The Book of the Sword

With 293 Illustrations

Nonfiction, History, Military, Weapons, Ancient History
Cover of the book The Book of the Sword by Sir Richard F. Burton, Dover Publications
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Sir Richard F. Burton ISBN: 9780486142319
Publisher: Dover Publications Publication: August 21, 2012
Imprint: Dover Publications Language: English
Author: Sir Richard F. Burton
ISBN: 9780486142319
Publisher: Dover Publications
Publication: August 21, 2012
Imprint: Dover Publications
Language: English

"The history of the sword is the history of humanity." With these words, British author, Victorian scholar, and world traveler Richard Burton begins his eloquent and exceptionally erudite history of the "Queen of Weapons."
Spanning the centuries and a wide range of cultures, Burton's rich and elegant prose illuminates the sword as both armament and potent symbol. For nearly all peoples of the world, the sword embodied the spirit of chivalry, symbolized justice and martyrdom and represented courage and freedom. In battle, it served universally as a deadly offensive weapon.
Drawing on a wealth of literary, archaeological, anthropological, linguistic, and other sources, the author traces the sword's origins, from its birth as a charred and sharpened stick, through its diverse stages of development, to its full growth in the early Roman Empire. Recounting man's long association with this weapon, the author describes in brilliant detail:
The ages of wood, bone and born
The appearance of stone swords and exotic weapons such as the boomerang
The ages of copper and alloys such as bronze and brass — used in producing the long, narrow blades of rapiers
The Iron Age during which the Viking sword of carbonized iron took shape — a weapon whose form would set the standard for the next thousand years.
Enhanced by nearly 300 excellent line drawings, the text provides an incredible wealth of detailed data about the sword and its variations: sabre, broadsword, cutlass, scimitar, rapier, foil, and a host of other arms, including dirks, daggers, throwing knives, flails, and much more.
Military and social historians, scholars and students of weaponry, as well as armchair adventurers will find this volume a fascinating, abundantly illustrated and highly readable account of this potent symbol of power.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

"The history of the sword is the history of humanity." With these words, British author, Victorian scholar, and world traveler Richard Burton begins his eloquent and exceptionally erudite history of the "Queen of Weapons."
Spanning the centuries and a wide range of cultures, Burton's rich and elegant prose illuminates the sword as both armament and potent symbol. For nearly all peoples of the world, the sword embodied the spirit of chivalry, symbolized justice and martyrdom and represented courage and freedom. In battle, it served universally as a deadly offensive weapon.
Drawing on a wealth of literary, archaeological, anthropological, linguistic, and other sources, the author traces the sword's origins, from its birth as a charred and sharpened stick, through its diverse stages of development, to its full growth in the early Roman Empire. Recounting man's long association with this weapon, the author describes in brilliant detail:
The ages of wood, bone and born
The appearance of stone swords and exotic weapons such as the boomerang
The ages of copper and alloys such as bronze and brass — used in producing the long, narrow blades of rapiers
The Iron Age during which the Viking sword of carbonized iron took shape — a weapon whose form would set the standard for the next thousand years.
Enhanced by nearly 300 excellent line drawings, the text provides an incredible wealth of detailed data about the sword and its variations: sabre, broadsword, cutlass, scimitar, rapier, foil, and a host of other arms, including dirks, daggers, throwing knives, flails, and much more.
Military and social historians, scholars and students of weaponry, as well as armchair adventurers will find this volume a fascinating, abundantly illustrated and highly readable account of this potent symbol of power.

More books from Dover Publications

Cover of the book Historic English Costumes and How to Make Them by Sir Richard F. Burton
Cover of the book Five Graphic Music Analyses by Sir Richard F. Burton
Cover of the book The Craftsman's Handbook by Sir Richard F. Burton
Cover of the book The Unity of the Universe by Sir Richard F. Burton
Cover of the book African Myths and Folk Tales by Sir Richard F. Burton
Cover of the book The Red Fairy Book by Sir Richard F. Burton
Cover of the book The Country of the Pointed Firs by Sir Richard F. Burton
Cover of the book Authentic Victorian Fashion Patterns by Sir Richard F. Burton
Cover of the book Paris Mansions and Apartments 1893 by Sir Richard F. Burton
Cover of the book The Portrait of a Lady by Sir Richard F. Burton
Cover of the book The Cowboy at Work by Sir Richard F. Burton
Cover of the book A Little Girl Dreams of Taking the Veil by Sir Richard F. Burton
Cover of the book Make in a Day: Centerpieces by Sir Richard F. Burton
Cover of the book The Adventures of Chatterer the Red Squirrel by Sir Richard F. Burton
Cover of the book Introduction to Linear Algebra and Differential Equations by Sir Richard F. Burton
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy