Richard Storry makes his way thru the myth and presents the realities of samurai life. This lifestyle though complex, was able to maintain a powerful and refined culture. Of course the book is also greatly enhanced by the fantastics photos of Werner Forman. The book takes us on a trip through an alien world. Out of it emerges an austere life drawn from Zen and Confucain ethics, which lead to the devlopment of Bushido. ( )