David Thatcher - Samurai Art

BOOKS & PUBLICATIONS

THE SAMURAI IN PRINT

Specialist books on Japanese armour and samurai culture, written to be accessible, informative and visually rich. Original research, photography and detailed drawings bring together insights rarely found elsewhere.

Available exclusively through my own website in printed and digital editions.

SPECIALIST PUBLISHING

SPECIALIST BOOKS,
MADE TO INFORM

My books are written for enthusiasts and specialists alike. They are designed to be easy to read without sacrificing depth, combining clear, informative writing with lavish photography, detailed line drawings and insights rarely found in books on the subject.

I publish independently so I can give specialist subjects the space they deserve. The books are available exclusively through my own website.

ACCESSIBLE & INFORMATIVE

Written to be enjoyed by newcomers without losing the detail experienced collectors expect.

ORIGINAL PHOTOGRAPHY

Lavishly illustrated with detailed photographs created specifically for the publications.

DRAWINGS & CLOSE STUDY

Line drawings and close examination help explain construction, materials and details that photographs alone cannot always show.

SPECIALIST REFERENCE

Independently published, available directly from me, and represented in museum and specialist library collections.

PUBLICATIONS

EXPLORE THE BOOKS

Browse printed and digital publications on Japanese armour, samurai culture and related specialist subjects. Select a title below to view its format, contents and purchasing options.

FROM THE COLLECTION

Samurai Armour, Kabuto, Mengu & Jingasa (HB) Signed

£59.00

A specialist reference volume devoted to the study, appreciation and close examination of Japanese samurai armour, helmets, facial armour and jingasa.

This 220-page A4 book brings together detailed photography, historical commentary and specialist observations drawn from many years of handling, studying and restoring Japanese armour. Rather than treating armour as decorative exotica, this volume looks at the subject from the perspective of construction, use, condition, form, material, repair and connoisseurship.

The book examines kabuto, mengu and jingasa as objects of both function and identity. These were not merely items of military equipment. They reflected status, school, region, taste, period and the demands of the battlefield. Through carefully selected examples, the volume explores the visual language of armour, from lacquer, ironwork and textile detail to shape, surface, wear and restoration.

Designed for collectors, historians, martial artists, museums and those with a serious interest in Japanese arms and armour, this is a substantial printed reference work and not a general coffee-table publication. It is a specialist book produced for readers who want to look closely, compare details and understand what they are seeing.

SIGNED COPY

Educational printed reference book on Japanese samurai armour and history. 

VIEW FULL PAGE →
FROM THE COLLECTION

Samurai Armour, Kabuto, Mengu & Jingasa (SC)

£45.00

A specialist reference volume devoted to the study, appreciation and close examination of Japanese samurai armour, helmets, facial armour and jingasa.

This 220-page A4 book brings together detailed photography, historical commentary and specialist observations drawn from many years of handling, studying and restoring Japanese armour. Rather than treating armour as decorative exotica, this volume looks at the subject from the perspective of construction, use, condition, form, material, repair and connoisseurship.

The book examines kabuto, mengu and jingasa as objects of both function and identity. These were not merely items of military equipment. They reflected status, school, region, taste, period and the demands of the battlefield. Through carefully selected examples, the volume explores the visual language of armour, from lacquer, ironwork and textile detail to shape, surface, wear and restoration.

Designed for collectors, historians, martial artists, museums and those with a serious interest in Japanese arms and armour, this is a substantial printed reference work and not a general coffee-table publication. It is a specialist book produced for readers who want to look closely, compare details and understand what they are seeing.

Educational printed reference book on Japanese samurai armour and history. 

VIEW FULL PAGE →

DIGITAL EDITIONS

READ THE EPUB EDITIONS

Choose a digital edition for convenient reading on a compatible e-reader, tablet, phone or computer. These EPUB titles contain the book in downloadable electronic form.

FROM THE COLLECTION

Samurai: Digital Reference Edition

£16.99

This is the EPUB digital edition of Samurai: Kabuto - Mengu -Jingasa, a 220-page illustrated study of Japanese samurai armour, packed with original photography, object analysis and specialist commentary.

Written from decades of direct experience with Japanese armour, restoration and swordsmanship, the book is intended for collectors, martial artists, researchers and readers with a serious interest in samurai material culture.

After purchase, you will receive a download link for the EPUB file. This file can be opened using most EPUB-compatible reading apps and devices.

This is a digital product only. No printed copy will be posted.

Details

Format: EPUB
Pages: 220
Delivery: Digital download
Physical book included: No
Refunds: Digital downloads are not normally refundable once supplied.

VIEW FULL PAGE →