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The Book of the Sword
 
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The Book of the Sword (Paperback)

by Sir Richard Burton (Author)
3.7 out of 5 stars See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
RRP: £11.99
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Frequently Bought Together

The Book of the Sword + 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 + Swords and Daggers: An Illustrated Handbook
Price For All Three: £34.27

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Product details

  • Paperback: 336 pages
  • Publisher: Dover Publications Inc.; New edition edition (Nov 1988)
  • Language English
  • ISBN-10: 0486254348
  • ISBN-13: 978-0486254340
  • Product Dimensions: 23.6 x 15.7 x 1.8 cm
  • Average Customer Review: 3.7 out of 5 stars See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
  • Amazon.co.uk Sales Rank: 66,989 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

    Popular in these categories:

    #34 in  Books > Society, Politics & Philosophy > Warfare & Defence > Weapons & Equipment
    #48 in  Books > History > Military History > Weapons & Warfare > Conventional

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Product Description

Synopsis
Eloquent, exceptionally erudite history of the "Queen of Weapons." Traces sword's origin - from prehistory to its full growth during early Roman Empire. Discusses earliest weapons of stone, bone, horn and wood as well as variations: sabre, broadsword, cutlass, scimitar and more. Enhanced

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Customer Reviews

3 Reviews
5 star:
 (2)
4 star:    (0)
3 star:    (0)
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 (1)
 
 
 
 
 
Average Customer Review
3.7 out of 5 stars (3 customer reviews)
 
 
 
 
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews

 
21 of 21 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars A must for sword and fencing enthusiasts!, 16 Aug 1997
By A Customer
Written in 1884, this book is full of the history and lore of the sword. Richard Burton (not the actor)was a historian, an explorer, and a fencer, and he managed to blend all three interests in this fascinating biography of "the Queen of Weapons." His passion for the sword is obvious as he follows it from its origins in prehistory to Roman times. For Burton, no praise is too great, no detail too small when it comes to the sword. He had a burning desire to illuminate, to tell what he knew, and this he did with the full force of a tidal wave. Originally planned as the first of three volumes, THE BOOK OF THE SWORD unfortunately sold poorly when it was first published, so the later volumes never materialized. Today, the book is recognized for the work of art it truly is. As a fencing master and writer, I recommend this book highly.
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13 of 16 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars Sterling Work, 13 Feb 2001
It is unusual to find a book that goes into detail without rambling off in a random direction. This book is both easy to read, pleasing to the eye, with many diagrams, displays, and illustrations regarding the subject of swords and indeed, all the other weapons that are listed within the book. In truth, I cannot recommend this book highly enough, absolutely sterling work.
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16 of 30 people found the following review helpful:
1.0 out of 5 stars A disappointment for Burton, 22 Jan 2002
By A Customer
Seeing Burton's (deservedly respected) name on this book, one expects better. It's actually a poorly researched cobbling-together of a number of past sources, some of dubious accuracy. Most is vague, much is just plain wrong.
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