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:
Nearly three hundred line drawings enhance Burton's richly detailed text. Any reader of history or student of weaponry will find this book a fascinating, highly enjoyable read.