My brother has asked me to get him a book, and only a book, for Christmas, and I need your help! He’s a hard guy to please in general, and he was a Comparative Literature major to boot.
A few months ago, he started taking Kendo lessons (a martial art involving swords), and I’ve seen books on samurai weapons and armor in his bathroom, so I thought a novel about Japan in the 16th-17th Centuries (with or without samurais) might be a good present.
Any suggestions?
Shogun?
Musashi, by Eiji Yoshikawa.
Lots of samuri goodness.
Japanese Folklore books–
http://www.harapan.co.jp/english/e_books/E_B_Jfalklore.htm
Something fun, based of the literature of the time (yes, the author does research)–
http://www.tfaw.com/tpb/profile.html?cart=2347082488642574&sku=TFAW978093019335551595
I would strongly suggest Musashi. However, look into works by Yoshida Kenko. he was a very good writer, even in translation, and a Buddhist priest.
Thanks a lot for the suggestions! Hmmm…I might end up getting my brother more than one…
Bosda, my bro. loves Manga, so that graphic novel would be great – thanks for the link.
I don’t know if you’re interested at all since it’s set in 17th- or 18th-century Japan, but there is a new novel called “Cloud of Sparrows” (I can’t recall the author) that I just finished reading. It’s excellent.
Just to clarify my above post: “Cloud of Sparrows” has LOTS of samarai action and Shogun intrigue.
For what it’s worth!
The 47 Ronin is a great book that features 48 hari-karis.
sounds more like a book on gastrointestinal surgery than rogue samurais 
Why not get your brother,
“Across THe Nightingale Floor”
BY
Lian…???
sorry I can’t hink of her surname,but it’s a very good novel the first of a trilogy concerning Japanese mythology.
Good luck.
Shogun, as Qadgop said, would be an excellent choice. European gets shipwrecked in Japan in the year 1600, has to adapt to their culture. Very realistic and detailed. Lot’s of samurai’s, and even a couple ninjas (but I can’t remember if they specifically refer to them as “ninjas”.) Probably the second best book I’ve ever read.
Update (in case you care): I wasn’t able to find Musashi, so I got Cloud of Sparrows and a book called Shipwrecks by Akira Yoshimura, which I found on the bookshelf in the spot that Musashi should have been in. It’s set in 18th century Japan and is described on the cover as “harrowing” and “stark.” Right up my alley, if not my brother’s.
Thanks very much for your suggestions! I’ve been inspired to read a number of them myself.
For your next gift:
There is the Tale of Genji. Its 11th century Japan and far more about sex than swords than what I think you are looking for. But it was written in the 11th century.
As a CLit major he’d be able to handle it.
The Silence and The Samurai by Shusaku Endo are both set in that period. Both deal with “East-meets-West” themes, as Shogun did, but are great literature as well. (Sort of like a Clavell story written by Dostoevsky.)
Endo, a 20th century Japanese Catholic writer (who, I think, studied in Frabce just after WWII), explores the question of whether Japanese society can accept a “Western” religion and what it means both to be “Japanese” and “Christian.” A fascinating exploration of culture, religion, and Japanese history by a great writer.
Funny, I’m just now rereading Shogun. AIUI the book is based on history…some of the names have been changed, but the story is essentially historically accurate.