Pirate of the Far East: 811-1639 (Warrior Book 125)

Feared throughout the Far East, Japanese pirates were likened to 'black demons' and 'flood dragons'. For centuries relations between Japan, Korea and China were carried out through a bizarre trinity of war, trade and piracy. The piracy, which combined the other elements in a violent blend of free enterprise, is the subject of this original and exciting book. Stephen Turnbull vividly recreates the pirates' daily lives, from legitimate whaling and fishing trips to violent raids. He explores the bases and castles used by the pirates and uses eyewitness accounts and original artwork to give stunning descriptions of a vicious and brutal life. Osprey's survey of pirates of the Far East, from 811 to 1639. For many centuries, international relations between Medieval Japan, Korea and China were carried out by means of the 'inseparable trinity' of war, trade and piracy. Much has been written about the first two means of interaction. The third element, which combined the other two in a violent blend of free enterprise, is the subject of this original and exciting book. It is written by Stephen Turnbull, who has visited all three countries in search of the elusive pirates of the Far East. Pirate of the Far East: 811–1639 Cover; Title; Contents; Introduction: The World of the Pirate; Chronology; Portrait of a Pirate; The Daily Life of the Pirates; Campaign Life (1): The Mechanics of a Pirate Raid; Campaign Life (2): Defensive Measures Against Pirate Raids; The Wako's Experience of Battle; Museums and Collections; Further Reading; Related Titles; Imprint