What setsShogunapart from other historical novels is the inspiration Clavell drew from.
So he decided to research the history of a real-life sailor who traveled to Japan in the 1600s.
That sailor wasWilliam Adams, whoseexploits served as the basis for John Blackthorne.
Image via FX
When traders arrived, Adams would even serve as an intermediary between them and Ieyasu.
Adamswould spend the rest of his days in Japanuntil he died in 1620.
His influence would continue to grow after his death, particularly with how he inspiredShogunand other works.
When a mysterious European ship is found marooned in a nearby fishing village, Lord Yoshii Toranaga discovers secrets that could tip the scales of power and devastate his enemies.
Blackthorne is given this name in theShogunnovel, since none of the Japanese natives can pronounce his name correctly.
Lebling even went so far as to call it a “failure.”
Shogunisn’t the only fictional work that’s drawn from the life of Adams.
TakeHeroes, for example.
Shogunpremiereson FX and Hulu in the U.S. on February 27.
