Structure

Pamela S. Turner divides her book Samurai Rising into 14 consecutive, linear, and chronological chapters preceded by an Introduction and succeeded by an Epilogue. The Introduction gives readers a brief taste of Yoshitsune, explaining he was a model samurai, and was part of a revolution in Japan regarding not only the samurai, but Japanese life itself. The following 14 chapters recount his life, from infancy and childhood through his teenage years. They include chapters on his training to be a samurai, and his involvement in the civil war that ultimately led him to great fame, and caused his family to turn on him. The book also recounts not only his death, but legends and stories about Yoshitsune as well. The Epilogue of the book deals with the aftermath of Yoshitsune’s death, what became of surviving principal individuals like Yoritomo, and what happened to the Minamoto following Yoritomo’s...