Drawing on the Victoria and Albert Museum's magnificent collection, one of the finest in the West, this illustrated survey examines the development of the Japanese sword in an historical and social context from the eighth to the twentieth century. The development of the sword from its origins as one of the world's most effective cutting weapons is seen in the context of the emergence and development of Japan's ruling military class, the samurai, to whom it was indispensable both as a weapon and symbol of power. The book also deals concisely with the techniques used in the making of the Japanese sword and the associated terminology. In addition to weapons from the V&A's own collections and unusual prints showing graphic depictions of swords in action, illustrations include comparative material from other museums such as Japan's Tokyo National Museum which has one of the best and most well documented collections of Japanese swords in the world.
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
18 of 19 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
The book shows an indepth history, science and evolution of the japanese sword with stunning art work depicting samurai in battle and the gentle mystical smithies in action. Blade design including shape, structure, physical properties and appearance are all carefully explained in a manor that is both understandable yet maintains and aura of mystery surrounding the magnificent and revered blades. A must for all sword fans and smithys.
6 of 17 people found the following review helpful
By A Customer
Format:Hardcover
I loved this book, it gives plenty of information for anybody interested in Samurai swords, It traces the weapons history and its symbolism, a good read!
Most Helpful Customer Reviews on Amazon.com (beta)
Amazon.com:
4.5 out of 5 stars
2 reviews
30 of 32 people found the following review helpful
4.0 out of 5 stars
The Soul of the Samurai covers the major periods well...
24 Jan 2001
By Mike
- Published on Amazon.com
Format:Hardcover
Although the book is short (122 pages) it covers the major periods of the Japanese sword well. There is a short section on the making of the Japanese sword as well as basic terminology. If you are looking for more information on the making of a katana buy Kapp and Yoshihara's "The Craft of the Japanese Sword". The book goes through each period, Heian (794-1185), the Kamakura period (1185-1333), the Muromachi & Momoyama periods (1333-1600), the Edo period (1600-1868) and the Meiji Restoration and beyond. The book does not deal with Gendaito (modern swords). It does have 68 illustrations including several nice color woodblock prints and a lot of black and white photos of old blades from the imperial collection and the Toyko National Museum. The book is not really a reference book, buy John Yumoto's "The Samurai Sword" and Fuller & Gregory's "Military Swords of Japan 1868-1945", or Sato & Earle's "The Japanese Sword- A Comprehensive Guide" first if you are looking for a reference guide. The book has very little on tsubas or fittings. It does have a glossary and an index. If you are looking for a little more history and have the reference books, want to see some great blades and fine wood block prints than this is the book for you! It is a good read. Enjoy!
2 of 3 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars
This book is great!
14 Jan 2004
By Deal Grabber!
- Published on Amazon.com
Format:Hardcover
It's about time someone wrote a book like this! This book covers everything from the weapons, to the samurai themselves and their daily lives. A must for any library! Hours and hours of facinating reading, and a wonderful reference manual for nihonto enthusiasts!
I love it!
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4.5 out of 5 stars
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