"In Samurai, celebrated author John Man provides a unique and captivating look at their true history, told through the life of one man: Saigo Takamori, known to many as 'the last samurai.' In 1877, Takamori led a rebel army of samurai in a heroic 'last stand' against the Imperial Japanese Army, who sought to end the 'way of the sword' in favor of firearms and modern warfare."--Back cover.