Book: Ninja AD 1460-1650 by Stephen Turnbull

A former housemate bought this volume for my birthday, knowing of my fascination for all things ninja related. The volume is slim and yet it is packed with information covering every facet of the ninja (dress, training, famous assassinations, weapons and strategies). Most interesting however, is how the author attempts to strip away the myth and fantasy, revealing the strategic role of the ninja (subterfuge and cunning rules the day) and how the ninja serves as a useful complement to the way of the samurai (samurai are all about facing your enemy head on and winning your battle with honour ... hint: send the ninja in first to weaken the enemy position!).

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