The Ōnin War 1467-77: A Turning Point in Samurai History (Retinue to Regiment)

This is a great book that is really well researched. The Ōnin War was a bloody civil war that took place in Japan. Characterized by vicious street fighting in Kyoto. This is a groundbreaking study using primary sources by veteran author Stephen Turnbull who has published something like 80 books on Japanese history. It is a very well illustrated book with not only pictures from the time but also lots of photos of fortifications and mansions that played a major part in the conflict.This was the beginning of the Sengoku period or 'the Age of Warring States' so it would make a suitable start to reading about Samurai history. Experts will also find it absorbing. All in all a great title.

Another masterpiece from the “Samurai Historyman” Stephen Turnbull. If you know anything of Mr Turnbull you’ll also know of the amount of research and books he has written on the subject and he doesn’t disappoint with his latest offering, “The Onin War 1467-77” under The Retinue to Regiment series from Helion.I personally knew nothing of this war before reading this book but on completing it I would say I have an excellent insight into the conflict. Street fighting in Kyoto is an intriguing concept which was interesting to read about and as a wargamer the prospect of re-fighting the skirmish is appealing.The book covers the background to the war and the combatant Shogun and Clans before describing the social circumstances of Japan at the time. It is important to know the background social aspects of any period and the author’s knowledge in this subject helps to set a scene and enhance the atmosphere.The publication is supported by both colour and black and white photographs of the area the war took place in. In addition, there are maps and contemporary illustrations. This book is a must for anyone interested in this Japanese period. It is well written, easy to read, explains everything clearly and laid out in such a way even someone not interested in the period could pick up and read.

Stephen Turnbull yet again arrives with very interesting and less known conflict from the historical Japan. This time, in new volume of ‘From Retinue to Regiment 1453-1618’ series, he presents the story of Ōnin War, 15th century conflict that led to the start of famous Age of Warring States (Sengoku Period). Based on large number of Japanese primary sources, it’s story of the inner-war, full of changing alliances, betrayals and vicious fighting, during which large parts of Kyoto were used as the battleground and consequently destroyed. As always, Turnbull with his great narrative style, lead his readers through the build-up for the conflict, with famine-fuelled anti-tax uprisings in provinces and growing conflicts between different powerful provincial governors. After assassination of shogun Yoshinori in 1441, we can see reign of shogun Yoshimasa during which internal conflict rose into Ōnin War, completely changing political and military map of Japan. While there were some military actions in provinces, most ferocious fights took place in Kyoto, when both sides, composed of alliances of clans and powerful daimyo, were engaged in brutal urban fight. Hundreds, and sometimes even thousands, of samurai and ashigaru were skirmishing on the streets, striking from the defence of the fortress-like mansions of their lords. Ambushes, arson, siege actions and attacking of supply lines – all that is presented based on sources for the first time available in English. We can see total erosion of shogun’s power and significance, with daimyo taking over control of provinces and fighting each other. It was war without victors, as country was gradually dragged into another phased of civil war, that is so characteristic with Sengoku Period. Kyoto was devastated by warring clans, with many of its infrastructure burnt to the ground. There are many interesting descriptions of fights within the city, which seems ideal as scenario for wargaming battles and campaigns. Text is accompanied by few maps of streets and position of the armies within Kyoto, which is of great help during the reading (although I had to make some notes who is who and allied with whom). As with other book by this author, there is also nice collection of the modern photos of the location described in the book and many period drawings of fighting samurai, great as depiction of their armour and weapons. Most of them are black and white but there are also few colour one, including very nice picture cover of samurai fighting ashigaru, drawn by Giorgio Albertini. In overall, Stephen Turnbull’s book is perfect addition to the collection of anyone interested in history of Japan and samurai conflicts, written with great style and knowledge of the topic.