Anecdotes bring life to samurai history

Any additional comments?

As a Japanese school child, Japanese History was just dates and names, but this audiobook brought these historical people and incidents to life for me. Samurai are all too often depicted through rose tinted glass, but Clements delivers the stories of human foibles with a dry sense of humour, and he got me laughing out loud often.

I have been a massive fan of European history but not of my own country, because of the way history was taught in Japan when I was a child. If this was my History textbook, I would have read it in bed.

The only reason why I gave four stars, not five, for the performance is because Keeble's pronunciation of Japanese words are often incorrect. Otherwise his delivery lets you suck into the drama of Japanese history.

It is well researched, and quotes and anecdotes are so well chosen that you cannot help but be interested in these historical characters and incidents. It is not a long book, but Clements achieves a lot, telling the story of the long era of samurai concisely, and educate and entertain you at the same time. I would recommend this for anyone who is interested in Japan or History.

2 people found this helpful

Dry

Would you try another book written by Jonathan Clements or narrated by Jonathan Keeble?

Yes, but I would read any reviews first.

Who was your favorite character and why?

N/a

What aspect of Jonathan Keeble’s performance might you have changed?

None really.

You didn’t love this book--but did it have any redeeming qualities?

It was interesting in places but it listed lots of facts without being thought provoking.

1 person found this helpful

Well written. Well read.

Not an expert in this subject, but this was a clear and informative history. Thoroughly recommended.

chasing down the Samurai

My interest here was to find out something of the Samurai - this was my first look.

what I found here was a wonderful listen,very well read and it held lots very interesting content.

Little is known of the Samurai themselves, pre the sixteenth century.
There is an introduction that delves into the murky historical beginings.

Even from the later periods it seems problematic to find the true historical Samurai.

There is a lot of myth and embelishment surrounding the stories and history, especially when focusing on the actual historical charactors.

Happily for the layman, me, this book is not too dry and was a very approachable overall.

Even with what I have said above there is still much to be learned about this intriguing period in history.

I feel my time was well spent in the company of this book ...
i would definitely recommend it, if your at all interested in it.

i will happily revisit it to absorb more from it.

The same author has another book on audible 'A brief history of Japan.' which is on my radar to listen to.

And with that dear reader, may I bid you goodluck and farewell.

Compelling and accessible history.

Clear and engaging tale for the most part. Good narration, jarring cuts and edits aside.

Very informative!

An interesting book and a captivating performance. Finally filled in the gaps in my knowledge of Japanese/ Samurai history. A deep enough look into the past of Japan for any curious observer.

excellent read.

excellent read and very easy to listen to.. easily understood....names a bit hard to remember at times but overall a good book

An Easy Listen

My second non fiction audiobook and a definite improvement on the first. An easy listen with the reader bring the right inflections, where needed.

Title is a Misnomer

What disappointed you about A Brief History of the Samurai?

It was actually an account of the aristocracy of Japan rather than about the Samurai themselves. A certain amount of background is required to understand the theme but the background became the bulk of this book. I'm sure a book entitle a 'Brief History of European Knights' would be disappointing if it was mainly about the Kings and Queens of Europe.

Who might you have cast as narrator instead of Jonathan Keeble?

Anyone who had had a brief lesson in Japanese pronunciation. It was distracting at times.

You didn’t love this book--but did it have any redeeming qualities?

Not for me, I'm afraid, I found it tedious.

Any additional comments?

Change the title to a 'Brief History of Japanese Rulers'.

2 people found this helpful

More than swords and honour, much more

Would you consider the audio edition of A Brief History of the Samurai to be better than the print version?

Yes. As I have said in my other 'brief history' reviews, these books are excellently narrated and draw you in and hold attention.

Who was your favorite character and why?

The tales of the Togugawa dynasty is particularly memorable, but there are many small nuggets of wonder in the history of the Samurai class.

Which scene did you most enjoy?

Being a fact based book this question is not really relevent. But it's worth noting the book is very well structured as it leads you through the history of the Samurai class and it is easy to follow, despite the culture shock of being an ignorant Westerner.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

No I listened during travelling etc

Any additional comments?

the book is a history of the Samurai class, there are plenty of battles, honorable and less than honorable tales but this book gives you a great insight into Japan's history and, surprisingly, their modern society.