In Little Need of Divine Intervention: Takezaki Suenaga's Scrolls of the Mongol Invasions of Japan: 113 (Cornell East Asia) Paperback – 31 Mar. 2010

Very interesting and informative narrative, just imagine the Mongols v the Samarai, the two most fierce warriors ever.

This book represents the very first time a complete version of the Mongol Invasion Scrolls was made available in English, together with a translation of the accompanying text and captions. The original picture scroll was commissioned by a warrior who took part in the actual defence of Japan in order to further his claim for rewards. That alone would be enough to make this an invaluable primary source and fine example of contemporary art but the author has gone much further and included translations of a host of other related Japanese documents pertaining to the invasion attempts. Plus a useful commentary explaining the background to the events, maps and a cast of the leading Japanese commanders and their clans. He also makes an argument for his opinion that the samurai could have fought off the Mongols without the aid of a couple of fortuitous typhoons (hence the title) that are sometimes credited with destroying the invasion fleet. This may be controversial to some but makes for interesting reading.Historians will find the primary source material invaluable but others such as wargamers will find the information on the Japanese commanders, clans, banners and "mon" emblems they used of great help especially as they won't find complete information for this period anywhere else (most other English-language books on these aspects seem to dwell on the 16th century "Sengoku" era far too much).One final note - Japanese picture scrolls (in common with their books) run from right to left so that is how the book of necessity is laid out.