Overview

Each great samurai warlord, or daimyo, had a division of troops known as the Hatamoto, 'those who stand under the flag'. The Hatamoto included the personal bodyguards, the senior generals, the standard bearers and colour-guard, the couriers, and the other samurai under the warlord's personal command. Apart from bodyguard and other duties in immediate attendance on the daimyo, both horse and foot guards often played crucial roles in battle. Their intervention could turn defeat into victory, and their collapse meant certain defeat. As favoured warriors under the warlord's eye, members of the bodyguards could hope for promotion, and a few even rose to be daimyo themselves. All the three great leaders of the 16 and 17th centuries – including Oda, Hideyoshi and Tokugawa – had their own elite corps. Such troops were naturally distinguished by dazzling apparel and heraldry, with banners both carried and attached to the back of the armour, all of which are detailed in an array of colour artwork specially created for this publication.

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9781846034787

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Reviews

Lavishly illustrated (as usual) by English artist Richard Hook and written by Dr. Stephen Turnbull, the book gives a very nice overview of the Hatamoto, who were Samurai warriors in the 16th through the 18th centuries. <br><br>Turnbull has drawn from his tremendous knowledge of Japanese history, culture, and customs to research and write a compelling overview that is certain to add to the casual reader's understanding of this legendary group of warriors. Hook's illustrations are colorful, vivid, and useful for wargamers wishing to recreate the period on the miniature battlefield. <br><br>This book will be a useful addition to the bookshelves of gamers and modelers, as well as those military buffs looking for something out of the ordinary. Well done in Osprey's usual style! - Charge! Civil War Wargaming

Lavishly illustrated (as usual) by English artist Richard Hook and written by Dr. Stephen Turnbull, the book gives a very nice overview of the Hatamoto, who were Samurai warriors in the 16th through the 18th centuries. Turnbull has drawn from his tremendous knowledge of Japanese history, culture, and customs to research and write a compelling overview that is certain to add to the casual reader's understanding of this legendary group of warriors. Hook's illustrations are colorful, vivid, and useful for wargamers wishing to recreate the period on the miniature battlefield. This book will be a useful addition to the bookshelves of gamers and modelers, as well as those military buffs looking for something out of the ordinary. Well done in Osprey's usual style! --Charge! Civil War Wargaming

""Lavishly illustrated (as usual) by English artist Richard Hook and written by Dr. Stephen Turnbull, the book gives a very nice overview of the Hatamoto, who were Samurai warriors in the 16th through the 18th centuries. Turnbull has drawn from his tremendous knowledge of Japanese history, culture, and customs to research and write a compelling overview that is certain to add to the casual reader's understanding of this legendary group of warriors. Hook's illustrations are colorful, vivid, and useful for wargamers wishing to recreate the period on the miniature battlefield. This book will be a useful addition to the bookshelves of gamers and modelers, as well as those military buffs looking for something out of the ordinary. Well done in Osprey's usual style!"" --Charge! Civil War Wargaming

Author Information

Stephen Turnbull is widely recognised as the world’s leading English language authority on the samurai of Japan. He took his first degree at Cambridge and has two MAs (in Theology and Military History) and a PhD from Leeds University. He is now retired and pursues an active literary career, having now published over 80 books. His expertise has helped with numerous projects including films, television and the award-winning strategy game Shogun Total War.

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