The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Swords and Sabers: An authorative history and visual directory of edged weapons from around the world, shown in over 800 stunning colour photographs [Hardcover]

Harvey J. S. Withers (Author)

Book Description

Series: The Illustrated Encyclopedia of | Publication Date: March 16, 2009

Features many fascinating weapons, including napeoleonic swords. cavalry sabres, american polearms, the rapier and the naval cutlass

Product Details

• Hardcover: 256 pages
• Publisher: Anness (March 16, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0754818519
• ISBN-13: 978-0754818519
• Product Dimensions: 11.7 x 9.4 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #447,347 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #79 in Books > Education & Reference > Encyclopedias > Military

More About the Author

Hello.

My name is Harvey J S Withers and I have been both writing about and collecting antique swords for over 25 years. My passion for the subject stems from an ongoing love of history and particularly military history. The panoply of arms used by combatants might have changed considerably over the centuries but the sword has fulfilled a number of functions, including lethal weapon of destruction, indicator of nobility, honour and mirror of superb human creativity and artistry. It is this combination of dynamic factors that I hope to describe in my books.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Very good reference, October 7, 2009

By 

Race E. (Raleigh, NC) - See all my reviews

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This review is from: The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Swords and Sabers: An authorative history and visual directory of edged weapons from around the world, shown in over 800 stunning colour photographs (Hardcover)

This is a good reference with a lot of material. It has a broad coverage and thus lacks depth on any one ietm. They could have had more room for the swords if they left out the coverage of polearms, but that doesn't take up too much room. The illustrations are excellent. My only real complaint is that there are a number of references in the text to important examples or specific items which are then not pictured. Nonetheless it is well worth the price.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars An excellent sword resource, May 21, 2009

By 

Brent L. Bolin (Texas) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

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This review is from: The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Swords and Sabers: An authorative history and visual directory of edged weapons from around the world, shown in over 800 stunning colour photographs (Hardcover)

At a time in history where technology takes center stage, it is refreshing to find a book steeped in history concerning a subject that at one time was more vital than most, reemerge with such a vivid visual reference. Encyclopedia's, by their nature can be dry, lofty volumes, yet this book is not. It is more concise than I would desire, yet still excellent in comparison to other books on the same subject, mainly because of the visual presentation which is necessary to the subject matter.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars swords, December 28, 2009

By 

Scraps (Akron OH) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Swords and Sabers: An authorative history and visual directory of edged weapons from around the world, shown in over 800 stunning colour photographs (Hardcover)

I purchased this book for my 13 year old grandson who is a sword enthusiast. He just loved the book. We could not get it out of his hands, but he does love to read and he is very interested in history.