Bushido, the Soul of Japan (1900)
Summary
Nitobe explains the samurai moral code to Western readers: rectitude, courage, benevolence, politeness, honour and loyalty.
Why it matters
Written in English in 1899–1900, it shaped the idea of “bushido” still taught in Japanese martial arts today — worth reading knowing it is an idealised view.
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- Project Gutenberg: eBook #12096
- Summary and notes: WABUKAN.