Thomas Conlan is a historian specializing in Japan, focusing on the political, social, and intellectual transformations of the country from the 11th to the 16th centuries. His work delves into the period of Mongol invasions, examining illustrated scrolls that depict these pivotal events. He further explores the nature of warfare in 14th-century Japan, revealing how conflict shaped the social, political, and intellectual landscape. Conlan also analyzes the evolution of the samurai and the political thought of medieval Japan, with a current focus on the influential daimyo families of western Japan during the 15th and early 16th centuries.
Written by a leading expert and illustrated throughout with more than 300 detailed drawings and photographs showing the weapons, equipment, techniques and tactics of the samurai, Samurai Weapons & Fighting Techniques is an excellent guide to samurai warfare for both the enthusiast and general reader.