Text written by Stephen Turnbull under the name of the fictional character Umawatari Bogyu, 1549-1615, whom the author based upon advisors to the first Tokugawa shoguns. Fictionalized original title: Buke Monogatari = Tales of the military class.

1. Japan today : what every Samurai needs to know -- 2. From Samurai to Samurai warrior -- 3. Armour, swords and costumes to adorn the warrior -- 4. The martial arts : just how good are you? -- 5. Your role in guaranteeing a harmonious realm of peace -- 6. Japan : the land of the gods -- 7. The cultivated Samurai -- 8. The Samurai as military commander -- 9. The Samurai on the battlefield -- 10. Castles and sieges : a very different challenge -- 11. After the battle -- 12. Old age and death.