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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Marie Phillips
Carnegie, US
★★★★★ 4
Tough Chewer Approved but Not a Forever Toy
Flavor Name: Original, Size: X-Large
I do like this toy for what it is meant to do. It is definitely built for strong chewers and holds up way better than softer toys that get destroyed in minutes. The texture keeps dogs interested and gives them something to really work on, which helps with boredom and can support dental cleaning through chewing. It is one of those “finally something that lasts a bit” kind of toys for heavy chewers. That said, it is not something you just toss in and forget about forever. Like most hard nylon toys, it will wear down over time and should be checked regularly for rough edges or changes in shape. Some dogs will also go through it faster depending on how intense their chewing style is, so replacement will eventually be needed. Girl, this is one of those “it survives the chaos better than most, but you still need to keep an eye on it” situations.
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Reviewed in the United States on May 4, 2026
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Customer Review
Birmingham, US
★★★★★ 5
The Remote Worker's Savior
Flavor Name: Bacon, Size: Medium
If you're like me, trying to balance deadlines and Zoom meetings while your furry co-worker incessantly nudges you for attention, then listen up because I've found the ultimate secret weapon: the Nylabone Chew Dog Toy. Trust me, it's a game-changer that will keep your dog busy and your productivity soaring. Picture this: you're knee-deep in spreadsheets, buried in emails, and your dog is bouncing around like a furry tornado, demanding playtime. Enter the Nylabone Power Chew, the superhero of dog toys that saves the day. Its durability is off the charts, my friends. It can withstand a full day of canine chewing fury, leaving your furniture unscathed and your dog blissfully entertained. But here's where the magic happens. This toy isn't just tough; it's also infused with a bacon flavor that sends your dog's taste buds into a frenzy. It's like having a bacon-scented office right in your home! As your dog sinks their teeth into this baconlicious wonder, their focus shifts from your keyboard to their newfound chewy delight. Suddenly, the tug-of-war with your important documents becomes a distant memory. Now, let's talk about the beauty of this toy's distraction power. With the Nylabone Power Chew in play, your dog becomes engrossed in their chewy mission. They're occupied, happily gnawing away, while you conquer your work tasks like a true champion. It's like having a personal assistant who doesn't interrupt you every five minutes with a squeaky toy demand. But don't be fooled by its functionality; the Nylabone Power Chew brings more than just peace and quiet. It brings laughter and joy to your work-from-home routine. Watching your pup go to town on this bacon-infused wonder is like having a built-in comedy show right in your home office. It's the perfect stress relief during those never-ending conference calls. And let's not forget the Nylabone brand's commitment to quality. This chew toy is built to last, crafted with non-toxic materials that keep your beloved furry friend safe and sound. It's like having a reliable coworker who never lets you down. So, my fellow remote workers, if you're desperate for a productivity boost and a furry coworker who won't pester you all day long, the Nylabone Chew Dog Toy is your secret weapon. It's a dog toy miracle that keeps your pup happily occupied while you conquer the work world. Say goodbye to interruptions and hello to a harmonious work-from-home environment. Trust me, you'll wonder how you ever survived without it!
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Reviewed in the United States on May 25, 2023
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Hot Rod
Boise, US
★★★★★ 5
Clean teeth as well!!
Flavor Name: Bacon & Chicken, Size: Small
If your dog is a chewer or just bored, these bones are amazing. All of my dogs love and have loved Nylabones. I consider them a must to give your dog as an outlet to chew when bored or when in need of stimulation. Replace as necessary. I always have a pack on standby.
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Reviewed in the United States on March 31, 2026
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D. Kitchens
Cuba, US
★★★★★ 3
Not for chewers
Flavor Name: Bacon & Chicken, Size: Small
My dog liked these okay. He was able to chew little pieces off though.
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Reviewed in the United States on March 29, 2026
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KcKerry
Phoenix, US
★★★★★ 5
Great fit
Flavor Name: Peanut Butter, Size: X-Large
My dog has a very powerful jaw. Only a few things that he cannot destroy. We have had the peanut butter flavor that still looks the same that it did a year and a half ago. It is his version of a binky. He may leave it alone for days or weeks but every so often he needs to have his teeth and gums itched. Very few remnants of the bone left around.
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Reviewed in the United States on June 10, 2026

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