Samurai names changed a couple times, even a few times, over the course of their lives.
Allegiances shifted, families divided. There were conversions and apostasies, adoptions and betrayals. Clans were moved like pawns from one end of Japan to the other.
Place names have changed, capitals have moved, castles and temples have been razed and rebuilt.

This is the first book I've encountered crafted to manage this confusion, and joyously so. Clements does a great job of harnessing the propaganda, gossip, and art of the time to build memorable personality and emotion around people and events. His introduces major historical figures into crowds of players, into crowded and chaotic story lines, and makes them distinct by merrily weaving in popular anecdotes or fictions of their rowdy, cunning, noble, or craven behavior. Even when these names pop up into the text again after decades and scores of other characters and events, they are vividly summoned by way of a quick joke or other reference to these colorful tales.

Clements has a stated interest and focus on the edges of Japan's power and influence through the age of the samurai, so he covers many lesser-known battles and power struggles. The reportage on Japan's various conflicts with Korea is particularly fascinating and enlightening. He also brings fresh light to even the most famous and oft-told narratives, including the attempted Mongol invasions and the Battle of Sekigahara, which he details with cinematic excitement and suspense.

A Brief History of the Samurai sets a good foundation for understanding Japanese history. I read it in parts, while exploring Japan, and it was a delightful companion that broadened my appreciation for the land around me.