This fascinating volume enriches the samurai literature with a very special facet: whereas previously the philosophy or the equipment was at the centre of the illustrations, here the focus is on the martial craft of the legendary warriors. The sophisticated fighting techniques and stances are shown in detailed, graduated drawings. It shows how to shoot with a Japanese bow and fight with a katana longsword, wield a pike and fire an arquebus. Never before have the tactics and combat of the samurai been presented and described in such a knowledgeable and detailed way as in this brilliantly illustrated volume.