Customer Reviews

The Sword in the Age of Chivalry

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

 

 

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.

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".

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.

A good reference for a narrow slice of history. This book will help you better understand the styles and variations typical of the time. Useful in interpreting items found in museums or depicted in works of art. You are not likely to encounter these swords on eBay or at an auction!

I came across this book in the UK library while doing a research project on the medieval sword. This book became the basis for the report. It is full of sword information.