William de Lange crafts compelling narratives that delve into the heart of Japan's traditional culture. His extensive body of work explores diverse subjects, ranging from historical accounts and the intricacies of samurai traditions to the delicate artistry of crafts and comprehensive language dictionaries. De Lange possesses a unique talent for making complex cultural elements accessible and engaging, drawing readers into the rich tapestry of Japan. His writing is celebrated for its depth of research and its clear, approachable style.
Miyamoto Musashi, the Japanese swordsman of unparalleled skill, is known around the world today. Yet his life still poses many questions that remain elusive. This compact and fully illustrated guide finally answers those questions.
For over a thousand years the sword has played a crucial role in Japanese society. Even today it remains a ubiquitous and venerated object, whether cherished as a work of art, admired as a feat of technology, or wielded in one of the many schools of fencing that have survived Japan's feudal era. This book not only explains the techniques of that era's most prominent school, it also gives the reader a fascinating insight in the history and martial ethics that underpin the modern day practice of Japanese fencing, an art known to the Japanese as Iaido.