SKU: 18806939596

The Last Samurai: The Life and Battles of Saigo Takamori

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The Last Samurai: The Life and Battles of Saigo TakamoriThe dramatic arc of Saigo Takamori's life, from his humble origins as a lowly samurai, to national leadership, to his death as a rebel leader, has captivated generations of Japanese readers and now Americans as well his life is the inspiration for a major Hollywood film, The Last Samurai, starring Tom Cruise and Ken Watanabe. In this vibrant new biography, Mark Ravina, professor of history and Director of East Asian Studies at Emory University,

The dramatic arc of Saigo Takamori's life, from his humble origins as a lowly samurai, to national leadership, to his death as a rebel leader, has captivated generations of Japanese readers and now Americans as well - his life is the inspiration for a major Hollywood film, The Last Samurai, starring Tom Cruise and Ken Watanabe. In this vibrant new biography, Mark Ravina, professor of history and Director of East Asian Studies at Emory University, explores the facts behind Hollywood storytelling and Japanese legends, and explains the passion and poignancy of Saigo's life. Known both for his scholarly research and his appearances on The History Channel, Ravina recreates the world in which Saigo lived and died, the last days of the samurai.

The Last Samurai traces Saigo's life from his early days as a tax clerk in far southwestern Japan, through his rise to national prominence as a fierce imperial loyalist. Saigo was twice exiled for his political activities -- sent to Japan's remote southwestern islands where he fully expected to die. But exile only increased his reputation for loyalty, and in 1864 he was brought back to the capital to help his lord fight for the restoration of the emperor. In 1868, Saigo commanded his lord's forces in the battles which toppled the shogunate and he became and leader in the emperor Meiji's new government. But Saigo found only anguish in national leadership. He understood the need for a modern conscript army but longed for the days of the traditional warrior.

Saigo hoped to die in service to the emperor. In 1873, he sought appointment as envoy to Korea, where he planned to demand that the Korean king show deference to the Japanese emperor, drawing his sword, if necessary, top defend imperial honor. Denied this chance to show his courage and loyalty, he retreated to his homeland and spent his last years as a schoolteacher, training samurai boys in frugality, honesty, and courage. In 1876, when the government stripped samurai of their swords, Saigo's followers rose in rebellion and Saigo became their reluctant leader. His insurrection became the bloodiest war Japan had seen in centuries, killing over 12,000 men on both sides and nearly bankrupting the new imperial government. The imperial government denounced Saigo as a rebel and a traitor, but their propaganda could not overcome his fame and in 1889, twelve years after his death, the government relented, pardoned Saigo of all crimes, and posthumously restored him to imperial court rank.

In THE LAST SAMURAI, Saigo is as compelling a character as Robert E. Lee was to Americans-a great and noble warrior who followed the dictates of honor and loyalty, even though it meant civil war in a country to which he'd devoted his life. Saigo's life is a fascinating look into Japanese feudal society and a history of a country as it struggled between its long traditions and the dictates of a modern future.



Binding Type: Hardcover
Publisher: Wiley
Published: 11/24/2003
ISBN: 9780471089704
Pages: 265
Weight: 1.29lbs
Size: 9.36h x 6.26w x 0.96d

Review Citations: Booklist 12/01/2003 pg. 636
Library Journal 12/01/2003 pg. 139
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SKU: 18806939596

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Sarah Pseudoscience
San Leandro, US
★★★★★ 5
For a luxurious throw,
Size: 50"x60", Color: Grey
I originally bought this throw just to have something cozy around the house—and I was immediately impressed with how unbelievably soft it is. After owning (and loving) a lot of blankets, I’ve realized most only have that plush, silky feel on one side. This one is different—it’s soft on both sides, with a weight and drape that feels genuinely luxurious. The dark gray color is another standout. It looks elevated and expensive, and it’s held up beautifully through multiple washes without losing that silky texture at all. It honestly feels just as soft as the day we got it, which is rare. But the reason I had to write this review is unexpected. We’ve been sleep training our almost 1.5-year-old son, and this blanket somehow became part of the routine. It lives in his room, draped over the rocking chair for those long middle-of-the-night wakeups. Over time, he started pulling it down and choosing to sleep on top of it… on the floor. We couldn’t tell if he preferred the floor—or the blanket. So I tried something: I put the throw on his bed. And just like that… he started sleeping in his bed. Apparently, this blanket is the key to sleep training. If you’re looking for something soft, durable, and genuinely cozy, this is already a great buy. But if you happen to have a toddler resisting bedtime… this might just be your secret weapon too.
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Reviewed in the United States on April 12, 2026
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Rachel
Lowell, US
★★★★★ 5
Very soft. Wash only on gentle cycle in cold water and low tumble dry. Fabulous blanket.
Size: 50"x60", Color: Orange
So far so good. It was a little sheddy at first but then I washed it and it was fine. It is super soft even after being washed twice. Several people have commented on how soft it is and stated they thought it was a Minky couture. I washed it on gentle cycle in cold water and dried it on gentle low tumble dry. It does not seem to be shedding now. I washed it a second time and put vinegar in the rinse cycle because supposedly that is supposed to help bind the fibers or something. Still seems to be not shedding. It's probably the softest blanket I have every owned. When I wash it, I will continue to wash it on gentle in cold water and dry on either gentle low tumble dry r just air fluff. I read the heat good make the fibers loose and cause more shedding. If anything changes, I will update.
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Reviewed in the United States on May 2, 2026
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Stacy Gaspard
Belleville, US
★★★★★ 5
All time favorite
Size: 50"x60", Color: Orange, Size: 50"x60", Color: Orange
It is the best blanket I have ever had. It doesn’t shed, it stretches, it is unbelievably soft and cozy, and my cats cannot snag it no matter how hard they try!! I love it. It is also the perfect Universoty of Texas burnt orange shade!
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Reviewed in the United States on May 12, 2026
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Melissa Benitez
Whiting, US
★★★★★ 4
Quality of fabric may be less plush.
Size: 50"x60", Color: Tan
Very soft and plush blanket, although it not as thick and heavy as previously purchased in another color (same brand) it’s still a nice blanket.
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Reviewed in the United States on May 7, 2026
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Zainab Bangura
Massapequa, US
★★★★★ 5
Great blanket
Size: 60"x80", Color: Dark Brown
Can’t believe how soft this blanket is! Was kinda going back and fourth about getting it because of the cost but honey money well spent. 10/10 no notes
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Reviewed in the United States on May 24, 2026

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