Persimmon Wind

Part memoir, part martial arts history, part travelogue, Persimmon Wind reveals a Japan unlikely to be witnessed by the average Westerner. Drawing on his deep knowledge of the martial arts, Lowry acts as an interpreter of sorts, deftly describing the myriad ways in which Japan's subtle, yet rich customs and rituals inform the seemingly mundane practices of life. With his journey providing the framework, Lowry interweaves musings from his daily encounters with reflections on local history and the philosophies and origins of one of Japan's oldest martial traditions, exploring what is essential to the purposeful life as unveiled in the lessons of swordsmanship.