{"product_id":"the-encyclopedia-of-the-sword-9780313278969","title":"The Encyclopedia of the Sword","description":"\u003cp\u003eFrom the gruff  sword-toting swashbucklers of the Middle Ages to modern adventure epics like The Princess Bride  the aura surrounding the sword is one that is both romantic and pragmatic. Thoughts of this weapon bring to mind images of the Knights of the Round Table  Zorro  the Three Musketeersthe things daydreams are made of. Historically  the fate of the empires revolved around the sword; nations rose and fell based on the power of their swordsmen. For centuries it was the weapon of choice in settling personal disputes. Today  the art of sword fighting has been incarnated as the dynamic  chess-like sport of fencing. It has also played an important part in the history of theatre and film  and it has been part of literature for as long as there have been books. In its varied guises  the sword has for centuries figured in the worlds varied cultures  myths  and politics.  Yet  there has never been a comprehensive volume on the subject of the sword until the publication of this encyclopedia. For the first time  in a single volume one can locate information on the history of sword types and styles around the world; techniques of combat sword use; techniques and styles of modern sport fencing; names and descriptions of various fencing implements and weapon types; swashbuckler films and the fencing masters who influenced the genre; significant individuals who have taught sword use; the sword at the Olympics; the literature in which the rapier  foil  or broadsword has figured; and much  much more. Essential reading for fencing and military history enthusiasts.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"My Store","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45651934642229,"sku":"ByrdShop_0313278962","price":100.25,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0627\/8139\/0901\/files\/9780313278969.jpg?v=1781846061","url":"https:\/\/atxbooks.com\/products\/the-encyclopedia-of-the-sword-9780313278969","provider":"ATX Books","version":"1.0","type":"link"}