For most of its history, Japan has been somewhat isolationist. However, in the late 16th century, the dictator, Toyotomi Hideyoshi, launched an invasion of Korea with his samurai warriors. This was a unique event in history for samurais were, until then, used only as personal armies for the waging of internal Japanese warfare.

Of course, there is a bit more to it than that. The real reason for the invasion was that the Koreans refused to allow Hideyoshi's troops to cross their territory in order to attach the Ming Chinese. With a mass of 150,000 troops, two of the dictators best generals landed at two ports in southern Korea and began the onslaught, driving the Koreans into Manchuria.

However, it was at sea that the Koreans had their greatest strength. The assault on Japanese supply lines along with the attack by Chinese forces then drove the Japanese south. There then followed a truce and a few years later, the Japanese again tried to push north. This time the Koreans and Chinese were ready for them and again pushed them south. With the death of Hideyoshi, enthusiasm for the war abruptly waned and the Japanese forces then withdrew from the peninsula.

Author Stephen Turnbull has written a number of books for Osprey and this is one of his better works. He tells the story of the the personalities involved, the opposing armies and the planning involved on both sides. Then the book goes into the various phases of the conflict: the Invasion itself, the war at sea, the Korean guerrilla actions and the intervention of Chinese forces to liberate the Koreans. The second invasion is also covered in detail, followed by the results of these actions on history. As with all of Osprey's Campaign series, there is a look at the various battlefields as they are today.

The book is further enhanced by a superb selection of period artwork, relics of the time and images of what the areas are like today. This includes the outstanding artwork and maps of illustrator Peter Dennis.  Like all Osprey titles, it is highly recommended and one that you will find as fascinating a read as did I. 

August 2008

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