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Shogun is set in seventeenth century Japan. It tells the story of a Japanese feudal war and a clash of cultures through the perspective of a European, John Blackthorne. Summary Of The Book In the seventeenth century, Japan is still a feudal society, ruled by the code of the Samurai warriors. It is also a time when European colonial powers were starting to gain foothold in Asian countries. In Japan, the European influence is led by the Portuguese and their Jesuit Priests. The Japanese resent their presence as a potential threat to their traditional way of life. In this scenario, John Blackthorne, an Englishman, is shipwrecked near the Japanese coast. He is taken prisoner by one of the feudal lords, Kasigi Yabu, who tries to use Blackthorne to learn about Europeans and their ways, and to use the knowledge to his advantage. But his plans are disrupted when Toranaga hears of Blackthorne and captures him from Yabu. Toranaga is the leader of the council of regents appointed to govern the country till the minor heir to the throne comes of age. However, Toranaga, who has never been defeated in a battle, is feared by the other leaders, and another member of the council of regents, Ishido, is his sworn enemy. Toranaga decides to use Blackthorne and his special knowledge to gain an advantage over Ishido. Gradually, Blackthorne manages to gain the confidence and respect of Toranaga. In turn, Blackthorne is drawn towards the Japanese people and their culture and begins to acquire a liking and admiration for Toranaga. He also falls in love with a lovely Japanese woman, Lady Mariko. As Blackthorne develops a close relationship with Toranaga, he is also drawn into the ongoing feud in Japan. He becomes a Samurai, a trusted advisor and warrior in the country which he first found to be so alien and incomprehensible. Shogun details the fate of Blackthorne and the Toranaga. About James Clavell James Clavell was an Australian-born writer and director. His other books include King Rat, Noble House, Gai-Jin, The Children's Story, and Thrump-O-Moto. James Clavell was born in 1924 to a British Naval Officer stationed in Australia. He enlisted during the Second World War, and was eventually captured by the Japanese and was held as a prisoner-of-war. In the 1950s. Clavell emigrated to the US, becoming a screenwriter. He wrote the screenplays for famous movies like The Great Escape, To Sir, With Love and The Satan Bug.