Renowned expert Stephen Turnbull examines the castles built in Japan; from the first primitive fortifications in the Yayoi Period (300 BC-AD 250) through to the first proper castles which began to be developed with the rise to power of the Yamato Court; the first emperors of Japan in around AD 250. Examining the close ties that early Japanese dynasties had to both China and Korea; Turnbull assesses how Japanese defensive architecture betrays these influences.Also examined is the effect that the terrain in Japan had on fortifications - from the early reliance on earthworks and palisades and the development of wooden and earth castles; often sited on the top of the mountains; into more elaborate stone constructions in the 15th century. Finally; the emergence of the stone towers that are so characteristic of samurai is investigated; as is the gradual adaptation of Japanese castles to accommodate the introduction of firearms. With previously unpublished photographs from the author's private collection and full-color artwork; including detailed cutaways; this is an essential guide to the fascinating development of Japanese castles.
#52248 in Books Davis; Mike/ Morrow; Robert (PHT) 2006-09-04 2006-09-17Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 8.23 x 1.50 x 5.50l; 1.07 #File Name: 1844675688441 pages
Review
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. I love it and think it has a lot of original ...By Mark MThis book is a classic analysis of urban design. I love it and think it has a lot of original thoughts. But bear in mind that (I) many of the observations are a bit specific to Los Angeles and (ii) the book is getting kind of dated.2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. ImpressiveBy Alonso LopezI have lived 5 years in Los Angeles and I have to say reading this book has completely changed my perception of the city. Coming from another continent; names like Hollywood and Beverly Hills were familiar to me before arrival; but I knew nothing about Pasadena "Old Money" or South Central struggles. And even after years living here; I had some notions of the city history but I was far away from the rich and complex web of relationships unveiled by this book. Reading this book left me craving for more readings; I think I will go over the book again and read some of the books mentioned in the citations0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Essential for anyone living in Los Angeles. This book ...By MSEssential for anyone living in Los Angeles. This book is your history. You need to read this and you need to realize how far the city has come.
