The Book of the Sword: A History of Daggers Sabers and Scimitars from Ancient Times to the Modern Day

About this book

The history of the sword the author writes in his introduction is the history of humanity. For centuries the sword has been a symbol of power strength liberty and courage. In the Middle Ages the image of a sword was used to signify the word of God. Nearly every culture in history has forged blades from stone or steel to fight in times of battle and protect in times of peace. In this groundbreaking work Richard Francis Burton explorer translator scholar and swordsman draws on a wealth of linguistic archaeological and literary sources to trace the millennia-old history of the sword. From its earliest days as a charred sharpened stick to the height of craftsmanship in the modern era the sword has been the weapon of choice for warriors of all stripes. In eloquent captivating prose Burton describes: Dirks Daggers Knives Sabers Cutlasses The origin of the weapon The weapons of the age of wood The Copper Age of weapons The Iron Age of weapons The sword in ancient Egypt The sword in ancient Greece And more Nearly three hundred line drawings enhance Burtons richly detailed text. Any reader of history or student of weaponry will find this book a fascinating highly enjoyable read.