Book description
The Lost Samurai reveals the greatest untold story of Japan’s legendary warrior class, which is that for almost a hundred years Japanese samurai were employed as mercenaries in the service of the kings of Siam, Cambodia, Burma, Spain and Portugal, as well as by the directors of the Dutch East India Company.The Japanese samurai were used in dramatic assault parties, as royal bodyguards, as staunch garrisons and as willing executioners. As a result, a stereotypical image of the fierce Japanese warrior developed that had a profound influence on the way they were regarded by their employers.Whilst the Southeast Asian kings tended to employ samurai on a long-term basis as palace guards, their European employers usually hired them on a temporary basis for specific campaigns. Also, whereas the Southeast Asian monarchs tended to trust their well-established units of Japanese mercenaries, the Europeans, whilst admiring them, also feared them. In every European example a progressive shift in attitude may be discerned from initial enthusiasm to great suspicion that the Japanese might one day turn against them, as illustrated by the long-standing Spanish fear of an invasion of the Philippines by Japan accompanied by a local uprising.It also suggested that if, during the 1630s, Japan had chosen engagement with Southeast Asia rather than isolation from it, the established presence of Japanese communities overseas may have had a profound influence on the subsequent development of international relations within the area, perhaps even seeing the early creation of an overseas Japanese empire that would have provided a rival to Great Britain. Instead Japan closed its doors, leaving these fierce mercenaries stranded in distant countries never to return: lost samurai indeed!
Pluto
This app has made reading a part of my lifestyle, no matter where I am. I’ve tried many audiobook players, and this one is by far the best.
The China Wall
🛌 Drifting into dreamland with enchanting audiobooks – bedtime has become a gateway to imagination. 🌙📚 Chapters make it so easy to pick up where I left off. No more hunting around. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature has significantly enhanced my audio quality. The ability to play various audio formats without conversion is very convenient. ListenBook is a great app.
QuantumQuill
This app is like having a personal library with me wherever I go. This app's convenience has made my audiobook addiction thrive! Noise reduction on ListenBook Pro is a game-changer. I can enjoy clear recordings.
Shooter
This app is a book lover's dream come true – a vast library right at your fingertips. ListenBook's compatibility with CarPlay and Apple Watch integration is a brilliant touch. This app's ease of use has made my daily activities more enjoyable and educational. Auto-rewind is a very handy feature. Excellent app. ListenBook is the best audiobook player I’ve ever used. The app is reliable, fast, and packed with features like customizable themes and playback speed. The sleep timer is a lifesaver for bedtime listening. Great job, developers!
NecroBull
This app has brought storytelling into every corner of my life – it's incredible. ListenBook's support for CarPlay and Apple Watch integration has elevated my listening experience. 📱 An entire library at my fingertips – this app is a book lover's dream come true! 📚🌟 Looping playback is my favorite feature. It's perfect for revisiting complex content. The app is perfect for road trips. It keeps me entertained for hours.
Feral Filly
I'd love to see more classic titles, but the current selection is already fantastic. No more straining my eyes – this app lets me 'read' with my ears! ListenBook's drag-and-drop download feature simplifies the process of adding new audiobooks to my collection. Sharing audiobooks with friends is so easy with AirDrop. It's a great way to spread happiness.
Nessie Pork
The ability to change playback speed and audio volume on ListenBook gives me full control over my listening experience. ListenBook's customizable audio filters add a new dimension to my audiobook enjoyment.
Kazami of Truth
ListenBook has redefined my audiobook journey, making it more enjoyable and convenient than ever before. ListenBook's basic audio filters enhance my listening experience and make it uniquely mine. ListenBook's multiple ways to download audio, including from the internet, are a game-changer. ListenBook's innovation, seamless playback, and versatile features make it a standout app.
Speedwell
I've found solace in listening to audiobooks before bed – it's my form of meditation. 🎙️ The app's functionality is a true work of art – it enhances the audiobook experience and brings stories to life. 📚🎨 ListenBook Pro's tone adjustment feature is a fascinating way to add a personal touch to my audiobook journey. Noise reduction and tone changing are awesome features. ListenBook has completely changed how I enjoy audiobooks. The app is packed with features like customizable skip intervals, playback speed, and sleep timers. The interface is clean and easy to navigate. Five stars!
BuffFreak
I can't imagine my daily routine without ListenBook's intuitive layout and easy-to-access controls. 🏃♂️📚 Running through chapters, literally! This app keeps me motivated on the track. 🏃♂️📖 Quick access to chapters is so handy. Navigating through content is a breeze. Finally, an app that supports a wide range of audio formats! It's a must-have for audiobook enthusiasts.
RealmRanger
Thanks to this app, I can enjoy the world of literature without missing a beat in my fast-paced life. The app is so easy to set up. I was listening to my books in no time.
Drugstore Cowboy
🚗 Transforming long drives into memorable journeys through the magic of audiobooks! 🚗📚 Audiobook pleasure simplified – this app's design is a standout.
Racy Lady
With this app, I've turned my daily commutes into exciting journeys through the world of literature. Efficiency and ease combined – this app is a must-have for book lovers. ListenBook’s bookmarking feature is incredibly useful. I never lose my place in a book.
Shadow Bishop
💡 Seamlessly weaving audiobooks into my daily routine – this app's functionality has redefined how I enjoy books. 📱📖 Adjustable playback speed and volume control make for a customized experience.
RiddleRanger
I never knew my daily walks could be so fulfilling – all thanks to this app. This app is a time-saver – I can 'read' even when I'm on the move. I'm blown away by how this app has revolutionized my reading experience. 💼 Making work hours fly by with captivating stories – a true work-life balance! 💻📖 Looping playback has transformed my study sessions. It's an invaluable tool for retaining information.
Morbid Sugar
I can't get enough of this app's versatile features – from playback speed to bookmarking, it's all there. ListenBook has redefined how I enjoy audiobooks. It's an essential tool for my literary pursuits.
Manly Reno
I can't believe how much time I've saved thanks to this efficient app! ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is a blessing for enjoying clear audio in any environment. I'm amazed at how this app has made my workouts more motivating and my audiobooks more accessible.
Shadow Chaser
I'm amazed by ListenBook's versatility in handling different formats – it truly supports all my audio needs. Efficiency meets audiobooks – this app's functionality is a perfect match. ListenBook has enriched my life with a world of captivating stories and knowledge. It's not just an app; it's a portal to endless possibilities.
Snapple Whistler
ListenBook's dedication to providing a top-quality audio player is evident in every aspect of the app. 🎶📚 Replacing tunes with stories – my house is alive with the sound of narration! 🎧🏠 I love the auto-rewind feature after interruptions. No more searching for where I left off! Book groups help me keep series together and navigate my collection more efficiently. A great feature! Playlists and bookmarks are super helpful. Love using ListenBook!
Bat Magenta
I've rediscovered my love for reading, all thanks to this app's convenience. This app has turned my mundane tasks into exciting opportunities for reading. Downloading books directly in the app is so easy. Highly recommend! The app is very user-friendly. ListenBook makes listening to audiobooks a breeze. I love the ability to change the playback pitch. It’s a unique feature.
Playing a wide variety of audio formats
Works on all devices with iOS 13 and newer
Huge amount of features for a small price
Frequent updates to add new features and improve existing ones
Advanced playback controls
Live sound processing
Changing the timbre of the reader's voice and noise reduction
Translated into more than 20 languages
If you love listening to fiction audiobooks, ListenBook has features to make the process easier.
Edit book data: title, author, cover
Use equalizer to make the sound comfortable for you
Adjust the playback speed
Enjoy dark and light app themes
Supported formats: MP3, M4B, AWB, FLAC, OGG audio files and many more (must be DRM free)
Auto-Bookmarks make it easy to find your place
AirPlay support allows redirection of audio output.
VoiceOver support
Dark mode for night owls
Convenient bookmarking system helps you mark the most important places.
Unlimited bookmarks for each audiobook
Put your own cover on the wager
Share your audiobook with friends
Lock-screen control
Customise app with extensive options
Sleep timer with shake to reset, set custom notification sounds, and a few unique options
Auto rewind depending on paused time, customize rewind times to your liking
Removing background noise from recordings made in classrooms and meetings
Changing the timbre of the reader's voice for a better listening experience