Swords: An Artist's Devotion [Hardcover]

Ben Boos (Author, Illustrator)

Book Description

Release date: September 9, 2008 | Age Range: 10 and up

Be smitten by the sword! An extraordinary young artist brings the history of this noble weapon — and its skillful masters — into stunningly sharp relief.

Brave men and women have taken up the sword since ages of old, and a fascination with this formidable weapon grips dedicated followers to this day. Here is a celebration of swords and swordsmen that spans time and place — from ancient warriors such as Beowulf to medieval knights; from stealthy ninja and samurai to legendary maidens of war. Illustrated with breathtaking intricacy, SWORDS reflects the passion of a true devotee, offering lavish background details on design and use as well as exquisite spreads showcasing specimens in all their shining glory.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 6 Up—This absorbing, large-format collection of sketches, paintings, and historical notes on sword craft is not called an artist's devotion for nothing. Boos's treatment of his subject is reverential and his artwork is outstanding, combining meticulous attention to detail and a designer's sense for layout. The spare text provides just enough information but generally allows the illustrations to speak for themselves. Each chapter covers a different period or place in the history of the sword, including the Iron and Bronze Ages, the Middle Ages in Europe, Japanese samurai and ninjas, the Silla knights of Korea, African sword craft, Islamic designs, and more. Although the author, a former video-game designer, "would have it known that [his] qualifications are modest," he manages to portray an incredible variety of styles, from hilts to blades to the intricate metalwork that makes each sword not just a weapon but also a work of art. It's easy to get caught up in his enthusiasm, and the right reader will spend hours poring over every loving detail. Give this to fans of history, art, or swordplay fantasies.—Rebecca Donnelly, Loma Colorado Public Library, Rio Rancho, NM
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Review

"The detail of the artwork is so textural and vivid, you can almost hear the metallic ringing of a blade pull out of the sheath, and almost feel the carefully adorned indentations, cool beneath your fingers. One of the most beautiful nonfiction books of the year." --PlanetEsme blog review, December 29, 2008

"A true devotee of swords, Ben Boos passionately brings the history of this noble weapon and its skillful masters to life, offering lavish background details and exquisite, full-color spreads illuminating swords in all their shining glory." --Science Fiction and Fantasy Advance Magazine Supplement, August 1, 2008

"Looking for an awesome nonfiction book for a reluctant reader?...This is the coolest nonfiction book I've ever read. Swords is nothing less than a work of art." --Boys Read, blog, April 9, 2009

"Not in any way, shape, or form violent...Some of the most incredibly detailed artwork I have ever seen in a children's book...I could see using this book to engage kids in books- it sure caught my boys' attention last night!" --Carol's Corner, blog, December 14, 2008

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Age Range: 10 and up
  
• Hardcover: 96 pages
• Publisher: Candlewick; unknown edition (September 9, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0763631485
• ISBN-13: 978-0763631482
• Product Dimensions: 10.6 x 0.6 x 12.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (27 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #137,723 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #38 in Books > Children's Books > History > Medieval
  • #67 in Books > Children's Books > History > Military & Wars

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

15 of 15 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Outstanding! January 7, 2009

By C. Haines

Format:Hardcover

I purchased two copies of this book for two boys, 13 and 8, who love swords and knights and ninjas, mostly based on fiction. I wish I had ordered a third one for my husband, an amateur blacksmith and living historian, it is so well done.
The illustrations are beautiful and detailed. The history appears to be well-researched and clearly written. The 8 year old, who had just finished telling me that he didn't like books much, opened the present and was in awe. He immediately sat down on the floor and poured over the pages, commenting on each sword.
I like that there are overview pages suitable for young readers, as well as more detailed narration for older enthusiasts. This is a must-have for anyone interested in swords.

4 of 5 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Intricate, gorgeous, worthwhile March 21, 2009

By Madigan McGillicuddy

Format:Hardcover

Boos, a former graphic designer for video games such as Diablo II and a martial arts enthusiast, brings his artistic skill and love of ornate detail to this informative volume on swords of all kinds. The history and background of weaponry from many different cultures is thoroughly explored in this oversize book. All manner of cultures and various time periods are represented. Video game players, computer geeks and historical fiction lovers will enjoy poring over this richly illustrated book. I highly, highly recommend this one.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars THE FULL TITLE OF THIS BOOK SAYS IT ALL. What a wonderful and skillfully written and crafted book this is! March 2, 2012

By D. Blankenship HALL OF FAMETOP 50 REVIEWERVINE™ VOICE

Format:Hardcover

When you first open this oversized book (10.6 inches by 12.1 inches and over a half inch think) the first thing that becomes quite apparent is that you are and will be treated to the work of a master artist and illustrator. My goodness what stunning work is on display between the covers of this wonderful work.

Like the author and illustrator, I have been completely fascinated with bladed weapons since I was a small child. I am an old man now but I can tell you truthfully that this fascination and interest in these weapons of years past has lost none of its intensity. I fully admit that I still have a lot of little boy in me and perhaps that influences my likes and dislikes somewhat...hey, I still delight in playing mumble-peg and marbles...be that as it may.....

First we sort of need to understand where the author is taking us on this visual journey. This book was and is probably meant for the younger reader but it is one of those works that defies age limitations and you will find that the adult reader (on a different level of course) receives just as much joy is reading and mulling over this book as the younger set.

Hundreds of swords (for the most part), knives and other bladed weapons have been illustrated here and it would be difficult to find a work that displays such detail and artistic skill. The weapons here have all been drawn (there are no photographs) and drawn skillfully. Each and ever picture is this book, if taken as a single frame, could be framed and hung on a wall.

The book is broken down into 14 chapters as follows:

Warriors
Raiders
War Maidens
Villagers
Soldiers
Landsknechts
Knights
Kings
Samurai
Ninja
Silla Knights
Eastern Masters
War Chiefs
Sultans

Many cultures from our past are represented; cultures and their weapons. The details found in each illustration capture the era perfectly and are beautifully executed. The author has done a tremendous amount of historical research and has presented this is short, easy to understand and in a "to the point" syntax. The author does not dig into or dwell on historical facts but for me, this adds to the usefulness and charm of the book. The information found here is bound to create interest in the younger reader and stimulate and motivate that reader into further research.

Now one thing that must be remembered here, and the author fully admits this - these illustrations are a mixture of absolute fact with a touch of fantasy and a liberal amount of artistic license on the part of the artist. The weapons displayed here are `idealistic' weapons; idealistic as in perfect. It is like gazing at museum pieces that are in complete mint condition. These are not weapons that are in the condition they would be found in were they taken directly from an archeological dig. The drawings are precise, accurate, whimsical, colorful and simply leap from the page.

Not only do we have a very comprehensive display of battle tools here, but the author has not forgotten the equipment, decorations, manufacturing process or cultural significances of his subject. It is difficult to reconcile the beauty of these works of art...and they are indeed works of art, with the extreme and bloody violence that is a part of their history - the reason for their being.

The kids at school love this book (it is kept in our art department) and I must tell you that it is in constant use; so used that I actually have to use my position of authority and the fact that I am a large man to sort of bully the kids into giving me the chance to brows through this work myself...something I do at every chance. The little beggars do not want to share...go figure. I suppose I will eventually have to breakdown and purchase my own copy of this thing.

Don Blankenship
The Ozarks