The Sword in the Age of Chivalry [Paperback]

Ewart Oakeshott (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: February 1994

A history and typology of the European knightly sword. Oakeshott draws on his extensive research to trace its development from the knightly successors of the Viking weapon to the emergence of the Renaissance sword, using evidence from literature and art as well as from archaeology.

Editorial Reviews

Review

A definitive study for anyone interested in the subject to have in their library. --Classic Arms and Militaria

Product Details

• Paperback: 204 pages
• Publisher: Boydell Press (February 1994)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0851157157
• ISBN-13: 978-0851157153
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6.1 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #557,213 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

17 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Standard Reference Work on Medieval Swords, December 4, 1997

By 

[e-mail] (Mons, Belgium) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Sword in the Age of Chivalry (Hardcover)

R.E. Oakeshott is an internationally-known authority on medieval swords; this book is his masterwork. Conversational in tone, it is an easy read, yet still manages to convey an immense amount of information. Oakeshott's typology of medieval swords - which appears in this book - has gained international acceptance. After explaining his typology, the author proceeds to discuss each sword-type. The illustrations include depictions of each sword-type in contemporary art as well as plates of surviving museum pieces. Mr. Oakeshott's enthusiasm for his subject brims over each page, making his book a pleasure to read.

11 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars The authority on sword classification, June 21, 2004

By 

M. Krull (Ottawa, Ontario Canada) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Sword in the Age of Chivalry (Paperback)

This book is an incredibly detailed academic work on the classification of swords from the 10th century through to the 15th century.
The book is well written, and includes many clear photos (black and white) as well as dozens of sketchs to aid in the identification of these weapons.
The book is full of various historical bits pertaining to each class of sword.
However what makes this book so good, also makes it near useless to anyone but the die-hard sword collector. The book never strays from its details of sword classifications and thier dates of usage. I would not recommend reading this book "for the fun of it".

6 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars a marvellous work on the Sword and it's impact, August 3, 2004

By 

Deborah MacGillivray "Author," (US & UK) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (HALL OF FAME REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Sword in the Age of Chivalry (Paperback)

I think I have all of Ewart Oakeshott books, and find them an invaluable source of information on Knights, Weaponry, Armour and how the knight lived, girded himself for battle and their function in the Medieval feudal system. This book is no expect ion, but rather the rule to quality works.

It's full of just about everything you would want to know about the swords, their use, and construction. There are hundreds of sketches to help you understand his discussions, lots of black and white plate photos. The book is broken down to groups - Swords 1050-1350, Group 2 1350-1550, then breaks down into Pommel-Forms, Cross-Guards, Grips and Scabbards.

A wonderful references for the writer, sword collector and same the passing enthusiast.