Shogun

Synopsis

NOW A MAJOR TV SERIES

'Clavell never puts a foot wrong . . . Get it, read it, you'll enjoy it mightily' Daily Mirror

This is James Clavell's tour-de-force; an epic saga of one Pilot-Major John Blackthorne, and his integration into the struggles and strife of feudal Japan. Both entertaining and incisive, SHOGUN is a stunningly dramatic re-creation of a very different world.

Starting with his shipwreck on this most alien of shores, the novel charts Blackthorne's rise from the status of reviled foreigner up to the hights of trusted advisor and eventually, Samurai. All as civil war looms over the fragile country.

'I can't remember when a novel has seized my mind like this one. It's irresistible, maybe unforgettable. Clavell creates a world so enveloping you forget who and where you are' - New York Times

Summary

Chapter 1: The Arrival

* English pilot John Blackthorne and his crew are shipwrecked off the coast of Japan in 1600.
* They are rescued by Toranaga, an ambitious warlord, and taken to his castle in Anjiro.
* Blackthorne and his men are treated well but are held captive as Toranaga's guests.

Chapter 2: The Samurai

* Blackthorne learns about the samurai, the warrior caste of Japan.
* He admires their courage, loyalty, and discipline.
* He befriends Omi, a young samurai who becomes his mentor.

Chapter 3: The War

* Toranaga leads his army into battle against his rival, Ishido.
* Blackthorne witnesses the brutality and the code of honor of the samurai.
* He saves Toranaga's life and earns his respect.

Chapter 4: The Siege

* Toranaga's castle is besieged by Ishido's army.
* Blackthorne uses his knowledge of Western warfare to help Toranaga defend the castle.
* He also learns about the role of women in Japanese society.

Chapter 5: The Duel

* Blackthorne is accused of treason by Toranaga's traitorous advisor, Mariko.
* He is forced to fight a duel to prove his innocence.
* He defeats Mariko with Omi's help.

Chapter 6: The Peace

* Toranaga emerges victorious from the war and becomes the Shogun of Japan.
* Blackthorne is granted his freedom and the title of "Mateo."
* He marries Mariko and becomes a respected member of Japanese society.

Real Example

In Chapter 2, Blackthorne witnesses a duel between two samurai. He is amazed by their skill and the respect they show for each other.

"They stood facing each other, their swords drawn. The air was thick with tension. Suddenly, one of them lunged. The other samurai deflected the blow effortlessly. Then they were at it again, attacking and defending with lightning speed. Each move was so precise, so controlled. I had never seen anything like it.

"Finally, one of the samurai managed to land a blow on his opponent's shoulder. The wound was not fatal, but it was enough to incapacitate the other man. The samurai who had won the duel sheathed his sword and bowed to his opponent. The other samurai returned the gesture, and they both walked away as if nothing had happened."