In October 1613, four samurai set sail for Mexico, accompanied by a Spanish priest who was supposed to act as interpreter. The purpose of this unprecedented mission was to negotiate commercial privileges with the Western world; in return, European missionaries would be allowed to preach Christianity in Japan. However, when their project failed, the emissaries continued their journey to Spain and Italy and were the first Japanese to set foot on European soil. A milestone in 20th century Japanese novels, The Samurai is a profound exploration of faith, frailty, ambition and loyalty, all of which Endo tackled with unparalleled wit and brilliance.