I didn’t believe that he was writing history, so that part is silly, but I’m sure there are lots of readers who will ignore or skip the disclaimer. More to the point, Bradford’s own website suggests that this would be a good book for teaching about Japanese history and culture, and includes suggestions and lesson plans for educators which do not, in any way problematize the idea of using the book as a source. Therefore I believe it a valid and even important exercise to point out the degree to which this is a bad idea.

The story of swordmaster Miyamoto Musashi is immensely interesting in its own right, as is the story of William Adams, and both of them have been dramatized before (Musashi and Shogun being the best known versions). There’s nothing wrong with that, but more popular fictionalizations often create incorrect impressions in amateur readers which then become mythologies which historians need to address.

I find it hard to believe, finally, that the martial arts need any assistance to become ubiquitous in the United States. They are already widely practiced, taught, included in popular culture to a degree which actually begs for proper research. They also have a self-contained mythology of their own development and history which is rather at odds with the history as we’ve documented it. And Bushido has a history as well, which bears little resemblance to it’s self-presentation or the presentation Bradford makes.

You’ve analysed Young Samurai like it’s some academic historical textbook and have completely overlooked the fact that it is a fictional story to be read for enjoyment.

Having read the book myself, it’s clear to me that this is an action-adventure based on history, not ruled by it. The author, Mr Bradford, even states at the start of the book: “Young Samurai is a work of fiction, and while based on real historical figures, events and locations, the book does not profess to be accurate in this regard. Young Samurai is more an echo of the times than a reenaction of history.” So he’s obviously aware of the creative changes he’s made.

Yes, the book has its similarities to Harry Potter, but in good ways – it’s well written, engaging and will probably do for martial arts what JKR did for wizards – which can only be a good influence on the young people of today.

I think Mr Bradford’s really impressive achievement here is to weave fact and fiction so cleverly that he has readers like yourself believing it is true history. That’s why it is such a great book. You believe in the story and characters! I can’t wait to read The Way of the Sword.

Bob

p.s. To add to Rob MacD’s point about the parallels between Young Samurai, Harry Potter and Star Wars – George Lucas admitted he took his ideas from the samurai movies of Kurosawa. So it appears we’ve gone full circle. Long live the samurai!

Are you sure by “Harry Potter” you didn’t mean Star Wars?