To many people, the word samurai conjures images of menacing masks, long blades and elaborate armor. However, this classic text by Inazo Nitobe reveals the greater depths to samurai culture - they were not simply warriors but an aristocratic class who practiced literary and military arts in equal measure. Essential to this way of life was the samurai's moral code and the quality of , roughly translated as chivalry. provides an intriguing exploration of and other valued qualities such as rectitude or justice, courage, politeness, veracity, honor, loyalty and self-control. It also explores the Samurai's more violent traditions, such as the chilling act of or self-immolation. This mixture of chivalric principles with brutal warfare is fascinating. While many aspects of Samurai culture have disappeared, its principles still have resonance in modern Japanese society and around the globe. Featuring beautiful full-color illustrations, this luxurious gold-embossed hardback makes a perfect gift. The series brings together deluxe gift editions of classic works of literature, complete with stenciled page edges, gold embossed cover designs, full-color illustrations and beautiful patterned endpapers.