Swords and Hilt Weapons

- Hardcover
- Copyright 1989, 1993, 1996 Third Edition
- 240 pages
- Lots of photos, prints, and illustrations
- Book Size: 11 1/2 x 11 inches

If you’re in to hilt weapons, this book is a must have! While it may not be the best resource to identify a particular piece within one’s collection, it is without a doubt the best I have seen or read on the history, use, and evolution of hilted edged weapons. It covers swords, knives, dirks, daggers, some spears, and hilted pole arms. So popular is this book, there have been 10 printings between 1986 and 2006, featuring 3 different covers. I happen to own two separate copies of this book.

Swords and Hilt Weapons is an illustrated, comprehensive guide to the history of swords and other bladed weapons from the Bronze Age to World War II. The book, written by a team of experts, provides detailed appraisal of the weapons themselves, covers a wide range of historical and geographical contexts, and is rich in background information. It includes a vast body of work on craftsmanship and is considered an essential reference for enthusiasts, collectors, and those interested in military history and art.

Key features
• Global coverage: While giving prominence to European, Islamic, and Japanese blades, the book also includes chapters on African, Chinese, Central Asian, Mesoamerican, and other Asian swords.
• Chronological scope: It covers nearly 4,000 years of history, starting from the Bronze Age and extending up to modern times and World War II.
• Rich illustrations: The book is fully illustrated with high-quality color photographs and art reproductions of the weapons. Some editions may even include spectrograms on the composition of the swords.
• Expert appraisal: Written by a distinguished team of specialists and scholars, the book provides expert appraisals of the weapons themselves, along with historical context and background detail.
• Content: It covers the evolution of swords and hilt weapons, from simple to more complex designs. Some editions may focus more heavily on modern manufacturers.

Target audience
• Weapons enthusiasts and collectors
• Lovers of military history and fine art
• Historical writers and researchers