Describes the Japanese way of life during the samurai eras through information about the politics, military, culture, and the belief system; also indicates the legacy of the period.

History

Chapter One LIVING GODS AND WARRIORS

 Divine Rulers

 Birth of the Samurai

 Mongol Invasions

 Two Warring Courts

 The Country at War

 Japan's Feudal System

 The Path to Unity

 The Great Peace

 Opening the Doors

 Map

Cultural History

Chapter Two ARTISTIC TREASURES

 Literature

 Paint and Ink

 Flowers and Gardens

 Everyday Art

 Samurai Castles

Belief System

Chapter Three "LAND OF THE GODS"

 Shinto: "The Way of the Gods"

 Buddhism: The Path to Enlightenment

 Confucianism: The Key to Harmony

 Christianity: The Persecuted Faith

Beliefs and Society

Chapter Four A CULTURE SHAPED BY FAITH

 The Gods in Government

 Buddhism and the Arts

 Zen and Samurai Ideals

 The Cultured Confucian Warrior

The Legacy of the Samurai

Chapter Five ThE LIVING SAMURAI SPIRIT

 Dreams of Empire

 Business Warriors

 Surviving Traditions

 The Spirit in Martial Arts