Originally printed in the early 1900's, F.J. Norman's book, The Fighting Man of Japan, is an excellent little book which tells of the early days of Samurai after the Meiji restoration in 1867.  The chapters include, The fight to the Death, Speppuku, The Medieval Warrior, to name a few.  This is one of the best books ever written on Japanese Martial Arts and an absolute must have for any who consider themselves a student of Japanese Martial Arts history.