Customer Reviews

Records of the Medieval Sword

5 star:		(11)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Records of the Medieval Sword is a remarkable volume, representing a body of work in the subject area with no equal.

Although the information is provided in an extremely authoritative manner, it is written in a very personable way, leaving this reader with a desire to know (have known?) the author.

If I were to attempt to be overly critical of this book, I would mention that there are a few minor, but still rather annoying, typographical errors and mis-numbered illustrations that detract somewhat from the otherwise masterly scholorship presented in the volume.

Also, in my opinion, a reference such as this should be provided in a hard cover edition, with full color plates wherever possible.

I will treasure this addition to my library.

Ewart Oakeshott was unsurpassed in his understanding of medieval swords. Unlike the majority of weapons curators who focus exclusively on the hilt and try their hardest to pretend that the sword was never a practical tool, he appreciated the whole sword. Oakeshott's typology is based on blade shape, i.e. on how the sword handles and what it can be used for. Because of this Ewart was loved by re-enactors and historical swordsmen who view swords as a beautifully designed tool that comes to life in their hands.

I feel very fortunate to have had the chance to work with Ewart just before his death (editing a paper he submitted to the anthology Spada). Just as he reminded museum curators that the sword was a practical tool, not an art object, he reminded swordsmen that the sword was an important symbol of just might, not just a tool.

Records of the Medieval Sword is the best available book describing medieval swords (though his earlier book The Sword in the Age of Chivalry is also well worth picking up). It has clear photographs of the whole sword, and lists blade lengths. If only it had a few more measurements (weight, blade width at various points, point of balance, centre of percussion etc.) it would be a perfect resource for people who make and use swords but who rarely have the opportunity to hold genuine originals and feel their handling characteristics. Even with this minor omission, this book deserves pride of place in the library of anyone interested in the medieval sword.

Stephen Hand
Author, English Swordsmanship, Medieval Sword and Shield
Editor Spada, Spada II

This book is full of pictures and data covering the full developement of the Medieval Sword in Europe. It contains the only complete typeology of swords, based on thier blade shape and function. It is written in a very readable form by a man with a genuine enthusiasm for swords, without the usual dry-as-dirt pedantry that is usually associated with books of this type. While by-passing some important data, it is far more comprehensive that any other book of it's type.

To date this is the only book I know of that covers medieval sword types and shapes with any accuracy and depth.The book is based on existing swords in private collections and museums.I have personally been looking for this book for some time and thankfully it was in stock !

This book contains a life-time's work and research of the sword. All the way from the early Scandinavian sword to the swords of the Renaissance and gives full in-depth summary and description on each piece. The author, Ewart Oakeshott is the leading expert of medieval swords and has taught me plenty (if not more) from his previous works. I am satisfied with the latest one here. "Records of the Medieval Sword" is well suited for a sword expert as well as for beginners and is for all to enjoy. The only thing I have to complain is that the binding of the book isnt done very well, but then again it could just be mine only. But then again, it should stop you from purchasing one.

this was a very important book for me to read, unfortunately 99% of it was useless information, and the only measurements that it gave on any blades was the length. it did however show hundreds of pictures of swords ranging from the early vikings and romans through the renaissance (until the hilts became the complex "works of art" instead of the utilitarian crosses).it also explained how a sword was almost impossible to date simply by its blade and/or hilt form, and that there was almost no pattern to the choice of cross/pommel/blade form. good info for a budding medieval bladesmith or collector.

I would consider this the definitive work on the development of the form, design, and construction of the medieval sword. Oakeshott was the foremost authority on the subject, and this work formed the capstone of his career. Anyone with a serious interest in European swords should own this book.

Nice read, lots of pictures and information. Anyone interest in this period should have a copy.

If you're into swords, this is a must have book. It's more than a catolog of styles of medieval swords but also explains the developement of the weapons and how swords and armour influenced each other. It also explains the difficulty in dating a weapon by the style of blade and hilt.

Many interesting and useful illustrations, especially of hilts and guards. There are other books which cover some of the same material, but the author is well known for his work in this area and so the quality as a reference source is excellent.