This beautifully presented book traces the history of swords, sabres, spears and lances from Paleolithic origins and the appearance of the first swords in Bronze Age Mesopotamia to the twentieth-century demise of the sword as a military weapon. At the heart of the book is a comprehensive andfully illustrated directory, featuring more than 500 examples from around the world. From the swords and spears of Ancient Egypt to the swords of the Russian empire, each entry is accompanied with a photograph of the weapon and key details. The 600 full-colour photographs and illustrations of these extraordinary pieces of craftsmanship,alongside the expert text, will fascinate anyone interested in the conflicts, weapons and warriors that have created our history.
The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Swords and Sabres : An Authoritative History and Visual Directory of Edged Weapons from Around the World, Shown in over 600 Stunning Colour Photographs: More Than 500 Fascinating Ancient and Modern Weapons from the Swords