The mini series and book changed my life when I was teenager. Studied Japanese history and then lived in Japan and China for a long time. Every trip to Japan is inspiring. Thanks for reviewing this gem! (You can read about the real pilot, William Adams, too)
Dear Brian, I have all three of your novels of The FIve Warrior Angel Trilogy. I'm 100 pages into The Forgetting Moon, and I'm loving it! I love the worldbuilding and the lore, and though there are lots of characters, the writing style is easy to understand, but also very descriptive. This may go down as my favorite series ever! This Trilogy is a love letter to all fantasy novels, while at the same time trying to bring something fresh to the table
Shogun is one of the greatest novels I’ve ever read. My dad was stationed in Japan for time during the Korean War and was very fond of Japanese culture. He read the book in the 70s and I inherited it and read it then, as well. Read it about 3 times now. Just love it!!
This TV show is the highlight of my day. Thanks for doing these! I grew up with my Mom reading Shogun, and read this series as a kid. Watched the old show as well. Really good stuff!
I just went through the whirlwind story and it was so catching to me because it is a fascinating fish out of water story and you see he slowly learns to swim amongst the fish and doesn't miss home as much. Thank you for speaking to this and not spoiling the journey for anyone who wants to take the journey this is.
Great review! I’m on book 2 and taking my time it’s surprisingly engrossing more so that I initially thought it would. It’s really good at hitting home the cultural exchange that is taking place and how different and alien life was back in the 1600’s compared to the modern day.
I'm 47 and I've been reading books since I was a kid and I've never read this I picked it up about a week ago right before the series began such an amazing piece of historical fiction and as a fantasy lover it has everything that we would love battles, violence, great characters, Japanese lore, betrayal,assassins and did I say battle LOL great review keep up the good work when are we going to get a new book from you
I've read Shogun, but the Clavell novel that really struck me was Noble House, set in 1963 Hong Kong. The miniseries, I'm afraid, is worthless, but when I bought the book, I did nothing but eat, sleep, work, and read.
I've noticed that in the past many authors may have written about a certain topic or have books with similar names. So maybe that's why he calls it James Clavell's Shogun, to differentiate between other books called Shogun. Mutiny on the Bounty is a prime example of this. There are many books about the "Mutiny on the Bounty" by different authors. It gets confusing as to which one is the classic novel.
I came hear cause the FX Shōgun show came out (I haven’t watched it yet), I heard that the show is similar to Game of Thrones so that got me more excited for the show, but then I found out that it’s a miniseries which is fine, but I thought this show had potential to be a pretty big long running series, I mean it probably could if it is a huge success which from what I hear about the first 2 episodes it seems like it’s doing really good, if it does become a crazy big hit it could get HBO’s The White Lotus treatment were how that show was originally just supposed to be a miniseries but it become such a big hit that they turned it into a full series but as an anthology series, but in this case they’ll just continue the story of the first season if it ends in a way that has room for more seasons or they can just adapt the other books and make it an anthology series
Read it in my early teens and never really found anything quite like it, it´s like a X4 Strategy game that mated with Samurai epoch Japan and a romance, read it. The new REE-make will be pozzed, how many times have we seen them do the old bait-and-switch with a REE-make of an old classic. "Every record has been destroyed or falsified, every book rewritten, every picture has been repainted, every statue and street building has been renamed, every date has been altered. And the process is continuing day by day and minute by minute. History has stopped. Nothing exists except an endless present in which the Party is always right" - George Orwell 1984. Part 2, Chapter 5.
Hey I have a question. I recently bought an old copy of shogun from a book sale, is the first chapter supposed to be 35? I'm not sure it's like a part 2 copy. Thank you
My only question is are all 6 books direct sequels to each other or is it like an anthology series taking place in a different generations/years with slight connections to other books in the Asia Saga? UPDATE: Never mind after seeing 1:23, I’m assuming it’s basically that it’s an anthology series with slight connections with other books in the series, is that correct?
I really like that version as well. I think they used to sell it everywhere books are sild, but they rolled it back in favour of a tue in cover with the new series, which sucks. As far as i can tell you can only get it second hand now.
I noticed he wrote 6 novles revolving around Japan. Is there an order you should read them in, or are they all depicting different times and stories? I'm looking to purchase 1 for a friend's birthday.
They're all self-standing books, and can be read in any order you wish. They're not even always taking olace in Japan. Some are set in Iran, Hong Kong etc. There is a suggested order which is: Shōgub, Tai-Pan, Gai-Jin, King Rat, Noble House and Whirlwind, but this is only about what year the books take place in. Story-wise you can go in any order.
The first half of Shogun was great. Then there were hundreds of pages building up to a battle than never occurred. It was summarized in one paragraph. I made that book fly like a rocket to hell.
the book is good. but i just can't believe the japanese characters blindly cowtow to what they believe to be a divine emperor. nonsense in my opinion. so i take their actions to be less noble
I came hear cause the FX Shōgun show came out (I haven’t watched it yet), I heard that the show is similar to Game of Thrones so that got me more excited for the show, but then I found out that it’s a miniseries which is fine, but I thought this show had potential to be a pretty big long running series, I mean it probably could if it is a huge success which from what I hear about the first 2 episodes it seems like it’s doing really good, if it does become a crazy bug hit it could get HBO’s The White Lotus treatment where how that show was originally just supposed to be a miniseries but it become such a big hit that they turned it into a full series but as an anthology series, but in this case they’ll just continue the story of the first season if it ends in a way that has room for more seasons or they can just adapt the other books and make it an anthology series
The mini series and book changed my life when I was teenager. Studied Japanese history and then lived in Japan and China for a long time. Every trip to Japan is inspiring. Thanks for reviewing this gem! (You can read about the real pilot, William Adams, too)
I'm starting it in January!
Me too. Might start it a little early though. Maybe late December.
In my top 3 favorite novels. Lonesome Dove is favorite, then Shogun, then Pillars of the Earth. I sometimes switch Shogun and Pillars in the 2/3 slot.
Dear Brian, I have all three of your novels of The FIve Warrior Angel Trilogy. I'm 100 pages into The Forgetting Moon, and I'm loving it! I love the worldbuilding and the lore, and though there are lots of characters, the writing style is easy to understand, but also very descriptive. This may go down as my favorite series ever! This Trilogy is a love letter to all fantasy novels, while at the same time trying to bring something fresh to the table
Thanks
The series on FX was a masterpiece so far! Definitely a must watch!
Shogun, Blue Eye Samurai, Tokyo Vice, Lone Wolf and Cub and Ghost of Tsushima are all ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
@@enterthebruce91 That 's a murders row of excellent fiction about/from Japan
Shogun is one of the greatest novels I’ve ever read. My dad was stationed in Japan for time during the Korean War and was very fond of Japanese culture. He read the book in the 70s and I inherited it and read it then, as well. Read it about 3 times now. Just love it!!
This TV show is the highlight of my day. Thanks for doing these! I grew up with my Mom reading Shogun, and read this series as a kid. Watched the old show as well. Really good stuff!
I just went through the whirlwind story and it was so catching to me because it is a fascinating fish out of water story and you see he slowly learns to swim amongst the fish and doesn't miss home as much. Thank you for speaking to this and not spoiling the journey for anyone who wants to take the journey this is.
I love all of Clavell's books, but Tai-Pan is my favorite.
Great review! I’m on book 2 and taking my time it’s surprisingly engrossing more so that I initially thought it would. It’s really good at hitting home the cultural exchange that is taking place and how different and alien life was back in the 1600’s compared to the modern day.
I'm 47 and I've been reading books since I was a kid and I've never read this I picked it up about a week ago right before the series began such an amazing piece of historical fiction and as a fantasy lover it has everything that we would love battles, violence, great characters, Japanese lore, betrayal,assassins and did I say battle LOL great review keep up the good work when are we going to get a new book from you
One of my favorite books. Thanks for the review! I read Tai-Pan last year and will be reading Gai-Jin early next year.
I've read Shogun, but the Clavell novel that really struck me was Noble House, set in 1963 Hong Kong. The miniseries, I'm afraid, is worthless, but when I bought the book, I did nothing but eat, sleep, work, and read.
I liked the miniseries
@@B.LEE.DbrianleedurfeeREVIEWS It had style, I'll give it that.
Fantastic book. Liked Tai-Pan and Noble House too. His first book, King Rat was semi-autobiographical and a great book. Well worth a read.
I've noticed that in the past many authors may have written about a certain topic or have books with similar names. So maybe that's why he calls it James Clavell's Shogun, to differentiate between other books called Shogun. Mutiny on the Bounty is a prime example of this. There are many books about the "Mutiny on the Bounty" by different authors. It gets confusing as to which one is the classic novel.
I love this book. It made me interested in learning languages.
I came hear cause the FX Shōgun show came out (I haven’t watched it yet), I heard that the show is similar to Game of Thrones so that got me more excited for the show, but then I found out that it’s a miniseries which is fine, but I thought this show had potential to be a pretty big long running series, I mean it probably could if it is a huge success which from what I hear about the first 2 episodes it seems like it’s doing really good, if it does become a crazy big hit it could get HBO’s The White Lotus treatment were how that show was originally just supposed to be a miniseries but it become such a big hit that they turned it into a full series but as an anthology series, but in this case they’ll just continue the story of the first season if it ends in a way that has room for more seasons or they can just adapt the other books and make it an anthology series
Really looking forward to reading this next 👍
I’ll definitely read it now!
Read it in my early teens and never really found anything quite like it, it´s like a X4 Strategy game that mated with Samurai epoch Japan and a romance, read it.
The new REE-make will be pozzed, how many times have we seen them do the old bait-and-switch with a REE-make of an old classic.
"Every record has been destroyed or falsified, every book rewritten, every picture has been repainted, every statue and street building has been renamed, every date has been altered. And the process is continuing day by day and minute by minute. History has stopped. Nothing exists except an endless present in which the Party is always right"
- George Orwell
1984. Part 2, Chapter 5.
Great review as always
The new show is on Fx starting in January.
Hey I have a question. I recently bought an old copy of shogun from a book sale, is the first chapter supposed to be 35? I'm not sure it's like a part 2 copy. Thank you
My only question is are all 6 books direct sequels to each other or is it like an anthology series taking place in a different generations/years with slight connections to other books in the Asia Saga?
UPDATE: Never mind after seeing 1:23, I’m assuming it’s basically that it’s an anthology series with slight connections with other books in the series, is that correct?
Yes
Just started the novel a few days ago. So far so good.
Where did you buy that black hardback version?
I really like that version as well. I think they used to sell it everywhere books are sild, but they rolled it back in favour of a tue in cover with the new series, which sucks.
As far as i can tell you can only get it second hand now.
Hmm, I can't stream Shogun anywhere. That's not right.
yeah, i heard about the series reboot and put the book on my TBR
Anyone selling their hardcover copy?
I noticed he wrote 6 novles revolving around Japan. Is there an order you should read them in, or are they all depicting different times and stories? I'm looking to purchase 1 for a friend's birthday.
They're all self-standing books, and can be read in any order you wish. They're not even always taking olace in Japan. Some are set in Iran, Hong Kong etc.
There is a suggested order which is: Shōgub, Tai-Pan, Gai-Jin, King Rat, Noble House and Whirlwind, but this is only about what year the books take place in. Story-wise you can go in any order.
This was on Amazon 4 bucks for new for me somehow
Me too same here. I got the hardcover one with the Hulu sticker which I’m not really a fan of but when I seen it was only $4 I couldn’t complain.
Who makes that hardcover collectors edition
Hmmm I thought Durfee had a bigger sword….
where can i get the collectors edition cant find it anywhere
I wonder if the 80s tv series is anything like the book. I love this old tv series...
12:55 Isn't that a song by A Flock of Seagulls?
The first half of Shogun was great. Then there were hundreds of pages building up to a battle than never occurred. It was summarized in one paragraph. I made that book fly like a rocket to hell.
No. I'm reading the hardcover. Not for show. :)
Shogoon, shogaan, shogun, shogun…
You're pronouncing Shogun wrong. Sho-goon is how its pronounced in japanese
the book is good. but i just can't believe the japanese characters blindly cowtow to what they believe to be a divine emperor. nonsense in my opinion. so i take their actions to be less noble
I came hear cause the FX Shōgun show came out (I haven’t watched it yet), I heard that the show is similar to Game of Thrones so that got me more excited for the show, but then I found out that it’s a miniseries which is fine, but I thought this show had potential to be a pretty big long running series, I mean it probably could if it is a huge success which from what I hear about the first 2 episodes it seems like it’s doing really good, if it does become a crazy bug hit it could get HBO’s The White Lotus treatment where how that show was originally just supposed to be a miniseries but it become such a big hit that they turned it into a full series but as an anthology series, but in this case they’ll just continue the story of the first season if it ends in a way that has room for more seasons or they can just adapt the other books and make it an anthology series