I'm thinking of writing a historical romance set in feudal Japan (Edo Period), and I need some titles of books for research. Does anybody have recommendations before I head out to the library tomorrow?
Websites would also be helpful (the library near me is a limited resource).
The same goes for geisha. The one book that the library does have that I know is a great resource was due back a month ago.
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Apr 16, 2008 - 21 45
The Book of Five Rings by Miyamoto Mushashi and translated by Thomas Cleary. Sure it talks about the art of swordfighting, but it gives a good glimpse into what it was like to be a samurai, principles which could give more insight into your characters' ideology.
Also, I'd check for other books translated by Thomas Cleary.
Yttar
----------[url=http://ninja-bear.blogspot.com]The Dragon Knights[/url]
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Apr 18, 2008 - 14 55
"The Samurai and the Sacred" by Stephen Turnbull is quite a good book, if your library has it.
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Mei 10, 2008 - 18 31
The Art of War by Sun Tzu. This is a text on war tactics written about the time you are asking for, translated of course. Google it and you will find some sumarizations and the like as well.
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Mei 16, 2008 - 16 49
Any Japanese history book would have info on that era. And go find other libraries.
And have you considered using Japanese anime as a resource? You'd get a visual representaion as well as some aspects of their culture and way of thinking. If you don't know where to find them, hunt down an anime junkie. There should be one. Somewhere...
----------I am a Signature.