The Code of the Warrior: Exploring Warrior Values Past and Present Hardcover – January 28, 2003

I found The Code of the Warrior to be a good background summary of some of the origins of the warrior ideals that have been accepted and followed by true warriors over the centuries. Ms. French does a good job at summarizing several warrior cultures, giving history and vital background information which help the reader understand the origins of the different warrior characteristics. This is not a "Pollyanna" look at the traits of the warrior. This book does not simply glorify specific warrior cultures as so many others do. Instead, Ms French delves into both the positives and negatives of each of the eight different cultures that she chose to include in her book. This is done in a very straight-forward and balanced way, as you would expect from an educator.Personally, I found this book very well written and extremely interesting. The author recommends, and I concur, that the person who has a goal of living life as a true warrior, take what is good from each of these warrior "codes" and leave what is no longer useful for the warrior of today. All of the warrior cultures from the past had both good traits and some which are less than useful for the modern warrior. This book presents both so that you can determine what to accept as part of your personal code and what you would probably be better off leaving to the cultures in question. Besides the discussions of individual warrior cultures, the author also provides the reader with a good bit of history about each of these cultures, which I also found very interesting.The one area that I wished that the author would have included was an overall summary/combination of the traits from each of these cultures that should make up the code of the warrior for the true warrior of today. It would have been nice if she had taken the best of each of these societies and combined them into a simple summary of traits that should be part of the code of the warrior today, but instead she leaves that up to the reader to decide. This is probably best because, in the end, the code of the true warrior is something that he or she needs to decide on and be dedicated to from a deeply personal dedication. The bottom line is that I highly recommend this book. I really enjoyed it and found it both thought provoking and entertaining. 5 Stars!Bohdi Sanders, author of the award winning book,  Warrior Wisdom: Ageless Wisdom for the Modern Warrior

I have been interested in the warrior arts (Judo, Jujitsu, Karate-Do, combat shooting, Kenjutsu and Tanto Jutsu) and philosophy (Zen, Taoism, and Bushido) most of my life. The ethics and values of warriors are explored in depth in this very insightful (Code of the Warrior: Exploring warrior values past and present by Shannon E. French with the forward by John McCain) and interesting book.I have read numerous books on the philosophy of the warrior over the years but I had not read this excellent this book until recently. This 258 page hardcover volume was written by an assistant professor of philosophy who teaches at the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland. After a foreword by Senator John McCain there are nine chapters covering the following topics:Why warriors need a code, the Homeric Hero: a hector who wins? The two faces of Rome: Stoicism and Hedonism, the Vikings: vengeance, Valkyries and Valhalla. “Never to do outrageousity nor murder.” Native Americans: warriors of the sacred plains, Chinese Warrior Monks: The martial artists of Shaolin, the soul of the Samurai: Duty, devotion, and death. The warrior’s code today: Are terrorists warriors?This is a book all military people and law enforcement officers should read to understand the ethics, principals and ethical code they should follow if they intend to become effective warriors within society. Following the Code of the Warrior is essential for anyone who desires to be a “sheepdog” whose job is protecting the sheep, rather than a wolf that only sees the next meal in the sheep.Rating: 5 Stars. Joseph J. Truncale (Author: Tactical Principles of the most effective combative systems).

This well-written work surveys several different traditions that all display a common commitment to warrior virtues. The mix of facts, analysis, and narrative is superb.

If I wanted to read block quotes from The Iliad, I would read The Iliad (which I have). This is another clear example of a professor taking their thesis or doctoral paper and monetizing it. One of only two books I have started and did not finish, I was revolted after the second chapter. Massive block quotes and lazy analysis turned into a very boring read. If you are looking for something along a similar subject but vastly superior writing, I would recommend Steven Pressfield's "The Warrior Ethos."

It has shown an interesting view of the many generations of warrior cultures

If your manly nipples aren't erect after reading this learned tome, then you are not a Warrior. Think about it; Gen. Patton was a scholar of history. This book is extremely well done and gives you paths to follow to learn how Warriors think. You have to engage your brain and ponder philosophy.If you're looking for action/adventure, this isn't it. It's a study, full of facts.

I got this for my husband's birthday along with A Higher Call - nice to see some war stories focusing on compassion.

Shame it left the Magyars and Attila out. Being a Magyar. But it underlines a lot of interesting codes and distinguishes Warrior from Murderer quite well.