivate lovers of Japan, history, and epic adventure alike.
  • Japan's most celebrated tale of chivalry, loyalty and revenge--and the basis for a Hollywood feature film starring Keanu Reaves--
  • 47 Ronin
  • is the epic tale of a heroic band of Samurai warriors who defy the Japanese Emperor to avenge the honor of their fallen master. The story begins in 1701 when the noble Lord Asano attacks an official at court. His punishment is swift and harsh--the Emperor orders Lord Asano to commit ritual suicide (
  • harikiri
  • ). His lands are confiscated, his family exiled, and his Samurai warrior brigade is disbanded--becoming Ronin or masterless, wandering renegades. While appearing to follow the Emperor's instructions, the 47 Ronin plot in secret for many years, biding their time until the moment to strike is right. Like the story of the Knights of the Round Table, the Ronin's deeds became legendary, iconic examples of courage, cunning and loyalty in an age when the Samurai were true heroes and honor was something worth dying for. John Allyn's vivid retelling, with a foreword by scholar and film advisor, Stephen Turnbull, presents this epic of Japanese literature in its correct historical context.

Customer Reviews

Rating Breakdown

★★★★★
30%
(337)
★★★★
25%
(281)
★★★
15%
(168)
★★
7%
(79)
23%
(258)

Most Helpful Reviews

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It’s dishonorable to not read this

Nothing like the movie. I’m fact, it’s way better. You would bring dishonor to your family by not reading this book. One of the only books to invoke a sense of pride in myself for being a man. I don’t know how else to explain it.
1 people found this helpful
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Wonderul Story - Translation was Very Good

Everyone should read this piece of Japanese history!
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easy to read

it was a good book to read. i never know if the movie adaptations to the books are the same as the book so i just wanted to read the story instead of watching the movie again. well written
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Great book

My husband has added this to his list of favorite titles!
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Masterpiece

Beautifully and powerfully written
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Classic tale

Great telling of this classic tale in modern language
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Great book

Great book.
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a bit too Disney-ish

need a harder hitting, more historically accurate version. Allyn's version doesn't do it for me

plays out like a made for television movie as a cookie cutter script

Going to try: Thomas Harper's 47: The True Story of the Vendetta of the 47 Ronin from Akô
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Great book for daily readers

Used Themis product for personal development reading stories on historical stories.
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Early arrival

The book looked even better than the photo; the vendor specified the arrival date but it came a day earlier which was even better!