Japanese Castles Ad 250-1540 (fortress)
by Stephen Turnbull /
2008 / English / PDF
15.7 MB Download
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.
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 With previously unpublished photographs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.
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 With previously unpublished photographs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.
