Customer Reviews

Swords: An Artist's Devotion

5 star:		(16)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

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.

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.

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!

My 12 year old grandson has taken this book out of the library several times because he just loves the pictures and layout, so I bought it for his birthday and he was absolutely delighted. Great service / delivery from Amazon too!

This is a book that can be proudly displayed as a "coffee table" book. This hardcover 12 by 101/2 text covers all types of swords throughout the ages. Chapters include swords from warriors, raiders, war maidens, villagers, soldiers, landsknechts, knights, kings, samurai, ninja, silla knights, eastern masters, war chiefs and sultans.

Though the information is very brief on each section. The drawings of the swords are beautiful and detailed. There are only 88 pages in this book but each section is interesting and informative.

If you have an interest in swords this is a book you will want to own. You can pick up a copy on Amazon for under $10.00 which makes this excellent hardcover text a real value. This is a book for anyone who is into the martial arts, weapons of war and bladed weapons. The writer of this book is also the illustrator and his passion for swords comes clearly through in this volume.

Rating: 5 Stars. Joseph J. Truncale (Author: Wakizashi-Jutsu official manual)

I ordered this book as a present for my brother for Christmas. It arrived in perfect condition. It was different than what I thought it might be, but a good kind of different. Instead of real pictures, it is drawings, but they are very accurate and many of them look realistic. It also describes different types of swords and shows what they do. It is perfect for someone who loves swords and especially someone who sees it as an art form. I know my brother will love it!

Every page is beautifully illustrated. This book can serve as a coffee table curiosity, child's gift, or artist's inspiration. From full plate illustrations to pages of sword variations to the highly detailed manuscript-esque border-work, this book is packed with content. There are brief overviews at the chapter headings, but this book's value is in the finely rendered drawings. This book occupies prime real-estate on my bookshelf and I highly suggest it to anyone with the slightest inkling towards beautiful weaponry, from the practical to ornate.

Quite nice book. Not so detailed as I hoped, it is more of an overview of the types of swords, raether than a detailed description.
Still it is a nice book to owne, and there are some realy nice pictures and grafics included.

Beautiful. Amazing. Stunning. I find myself staring at this book for hours at a time listening to the swords whisper their names to me. I stroke the pages wishing that I could feel the cold steel on my finger tips. They look so real that I feel cheated of the experience of being able to hold them. Not only are the illustrations astounding, but I also learned about the different wielders of the sword and the diverse models of the swords. Ben Boos did a remarkable job with this book. His passion shines and pops out of each page. I look forward to the day that I can add this book to my own little library in my room.

Just a heads up this book is more artistic then informative. It is fairly thin and could be interpreted as a children's book. With that said, the book is absolutely beautiful with interesting and accurate information about swords.