The Sword in Anglo Saxon England by Hilda Ellis Davidson is the best book of its kind for the sheer number of aspects of the topic covered - and covered well.
I must admit I was impressed by this book, the author's expertise and the depth of the research done to bring so much about this subject to the reader, Davidson brings every aspect of the sword from many different disciplines. The book covers the technical aspects of the swordsmith's art, beginning with the development of pattern-welded swords on the continent from whence the Anglo Saxons came. There are brief forays into the development of swords in northern Europe before the Germanic tribes began to move onto the world scene and how Celtic and Roman weapons influenced German sword makers. There is then a detailed discussion of the metallurgical requirements as well as the experimentation of modern swordsmiths who have been able to duplicate the work of "dark age" smiths.
The author relates the evidence from archeology and literature for pattern-welded swords. There are good conversations in regard to the blades, the hilts, the ornamentation, scabbards, belts, baldrics, fittings...you name it. I found it interesting that swords were not only suspended from baldrics and belts, but were also strapped to the side with the hilt high on the body almost under the armpit as well as slung over the soldier.
The author covers the sword as a weapon of the elite and were highly valued, being lavishly decorated. Though decorated, they were used in combat and were exposed to the damage of hand-to-hand combat in spite of their embellishment. These were the real deal - used to deal out death in battle. Also covered are the examples of using swords in battle as well as duels. There is a lot of good information of the spiritual aspects of the weapons and how they were viewed by the culture of the Anglo Saxons.
There is so much good information here that anyone truly interested in "dark age" heroic combat and weapons will be delighted by it all. I award this fine work five stars.
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