{"title":"John Man","description":"John Man is a historian and travel writer with a special interest in Asia. His many acclaimed books include bestselling biographies of Genghis Khan and Attila the Hun, as well as The Great Wall and The Terracotta Army. He lives in the United Kingdom.","products":[{"product_id":"ninja-paperback","title":"Ninja - Paperback","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe definitive history of the ninja, based on a wealth of historical texts, local Japanese sources, and John Man's own treks across Asia\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\"An immensely entertaining history, packed with splendidly blood-thirsty tales of derring-do, feats of endurance and self-sacrifice.\" --\u003cem\u003eThe Guardian\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eOut of the violent chaos of medieval Japan, a remarkable band of peasants rose to become the world's most feared warriors--trained to perfect the art of \u003cem\u003eninjutsu\u003c\/em\u003e, the deadly union of martial arts and deception. Today, however, these real life ninjas are overshadowed by legend and pop culture caricatures. Could they fly? Climb walls? Make themselves invisible?\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eDrawing on a wealth of historical texts, local Japanese sources, and his own comprehensive treks across Asia, acclaimed author John Man takes us back to the ninjas' origins in China, through to their heyday in the bloody civil wars that ended with the unification of Japan in 1600. Man also illuminates the twentieth-century reemergence of the Japanese tradition of shadow warfare through the Nakano Spy School--the elite military-intelligence academy that operated as an extensive spy network during World War II--and reveals one former Nakano soldier, Onoda Hiroo, who may be the last surviving ninja.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eCompelling and absorbing, \u003cem\u003eNinja\u003c\/em\u003e reveals at last the fascinating true history behind one of the world's most enduring legends.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eFront Jacket\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eOut of the violent chaos of medieval Japan, a remarkable band of peasants rose to become the world's most feared warriors--trained to perfect the art of \u003cem\u003eninjutsu\u003c\/em\u003e, the deadly union of martial arts and deception. Today, however, these real life ninjas are overshadowed by legend and pop culture caricatures. Could they fly? Climb walls? Make themselves invisible?\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eDrawing on a wealth of historical texts, local Japanese sources, and his own comprehensive treks across Asia, acclaimed author John Man takes us back to the ninjas' origins in China, through to their heyday in the bloody civil wars that ended with the unification of Japan in 1600. Man also illuminates the twentieth-century reemergence of the Japanese tradition of shadow warfare through the Nakano Spy School--the elite military-intelligence academy that operated as an extensive spy network during World War II--and reveals one former Nakano soldier, Onoda Hiroo, who may be the last surviving ninja.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eCompelling and absorbing, \u003cem\u003eNinja\u003c\/em\u003e reveals at last the fascinating true history behind one of the world's most enduring legends.\u003c\/p\u003e--Simon Sebag Montefiore, author of \u003ci\u003eJerusalem: The Biography\u003c\/i\u003e\u003ch3\u003eBack Jacket\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eOut of the violent chaos of medieval Japan, a remarkable band of peasants rose to become the world's most feared warriors--trained to perfect the art of \u003cem\u003eninjutsu\u003c\/em\u003e, the deadly union of martial arts and deception. Today, however, these real life ninjas are overshadowed by legend and pop culture caricatures. Could they fly? Climb walls? Make themselves invisible?\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eDrawing on a wealth of historical texts, local Japanese sources, and his own comprehensive treks across Asia, acclaimed author John Man takes us back to the ninjas' origins in China, through to their heyday in the bloody civil wars that ended with the unification of Japan in 1600. Man also illuminates the twentieth-century reemergence of the Japanese tradition of shadow warfare through the Nakano Spy School--the elite military-intelligence academy that operated as an extensive spy network during World War II--and reveals one former Nakano soldier, Onoda Hiroo, who may be the last surviving ninja.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eCompelling and absorbing, \u003cem\u003eNinja\u003c\/em\u003e reveals at last the fascinating true history behind one of the world's most enduring legends.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"BooksCloud","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51365578768607,"sku":"9780062202659","price":19.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0813\/8958\/4607\/files\/DsUBh41ZPj9780062202659.webp?v=1789066488"},{"product_id":"samurai-the-last-warrior-a-history-paperback","title":"Samurai: The Last Warrior: A History - Paperback","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe definitive history of the Samurai, by acclaimed author of \u003cem\u003eNinja: 1,000 Years of the Shadow Warrior\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\"One could ask for no better storyteller or analyst than John Man.\" --Simon Sebag Montefiore, author of \u003cem\u003eJerusalem: The Biography\u003c\/em\u003e \u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe inspiration for the Jedi knights of \u003cem\u003eStar Wars\u003c\/em\u003e and the films of Akira Kurosawa, the legendary Japanese samurai have captured modern imaginations. Yet with these elite warriors who were bound by a code of honor called Bushido--the Way of the Warrior--the reality behind the myth proves more fascinating than any fiction. In \u003cem\u003eSamurai\u003c\/em\u003e, 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. Man's thrilling narrative brings to life the hidden world of the samurai as never before.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eFront Jacket\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe inspiration for the Jedi knights of \u003cem\u003eStar Wars\u003c\/em\u003e and the films of Akira Kurosawa, the legendary Japanese samurai have captured modern imaginations. Yet with these elite warriors who were bound by a code of honor called Bushido--the Way of the Warrior--the reality behind the myth proves more fascinating than any fiction. In \u003cem\u003eSamurai\u003c\/em\u003e, 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. Man's thrilling narrative brings to life the hidden world of the samurai as never before.\u003c\/p\u003e--The Daily Express\u003ch3\u003eBack Jacket\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe inspiration for the Jedi knights of \u003cem\u003eStar Wars\u003c\/em\u003e and the films of Akira Kurosawa, the legendary Japanese samurai have captured modern imaginations. Yet with these elite warriors who were bound by a code of honor called Bushido--the Way of the Warrior--the reality behind the myth proves more fascinating than any fiction. In \u003cem\u003eSamurai\u003c\/em\u003e, 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. Man's thrilling narrative brings to life the hidden world of the samurai as never before.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"BooksCloud","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51365578866911,"sku":"9780062202673","price":19.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0813\/8958\/4607\/files\/xKexvO6r0_9780062202673.webp?v=1789066489"},{"product_id":"terra-cotta-army-chinas-first-emperor-and-the-birth-of-a-nation-paperback","title":"Terra Cotta Army: China's First Emperor and the Birth of a Nation - Paperback","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe Terra Cotta Army is one of the greatest archaeological discoveries ever made. Over seven thousand life-size figures of warriors and horses were interred in the mausoleum of the first emperor of China--and each figure was individually carved.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"BooksCloud","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51365893341407,"sku":"9780306818400","price":19.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0813\/8958\/4607\/files\/njcwZc_Jua9780306818400.webp?v=1789073622"},{"product_id":"saladin-the-sultan-who-vanquished-the-crusaders-and-built-an-islamic-empire-paperback","title":"Saladin: The Sultan Who Vanquished the Crusaders and Built an Islamic Empire - Paperback","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eIn this authoritative biography, historian John Man brings Saladin and his world to life with vivid detail in \"a rollicking good story\" (Justin Marozzi).\u003c\/b\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e Saladin remains one of the most iconic figures of his age. As the man who united the Arabs and saved Islam from Christian crusaders in the twelfth century, he is the Islamic world's preeminent hero. A ruthless defender of his faith and brilliant leader, he also possessed qualities that won admiration from his Christian foes. \u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e But Saladin is far more than a historical hero. Builder, literary patron, and theologian, he is a man for all times, and a symbol of hope for an Arab world once again divided. Centuries after his death, in cities from Damascus to Cairo and beyond, to the Arabian Peninsula and the Gulf, Saladin continues to be an immensely potent symbol of religious and military resistance to the West. He is central to Arab memories, sensibilities, and the ideal of a unified Islamic state. \u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e John Man charts Saladin's rise to power, his struggle to unify the warring factions of his faith, and his battles to retake Jerusalem and expel Christian influence from Arab lands. \u003ci\u003eSaladin\u003c\/i\u003e explores the life and enduring legacy of this champion of Islam while examining his significance for the world today.\u003cbr\u003e","brand":"BooksCloud","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51365898879199,"sku":"9780306825422","price":19.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0813\/8958\/4607\/files\/TxV-nUbWzw9780306825422.webp?v=1789073663"},{"product_id":"genghis-khan-life-death-and-resurrection-paperback","title":"Genghis Khan: Life, Death, and Resurrection - Paperback","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eGenghis Khan is one of history's immortals, alive in memory as a scourge, hero, military genius and demi-god. To Muslims, Russians and westerners, he is a murderer of millions, a brutal oppressor. Yet in his homeland of Mongolia he is the revered father of the nation, and the Chinese honor him as the founder of a dynasty. In his so-called Mausoleum in Inner Mongolia, worshippers seek the blessing of his spirit. In a supreme paradox, the world's most ruthless conqueror has become a force for peace and reconciliation. \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003eAs a teenager, Genghis was a fugitive, hiding from enemies on a remote mountainside. Yet he went on to found the world's greatest land empire and change the course of world history. Brilliant and original as well as ruthless, he ruled an empire twice the size of Rome's until his death in 1227 placed all at risk. To secure his conquests and then extend them, his heirs kept his death a secret, and secrecy has surrounded him ever since. His undiscovered grave, with its imagined treasures, remains the subject of intrigue and speculation. \u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003eThis is more than just a gripping account of Genghis' rise and conquests. John Man uses first-hand experiences in China and Mongolia to reveal the khan's enduring influence. He has traveled the length of the empire. He spotlights the tension between Mongols and Chinese, who both claim Genghis' spirit. He is the first writer to explore the hidden valley where Genghis is believed to have died, and one of the few westerners to climb the mountain where he was likely buried. \u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003eThis stunning narrative paints a vivid picture of the man himself, the places where he lived and fought, and the passions that surround him still. For in legend, ritual and intense controversy, Genghis lives on.","brand":"BooksCloud","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51365902287071,"sku":"9780312366247","price":27.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0813\/8958\/4607\/files\/44u9l5CWBh9780312366247.webp?v=1789073696"},{"product_id":"attila-the-barbarian-king-who-challenged-rome-paperback","title":"Attila: The Barbarian King Who Challenged Rome - Paperback","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eA stunning biography of history's most infamous warlord, Attila the Hun\u003c\/b\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003eFor a crucial twenty years in the early fifth century, Attila held the fate of the Roman Empire and the future of all Europe in his hands. He created the greatest of barbarian forces, and his empire briefly rivaled Rome's. In numerous raids and three major campaigns against the Roman Empire, he earned himself an instant and undying reputation for savagery. But there was more to him than mere barbarism. Attila was capricious, arrogant, brutal, and brilliant enough to win the loyalty of millions. In the end, his ambitions ran away with him. He did not live long enough to found a lasting empire--but long enough to jolt Rome toward its final fall.\u003cbr\u003eIn this riveting biography, masterful storyteller John Man draws on his extensive travels through Attila's heartland and his experience with the nomadic traditions of Central Asia to reveal the man behind the myth.","brand":"BooksCloud","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51365903106271,"sku":"9780312539399","price":21.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0813\/8958\/4607\/files\/585YQLxLTZ9780312539399.webp?v=1789073707"},{"product_id":"marco-polo-the-journey-that-changed-the-world-paperback","title":"Marco Polo: The Journey That Changed the World - Paperback","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\"I have read everything written on Marco Polo, and John Man's book is, by far, my favorite work on the subject. It's not only an over-due and important historical study, it's an entertaining ride every step of the way.\" -- John Fusco, Creator of the Netflix original series Marco Polo\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe true history behind the Netflix original series Marco Polo, here is the remarkable story of the world's most famous traveler, retracing his legendary journey from Venice to China, the moment East first met West.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eIn 1271, a young Italian merchant named Marco Polo embarked on a groundbreaking expedition from Venice, through the Middle East and Central Asia to China. His extraordinary reports of his experiences introduced medieval Europe to an exotic new world of emperors and concubines, amazing cities, huge armies, unusual spices and cuisine, and imperial riches. Marco Polo also revealed the wonders of Xanadu, the summer capital of Mongol emperor Kublai Khan.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eAlmost 750 years later, acclaimed author John Man traveled in Marco Polo's footsteps to Xanadu then on to Beijing and through modern China in search of the history behind the legend. In this enthralling chronicle, Man draws on his own journey, new archaeological findings, and deep archival study to paint a vivid picture of Marco Polo and the great court of Kublai Khan.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis definitive Marco Polo biography separates fact from fiction to reveal: \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cb\u003eA Legendary Journey Retraced: \u003c\/b\u003e Follow author John Man in the footsteps of the world's most famous traveler, from the canals of Venice to the pleasure domes of Xanadu, using modern archaeology to uncover the truth.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cb\u003eThe Court of Kublai Khan: \u003c\/b\u003e Step inside the opulent world of the great Mongol emperor, a realm of staggering wealth, immense armies, and imperial power that astonished medieval Europe.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cb\u003eSeparating Fact from Fiction: \u003c\/b\u003e Go beyond the Netflix series and the popular myths. Man's deep archival study reveals the real story of the man, the mission, and the marvels he witnessed.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cb\u003eEast Meets West: \u003c\/b\u003e Discover the groundbreaking expedition that opened Central Asia and China to the West and forever changed the map of the known world.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003ch3\u003eFront Jacket\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eI have read everything written on Marco Polo, and John Man's book is, by far, my favorite work on the subject. It's not only an over-due and important historical study, it's an entertaining ride every step of the way. -- John Fusco, Creator of the Netflix original series \u003cem\u003eMarco Polo\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe true history behind the Netflix original series \u003cem\u003eMarco Polo\u003c\/em\u003e, here is the remarkable story of the world's most famous traveler, retracing his legendary journey from Venice to China, the moment East first met West.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eIn 1271, a young Italian merchant named Marco Polo embarked on a groundbreaking expedition from Venice, through the Middle East and Central Asia to China. His extraordinary reports of his experiences introduced medieval Europe to an exotic new world of emperors and concubines, amazing cities, huge armies, unusual spices and cuisine, and imperial riches. Marco Polo also revealed the wonders of Xanadu, the summer capital of Mongol emperor Kublai Khan.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eAlmost 750 years later, acclaimed author John Man traveled in Marco Polo's footsteps to Xanadu then on to Beijing and through modern China in search of the history behind the legend. In this enthralling chronicle, Man draws on his own journey, new archaeological findings, and deep archival study to paint a vivid picture of Marco Polo and the great court of Kublai Khan.\u003c\/p\u003e--Sunday Telegraph\u003ch3\u003eBack Jacket\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\"I have read everything written on Marco Polo, and John Man's book is, by far, my favorite work on the subject. It's not only an over-due and important historical study, it's an entertaining ride every step of the way.\" -- John Fusco, Creator of the Netflix original series \u003cem\u003eMarco Polo\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe true history behind the Netflix original series \u003cem\u003eMarco Polo\u003c\/em\u003e, here is the remarkable story of the world's most famous traveler, retracing his legendary journey from Venice to China, the moment East first met West.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eIn 1271, a young Italian merchant named Marco Polo embarked on a groundbreaking expedition from Venice, through the Middle East and Central Asia to China. His extraordinary reports of his experiences introduced medieval Europe to an exotic new world of emperors and concubines, amazing cities, huge armies, unusual spices and cuisine, and imperial riches. Marco Polo also revealed the wonders of Xanadu, the summer capital of Mongol emperor Kublai Khan.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eAlmost 750 years later, acclaimed author John Man traveled in Marco Polo's footsteps to Xanadu then on to Beijing and through modern China in search of the history behind the legend. In this enthralling chronicle, Man draws on his own journey, new archaeological findings, and deep archival study to paint a vivid picture of Marco Polo and the great court of Kublai Khan.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"BooksCloud","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51369693380831,"sku":"9780062375070","price":18.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0813\/8958\/4607\/files\/zhJp_pkFvk9780062375070.webp?v=1789144317"}],"url":"https:\/\/blackandbarhe.com\/collections\/john-man.oembed","provider":"Black \u0026 Barhe Bookstore","version":"1.0","type":"link"}