47 Ronin: The Classic Tale of Samurai Loyalty, Bravery and Retribution

Japan's most celebrated tale of honor, loyalty, and revenge—and the basis for the 2013 Hollywood feature film, starring Keanu Reeves#8212;47 Ronin is the epic tale of a heroic band of Samurai warriors who defied the Japanese Emperor and avenged the honor of their fallen master. The story begins in 1701 when the noble Lord Asano attacks an official at court in a fit of anger. His punishment is swift and harsh; the Emperor orders Lord Asano to commit ritual suicide (harakiri). His lands are confiscated, his family is exiled, and his Samurai warriors are ordered to disband—becoming Ronin or masterless, wandering renegades.

While appearing to follow the Emperor's command, the 47 Ronin plot in secret for years, biding their time until the moment to strike is right. Like those of the Knights of the Round Table, their deeds became legendary, enduring as an iconic example of courage, cunning and loyalty in an age when the Samurai were genuine heroes, and honor was worth dying for.

John Allyn's vivid retelling, with a foreword by scholar and film advisor, Stephen Turnbull, presents this epic of Japanese literature in its correct historical context.