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Yasuke

The true story of the legendary African Samurai
3.78 goodreads logo

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( 1,750 ratings, 305 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
Yasuke by Thomas Lockley and Geoffrey Girard explores the remarkable story of a real African slave who became a samurai in Japan during the late 16th century. Blending historical elements with the imaginative touch typical of the Sci-Fi & Fantasy genre, the book offers a vivid depiction of Yasuke's journey from servitude to warrior status in a foreign land. It's a fascinating tale of cultural collision, identity, and resilience.
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Format: Paperback / softback
$2799
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

You might enjoy this book if you are fascinated by the blend of historical fact and fantasy, exploring the extraordinary life of a real-life African samurai in feudal Japan. The narrative offers an engaging mix of adventure and cultural exploration, providing a unique perspective on an intriguing time and place.

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A riveting story about one of history's most enigmatic warriors.

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

WARRIOR. SAMURAI. LEGEND.

The remarkable life of history's first foreign-born samurai, and his astonishing journey from Northeast Africa to the heights of Japanese society.

The man who came to be known as Yasuke arrived in Japan in the 16th century, an indentured mercenary arriving upon one of the Portuguese ships carrying a new language, a new religion, and an introduction to the slave trade. Curiously tall, bald, massively built, and black-skinned, he was known as a steadfast bodyguard of immense strength and stature, and swiftly captured the interest, and thence the trust, of the most powerful family in all of Japan. Two years later, he vanished.

Yasuke is the story of a legend that still captures the imagination of people across the world. It brings to life a little-known side of Japanβ€”a gripping narrative about an extraordinary figure in a fascinating time and place.

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

The book is described as a breathtaking and revelatory account, with engaging and vivid storytelling that transforms history into an enthralling adventure. The extensive research by Lockley and Girard provides a comprehensive and enlightening look into Yasuke's life, delivering a narrative as captivating as a katana's blade. This historical re-telling offers a gripping tale of politics, war, and religion, portraying Yasuke not only as a hero of the 1500s but also as a figure resonant with contemporary audiences.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780751571592

Publisher: Little, Brown Book Group

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 28 May 2020

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Sphere

Illustration: 20-30 images

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 40.0mm

Width: 126.0mm

Height: 196.0mm

Weight: 380g

Pages: 480

About the Author

Thomas Lockley (Author)

Thomas Lockley is a lecturer at Nihon University College of Law in Tokyo where courses he's taught include the International History of Japan, Britain and Japan in History, and East Asia in Japanese History.

Geoffrey Girard (Author)

Geoffrey Girard has written a number of historical adventure non-fiction titles, and has previously been nominated for a Stoker award. He has an MA and an MFA in Creative Writing.

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