The most accessible, full-color sword book!
Comprehensive coverage, from ancient decorative swords and medieval tachi swords to large and small samurai swords!
Detailed explanations cover everything from the basics, such as sword history, types, and part names, to how to buy a sword and the crafting process.
"Wearing a Sword" features illustrations illustrating how swords were worn by different ranks, attire, and eras, including how to wear a tachi (in Ōyoroi, modern armor, and for ceremonies) and how to sheathe a sword (in attendant, foot soldier, daimyo, police officer, ronin, and late Edo period military uniform).
It's also packed with related information, including an easy-to-understand "Map of Master Craftsmen and Schools by Era," an easy-to-understand "Sword Appreciation and Illustrated Dictionary" with comparative illustrations and photos, and a convenient "Sword Appreciation and Terminology Dictionary" color-coded by blade, fittings, art, and material, which doubles as an index.
There's plenty to read, including 18 stories in "Sword Stories" and "The Power of Japanese Swords Demonstrated by Test Cuts."
"Appreciation of Famous Swords" introduces 16 swords using double-page spreads and enlarged photographs. Naturally, it comes with the most detailed data anywhere, including the mounting (total length, handle length, pommel length, scabbard length) and blade (blade length, curvature, base width, tip width, tang length).
The extra-wide foldout at the beginning of the book features a life-size National Treasure sword and mounting.
