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David Thatcher - Samurai Art

BOOKS & PUBLICATIONS

BOOKS ON
SAMURAI ARMOUR

Specialist books on Japanese samurai armour, kabuto, mengu and jingasa, written from decades of direct study, restoration and handling. Original research, detailed photography and explanatory drawings make specialist knowledge accessible to collectors, museums, martial artists and new readers.

Available as signed hardback, softcover and downloadable EPUB editions.

EXPLORE PUBLICATIONS

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

BOOKS ON JAPANESE SAMURAI ARMOUR

Explore specialist printed books on Japanese samurai armour, kabuto, mengu and jingasa, written and independently published by David Thatcher. Drawing on decades of direct study, restoration and handling, each edition combines original research, detailed photography and explanatory drawings for collectors, museums, martial artists and serious readers. Choose a signed hardback or softcover edition below to view its full description, price and purchasing options. Secure checkout through Shopify: publications are presented on this website, while payment and order processing are completed securely through the David Thatcher Shopify store.

Cover of David Thatcher’s book on Japanese samurai armour, kabuto, mengu and jingasa
FROM THE COLLECTION

Samurai Armour, Kabuto, Mengu & Jingasa — Signed Hardback

£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. 

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Cover of David Thatcher’s book on Japanese samurai armour, kabuto, mengu and jingasa
FROM THE COLLECTION

Samurai Armour, Kabuto, Mengu & Jingasa — Softcover

£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

DIGITAL BOOKS ON SAMURAI ARMOUR

Download specialist EPUB books on Japanese samurai armour, kabuto, mengu and jingasa for convenient reading on a compatible e-reader, tablet, phone or computer. These illustrated digital editions contain the same specialist research, original photography and practical object analysis in a downloadable format.

Cover image for David Thatcher’s digital EPUB book on Japanese samurai armour, kabuto, mengu and jingasa
FROM THE COLLECTION

Samurai Armour, Kabuto, Mengu & Jingasa — Digital EPUB 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.

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