Ninja AD 1460–1650

by Turnbull, Stephen; Reynolds, Wayne

• ISBN13: 9781841765259
• ISBN10: 1841765252
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2003-02-19
• Publisher: Osprey Publishing

Summary

The Ninja were the secret agents and assassins of feudal Japan and they remain a subject of enduring fascination. They first emerged during the power struggles of 9th and 10th century Japan, in response to the increasing demand for spies, informants and even assassins, and they were used until the mid-1600s when they disappeared on account of a campaign to destroy them. This title provides an accurate and detailed account of the reality of the Ninja, detailing their daily life, training, hiring, combat use and secret operations; also covered are the Ninja's use and knowledge of poisons, medicines and charms.

Author Biography

Stephen Turnbull is the world's leading English language authority on medieval Japan and the samurai. He has travelled extensively in the Far East, particularly in Japan and Korea. For Osprey, he has authored many titles including Men-at-Arms 86: ‘Samurai Armies 1550-1615’, Campaign 69: ‘Nagashino 1575’, Warrior 29: ‘Ashigaru 1467-1649’, and New Vanguard 44: ‘Siege Weapons of the Far East (2) AD 960-1644’.

Table of Contents

Introduction: The Elusive Ninja	p. 4
Ninja - Japan's Secret Warriors	p. 5
The roots of the ninja
The ancestors of the ninja
Ninja activities in the 14th century Ninja in the age of war
The ninja of Iga and Koga
Serving the shogun
Recruitment and Training	p. 13
Ninja recruitment
Ninja selection
Ninja training
Belief and belonging
Appearance and Equipment	p. 16
Men in black
The ninja costume
Ninja disguises
Standard ninja equipment Specialised ninja equipment
Ninja techniques
Conditions of Service	p. 23
The ninja homelands
Daily life in the ninja village
The ninja house
Ninja Campaign Life	p. 27
Spying and espionage
Arson
Assassination Who killed Kenshin?
An assassination attempt
Ninja in War	p. 43
Ninja at Sawayama, 1558
Ninja at Maibara, 1561
Ninja at Udono, 1562
Ninja at Sekigahara, 1600
Ninja at Osaka, 1615
Ninja at Shimabara, 1638
Aftermath - The Ninja Myth	p. 55
Museums, Collections and Re-Enactment	p. 57
Glossary	p. 58
Bibliography and Further Reading	p. 59
Colour Plate Commentary	p. 60
Index	p. 64
Table of Contents provided by Rittenhouse. All Rights Reserved.