Michael Cunningham

Last read this book over 40 years ago, thankfully before the TV mini series came out. I was already a student of the martial arts, and had visited Japan thanks to my job (Merchant Navy), but this book started a love affair, and keen interest, in all things Japanese. Although the book is loosely based on real events and characters, it's laced with inaccuracies, both cultural and historical. However, if you can put that to one side, it's a rip roaring novel that delivers on many levels. I've just finished it for the second time, and after all this time I'd forgotten just how good it is. I'll be reading it again soon to get my head around all the intrigue and subplots.