A step-by-step guide to becoming and being a samurai. It is 1615, and the Samurai, Japan's elite fighting class, are at the zenith of their powers. Trained in every manner of combat, from sword-fighting and archery to karate and ju-jutsu, the Samurai warrior is the emperor's last line of defence against the barbarians of Japan and beyond. Take up your sword, young Samurai! This handy manual tells you everything you need to know about maintaining the honour of the Samurai class both on and off the battlefield. Learn how to master the 'Way Of The Warrior', whom you should kill, and what to do with their heads afterwards. Discover what the cultured Samurai does between battles, how to storm or lay siege to a castle and how to conduct a tea ceremony with Zen-like composure. With this handy guide you will never be at a loss should you need to command and maintain an army - you will even know how to prepare for entry into the White Jade Pavilion after your death.

Discover, or return to, the world's greatest heroic fantasy artist, Frank Frazetta in this landmark art collection entitled, Fantastic Paintings of Frazetta. The New York Times said, "Frazetta helped define fantasy heroes like Conan, Tarzan and John Carter of Mars with signature images of strikingly fierce, hard-bodied heroes and bosomy, callipygian damsels" Frazetta took the sex and violence of the pulp fiction of his youth and added even more action, fantasy and potency, but rendered with a panache seldom seen outside of major works of Fine Art. Despite his fantastic subject matter, the quality of Frazetta’s work has not only drawn comparisons to the most brilliant of illustrators, Maxfield Parrish, Frederic Remington, Norman Rockwell, N.C. Wyeth but, even to the most brilliant of fine artists including Rembrandt and Michelangelo and, major Frazetta works sell for millions of dollars, breaking numerous records. This innovator’s work has not only inspired generations of artists, but also movies and directors including the Conan films, John Carter of Mars, the sensationally successful Lord of the Rings trilogy, Robert Rodriguez’ films including From Dusk Till Dawn, Ralph Bakshi films, the epic, award-winning Game of Thrones series, Tim Burton’s Sleepy Hollow, Disney’s animated Tarzan films, Francis Ford Coppola’s Apocalypse Now and George Lucas’ Star Wars series. The Forbes magazine article Schwarzenegger's Sargent led with the line, "Which artist helped make Arnold governor? Frank Frazetta, the Rembrandt of barbarians." J. David Spurlock started crafting this book by reviving the original million-selling 1970s mass market art book, Fantastic Art of Frank Frazetta. But, he expanded and revised to include twice as many images and, presents them at a much larger coffee-table book size of 10.5 x 14.625”! The collection is brimming with both classic and previously unpublished works of the subjects Frazetta is best remembered for including barbarians, beasts, and buxom beauties. Game of Thrones creator George R. R. Martin said, “Though he bears only a passing resemblance to the Cimmerian as Robert E. Howard described him, Frazetta’s covers of the Conan paperback collections became the definitive picture of the character… still is.” Schwarzenegger said, “I have not been intimidated that often in my life. But when I looked at Frazetta’s paintings, I tell you, it was intimidating.” Game of Thrones, Conan and Aquaman film star Jason Momoa said, “I am a huge Frank Frazetta fan. Both of my parents are painters, so I'd known Frazetta's paintings, that's what I wanted to bring to life.” See the revolutionary art that helped inspire Schwarzenegger, Momoa, the Lord of the Rings films and Game of Thrones: FRAZETTA!

As one of Entertainment Weekly’s “10 Best Comics of 2021;” BARBARIC – featuring Owen the Barbarian and his bloodthirsty companion Axe – returns in a whirlwind of blood, humor, and mayhem with an evil demigod, vampires, and rampaging monsters with BARBARIC Vol. 2: AXE TO GRIND! Hailed as one of the best comics of 2021 by Entertainment Weekly, Thrillist , Screen Rant , and more, bestselling BARBARIC returns with its second explosive volume: Axe to Grind ! When a foe from Owen's past returns, he embarks on a bloody mission to succeed where he once failed and kill a malevolent demigod. Which suits Axe just fine, considering he hasn't gotten drunk on god blood yet! Meanwhile, Owen's former barbarian comrade, now a timid vampire, gets cold feet about a life of violence. But in the world of BARBARIC, where orcs, giant spiders, and devil bats roam the land, and doing good is full of gore, is there any other way? For fans of BRZRKR!, The Witcher, Conan the Barbarian, Red Sonja, Heathen, Rat Queens, and Dungeons and Dragons! Collects the second three-issue miniseries (Axe to Grind) and the special one-shot standalone (Harvest Blades)! It’s just … BARBARIC! From writer Michael Moreci (Wasted Space, The Plot, and Revealer) and artist Nathan C. Gooden (Brandon Sanderson's Dark One, The RUSH, Vampire: The Masquerade)! Own a whole lot of Owen, Axe, and the BARBARIC universe with: Barbaric Vol. 1: Murderable Offenses (hardcover) Barbaric Vol. 1: Murderable Offenses (trade paperback) Barbaric Vol. 2: Axe to Grind (trade paperback) Barbaric Vol. 3: Hell to Pay (trade paperback) Queen of Swords: A Barbaric Tale (trade paperback) Barbaric Vol. 4: Born in Blood (trade paperback) PRAISE FOR BARBARIC "Deadpool meets Game of Thrones." -- Deadline ‘One of the “10 Best Comics of 2021…” Barbaric took only three issues to establish itself as a first-rate comic.’ - Entertainment Weekly ‘One of the “Best Comics of 2021…” It's a funny, gory, weird comic with stunning art in muted colors.’ – Thrillist ‘One of the “Best Comic Books and Graphic Novels of 2021…” the “excellent…violent; expletive-filled fantasy epic Barbaric never holds back… It’s bloody spectacular.”’ - Screen Rant "... fantastic!" - Alex Segura (Award-winning and bestselling author of Secret Identity) "Man o man! It is a glorious time to be reading comics. Barbaric ... delivers on the action, the violence & the funny! ... a meaty read. Bravo!" --- George G. Gustines (Writer - The New York Times) "Don't miss this book!" Scott Snyder (Writer - American Vampire, Batman, Justice League (DC Comics); Wytches (Image)) “Barbaric is excellent. Beautifully drawn and brilliantly written, it’s epic, action-packed, and utterly hilarious.” Nicholas Eames (Author - Kings of the Wyld) “Barbaric is a riotous, hearty stew of wit and gore… Long may Owen and Axe trod their bloodstained path, bringing us along for the adventure.” Jonathan French (Author - The Grey Bastards) "This comic is absolutely badass. A sentient wise-cracking morally correct axe that punishes the wicked. And its human. SO. DAMNED. GOOD." John Hornor Jacobs (Author - This Dark Earth, Infernal Machines, A Lush and Seething Hell) "This book is seriously great. Do not miss out!" Darick Robertson (Artist, Co-Creator of The BOYS, Co-Exec Producer) "From the legitimate belly laugh ...to the air-punching violence throughout to the eyebrow-raising final page, this is a perfect example of exactly why I read comics. To be entertained. " - Big Comic Page "Barbaric looks set to be, without a doubt, one of the finest titles Vault has published, an achievement enhanced by the fact most of Vault’s line is top tier stuff." - Pipedream Comics "Barbaric ... really does have that it factor that makes me very excited to read more. There’s tons of bloody action, humor, smart ideas, and some heart. This is without question the best debut I've read this year." - Panel Patter BARBARIC is the best new comic of 2021 and a must-read for all fans of fantasy and action c

Discover, or return to, the world's greatest heroic fantasy artist, Frank Frazetta in this landmark art collection entitled, Fantastic Paintings of Frazetta. The New York Times said, "Frazetta helped define fantasy heroes like Conan, Tarzan and John Carter of Mars with signature images of strikingly fierce, hard-bodied heroes and bosomy, callipygian damsels" Frazetta took the sex and violence of the pulp fiction of his youth and added even more action, fantasy and potency, but rendered with a panache seldom seen outside of major works of Fine Art. Despite his fantastic subject matter, the quality of Frazetta’s work has not only drawn comparisons to the most brilliant of illustrators, Maxfield Parrish, Frederic Remington, Norman Rockwell, N.C. Wyeth but, even to the most brilliant of fine artists including Rembrandt and Michelangelo and, major Frazetta works sell for millions of dollars, breaking numerous records. This innovator’s work has not only inspired generations of artists, but also movies and directors including the Conan films, John Carter of Mars, the sensationally successful Lord of the Rings trilogy, Robert Rodriguez’ films including From Dusk Till Dawn, Ralph Bakshi films, the epic, award-winning Game of Thrones series, Tim Burton’s Sleepy Hollow, Disney’s animated Tarzan films, Francis Ford Coppola’s Apocalypse Now and George Lucas’ Star Wars series. The Forbes magazine article Schwarzenegger's Sargent led with the line, "Which artist helped make Arnold governor? Frank Frazetta, the Rembrandt of barbarians." J. David Spurlock started crafting this book by reviving the original million-selling 1970s mass market art book, Fantastic Art of Frank Frazetta. But, he expanded and revised to include twice as many images and, presents them at a much larger coffee-table book size of 10.5 x 14.625”! The collection is brimming with both classic and previously unpublished works of the subjects Frazetta is best remembered for including barbarians, beasts, and buxom beauties. Game of Thrones creator George R. R. Martin said, “Though he bears only a passing resemblance to the Cimmerian as Robert E. Howard described him, Frazetta’s covers of the Conan paperback collections became the definitive picture of the character… still is.” Schwarzenegger said, “I have not been intimidated that often in my life. But when I looked at Frazetta’s paintings, I tell you, it was intimidating.” Game of Thrones, Conan and Aquaman film star Jason Momoa said, “I am a huge Frank Frazetta fan. Both of my parents are painters, so I'd known Frazetta's paintings, that's what I wanted to bring to life.” See the revolutionary art that helped inspire Schwarzenegger, Momoa, the Lord of the Rings films and Game of Thrones: FRAZETTA!

As one of Entertainment Weekly’s “10 Best Comics of 2021;” BARBARIC – featuring Owen the Barbarian and his bloodthirsty companion Axe – returns in a whirlwind of blood, humor, and mayhem with an evil demigod, vampires, and rampaging monsters with BARBARIC Vol. 2: AXE TO GRIND! Hailed as one of the best comics of 2021 by Entertainment Weekly, Thrillist , Screen Rant , and more, bestselling BARBARIC returns with its second explosive volume: Axe to Grind ! When a foe from Owen's past returns, he embarks on a bloody mission to succeed where he once failed and kill a malevolent demigod. Which suits Axe just fine, considering he hasn't gotten drunk on god blood yet! Meanwhile, Owen's former barbarian comrade, now a timid vampire, gets cold feet about a life of violence. But in the world of BARBARIC, where orcs, giant spiders, and devil bats roam the land, and doing good is full of gore, is there any other way? For fans of BRZRKR!, The Witcher, Conan the Barbarian, Red Sonja, Heathen, Rat Queens, and Dungeons and Dragons! Collects the second three-issue miniseries (Axe to Grind) and the special one-shot standalone (Harvest Blades)! It’s just … BARBARIC! From writer Michael Moreci (Wasted Space, The Plot, and Revealer) and artist Nathan C. Gooden (Brandon Sanderson's Dark One, The RUSH, Vampire: The Masquerade)! Own a whole lot of Owen, Axe, and the BARBARIC universe with: Barbaric Vol. 1: Murderable Offenses (hardcover) Barbaric Vol. 1: Murderable Offenses (trade paperback) Barbaric Vol. 2: Axe to Grind (trade paperback) Barbaric Vol. 3: Hell to Pay (trade paperback) Queen of Swords: A Barbaric Tale (trade paperback) Barbaric Vol. 4: Born in Blood (trade paperback) PRAISE FOR BARBARIC "Deadpool meets Game of Thrones." -- Deadline ‘One of the “10 Best Comics of 2021…” Barbaric took only three issues to establish itself as a first-rate comic.’ - Entertainment Weekly ‘One of the “Best Comics of 2021…” It's a funny, gory, weird comic with stunning art in muted colors.’ – Thrillist ‘One of the “Best Comic Books and Graphic Novels of 2021…” the “excellent…violent; expletive-filled fantasy epic Barbaric never holds back… It’s bloody spectacular.”’ - Screen Rant "... fantastic!" - Alex Segura (Award-winning and bestselling author of Secret Identity) "Man o man! It is a glorious time to be reading comics. Barbaric ... delivers on the action, the violence & the funny! ... a meaty read. Bravo!" --- George G. Gustines (Writer - The New York Times) "Don't miss this book!" Scott Snyder (Writer - American Vampire, Batman, Justice League (DC Comics); Wytches (Image)) “Barbaric is excellent. Beautifully drawn and brilliantly written, it’s epic, action-packed, and utterly hilarious.” Nicholas Eames (Author - Kings of the Wyld) “Barbaric is a riotous, hearty stew of wit and gore… Long may Owen and Axe trod their bloodstained path, bringing us along for the adventure.” Jonathan French (Author - The Grey Bastards) "This comic is absolutely badass. A sentient wise-cracking morally correct axe that punishes the wicked. And its human. SO. DAMNED. GOOD." John Hornor Jacobs (Author - This Dark Earth, Infernal Machines, A Lush and Seething Hell) "This book is seriously great. Do not miss out!" Darick Robertson (Artist, Co-Creator of The BOYS, Co-Exec Producer) "From the legitimate belly laugh ...to the air-punching violence throughout to the eyebrow-raising final page, this is a perfect example of exactly why I read comics. To be entertained. " - Big Comic Page "Barbaric looks set to be, without a doubt, one of the finest titles Vault has published, an achievement enhanced by the fact most of Vault’s line is top tier stuff." - Pipedream Comics "Barbaric ... really does have that it factor that makes me very excited to read more. There’s tons of bloody action, humor, smart ideas, and some heart. This is without question the best debut I've read this year." - Panel Patter BARBARIC is the best new comic of 2021 and a must-read for all fans of fantasy and action c

“Unadulterated fun.”—San Francisco Chronicle The fate of Ankh-Morpork rests on the unlikely shoulders of newly promoted Corporal Carrot and his hapless charges in the City Watch in this wildly wacky Discworld novel from the legendary New York Times bestselling author Terry Pratchett. Corporal Carrot is now in charge of the new recruits guarding Ankh-Morpork from barbarian rribes, miscellaneous marauders, unlicensed thieves, and other dangerous Discworld denizens. It’s a big job for an adopted dwarf keeping the likes of young coppers Lance-constable Cuddy (really a dwarf), Lance-constable Detritus (a troll), Lance-constable Angua (a woman. . . most of the time) and Corporal Nobbs (disqualified from the human race for shoving) in line. Especially since someone in Ankh-Morpork has been getting dangerous ideas about crowns and legendary swords, and destiny—which points its crooked finger again when an ancient document reveals that Ankh-Morpork has a secret sovereign. What's more, Captain Sam Vimes is getting married and retiring from the Watch. For good. Which is a shame, because no one knows the streets of Ankh-Morpork or its criminal underworld better than him. It’s the beginning of the most awesome epic encounter of all time (or at least all afternoon), in which the fate of a city—indeed of the universe itself!—depends on a young man’s courage, an ancient sword’s magic, and a three-legged poodle’s bladder. The Discworld novels can be read in any order but Men at Arms is the 2nd in the City Watch collection and the 15th Discworld book. The City Watch series in order: Guards! Guards! Men at Arms Feet of Clay Jingo The Fifth Elephant Night Watch Thud! Snuff

A TIMES BOOK OF THE YEAR 'As brilliant a history of the Vikings as one could possibly hope to read' Tom Holland The 'Viking Age' is traditionally held to begin in June 793 when Scandinavian raiders attacked the monastery of Lindisfarne in Northumbria, and to end in September 1066, when King Harald Hardrada of Norway died leading the charge against the English line at the Battle of Stamford Bridge. This book, the most wide-ranging and comprehensive assessment of the current state of our knowledge, takes a refreshingly different view. It shows that the Viking expansion began generations before the Lindisfarne raid, and traces Scandinavian history back centuries further to see how these people came to be who they were. The narrative ranges across the whole of the Viking diaspora, from Vinland on the eastern American seaboard to Constantinople and Uzbekistan, with contacts as far away as China. Based on the latest archaeology, it explores the complex origins of the Viking phenomenon and traces the seismic shifts in Scandinavian society that resulted from an economy geared to maritime war. Some of its most striking discoveries include the central role of slavery in Viking life and trade, and the previously unsuspected pirate communities and family migrations that were part of the Viking 'armies' - not least in England. Especially, Neil Price takes us inside the Norse mind and spirit-world, and across their borders of identity and gender, to reveal startlingly different Vikings to the barbarian marauders of stereotype. He cuts through centuries of received wisdom to try to see the Vikings as they saw themselves - descendants of the first human couple, the Children of Ash and Elm. Healso reminds us of the simultaneous familiarity and strangeness of the past, of how much we cannot know, alongside the discoveries that change the landscape of our understanding. This is an eye-opening and surprisingly moving book.

A TIMES BOOK OF THE YEAR 'As brilliant a history of the Vikings as one could possibly hope to read' Tom Holland The 'Viking Age' is traditionally held to begin in June 793 when Scandinavian raiders attacked the monastery of Lindisfarne in Northumbria, and to end in September 1066, when King Harald Hardrada of Norway died leading the charge against the English line at the Battle of Stamford Bridge. This book, the most wide-ranging and comprehensive assessment of the current state of our knowledge, takes a refreshingly different view. It shows that the Viking expansion began generations before the Lindisfarne raid, and traces Scandinavian history back centuries further to see how these people came to be who they were. The narrative ranges across the whole of the Viking diaspora, from Vinland on the eastern American seaboard to Constantinople and Uzbekistan, with contacts as far away as China. Based on the latest archaeology, it explores the complex origins of the Viking phenomenon and traces the seismic shifts in Scandinavian society that resulted from an economy geared to maritime war. Some of its most striking discoveries include the central role of slavery in Viking life and trade, and the previously unsuspected pirate communities and family migrations that were part of the Viking 'armies' - not least in England. Especially, Neil Price takes us inside the Norse mind and spirit-world, and across their borders of identity and gender, to reveal startlingly different Vikings to the barbarian marauders of stereotype. He cuts through centuries of received wisdom to try to see the Vikings as they saw themselves - descendants of the first human couple, the Children of Ash and Elm. Healso reminds us of the simultaneous familiarity and strangeness of the past, of how much we cannot know, alongside the discoveries that change the landscape of our understanding. This is an eye-opening and surprisingly moving book.

A TIMES BOOK OF THE YEAR 'As brilliant a history of the Vikings as one could possibly hope to read' Tom Holland The 'Viking Age' is traditionally held to begin in June 793 when Scandinavian raiders attacked the monastery of Lindisfarne in Northumbria, and to end in September 1066, when King Harald Hardrada of Norway died leading the charge against the English line at the Battle of Stamford Bridge. This book, the most wide-ranging and comprehensive assessment of the current state of our knowledge, takes a refreshingly different view. It shows that the Viking expansion began generations before the Lindisfarne raid, and traces Scandinavian history back centuries further to see how these people came to be who they were. The narrative ranges across the whole of the Viking diaspora, from Vinland on the eastern American seaboard to Constantinople and Uzbekistan, with contacts as far away as China. Based on the latest archaeology, it explores the complex origins of the Viking phenomenon and traces the seismic shifts in Scandinavian society that resulted from an economy geared to maritime war. Some of its most striking discoveries include the central role of slavery in Viking life and trade, and the previously unsuspected pirate communities and family migrations that were part of the Viking 'armies' - not least in England. Especially, Neil Price takes us inside the Norse mind and spirit-world, and across their borders of identity and gender, to reveal startlingly different Vikings to the barbarian marauders of stereotype. He cuts through centuries of received wisdom to try to see the Vikings as they saw themselves - descendants of the first human couple, the Children of Ash and Elm. Healso reminds us of the simultaneous familiarity and strangeness of the past, of how much we cannot know, alongside the discoveries that change the landscape of our understanding. This is an eye-opening and surprisingly moving book.