This beautifully presented book traces the history of swords, sabres, spears and lances from Paleolithic origins to the twentieth-centure demise of the sword as a military weapon. At the heart of the book is a comprehensive and fully 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 by a photograph of the weapon and key details. The 600 photographs and illustrations of these extraordinary pieces of craftsmanship will fascinate anyone interested in the conflicts and weapons that have shaped our history.