Swords: An Artist's Devotion [Hardcover]

Ben Boos (Author, Illustrator)

Book Description

Age Level: 10 and up | Grade Level: 5 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
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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

• Reading level: Ages 10 and up
  
• Hardcover: 96 pages
• Publisher: Candlewick (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: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (20 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #702,086 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Outstanding!, January 7, 2009

By 

C. Haines (Pittsburgh, PA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Swords: An Artist's Devotion (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 "Librarian" (Atlanta) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Swords: An Artist's Devotion (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.

5.0 out of 5 stars Awesome!!, August 23, 2011

By 

Erica - See all my reviews

This review is from: Swords: An Artist's Devotion (Hardcover)

I would never have guessed there was so much to know about swords. Or rather I guess I knew there was, but it never occurred to me it would be so vast and so interesting to learn about! Swords covers this vast amount of information like Bronze Age swords and Iron Age swords, types of hilts, things about soldiers, knights, and more. It was so fascinating to read about. PLUS you get awesome pictures along side it!

The was a whole chapter on Maidens of War. I loved this - girls who rock totally never get enough attention, in my opinion.

I loved that this book touched on so many things, but didn't go real in depth about any of them. The things that really caught my eye, I can now go check out on my own, after I go a bit of information about about everything I can think of when it came to swords.

This was a super awesome book! I would definitely check it out if you get the time!