About this product

Product Information

From the gruff, sword-toting swashbucklers of the Middle Ages to modern adventure epics like The Princess Bride, the aura surrounding the sword is one that is both romantic and pragmatic. Thoughts of this weapon bring to mind images of the Knights of the Round Table, Zorro, the Three Musketeers--the things daydreams are made of. Historically, the fate of the empires revolved around the sword; nations rose and fell based on the power of their swordsmen. For centuries it was the weapon of choice in settling personal disputes. Today, the art of sword fighting has been incarnated as the dynamic, chess-like sport of fencing. It has also played an important part in the history of theatre and film, and it has been part of literature for as long as there have been books. In its varied guises, the sword has for centuries figured in the world's varied cultures, myths, and politics. Yet, there has never been a comprehensive volume on the subject of the sword until the publication of this encyclopedia. For the first time, in a single volume one can locate information on the history of sword types and styles around the world; techniques of combat sword use; techniques and styles of modern sport fencing; names and descriptions of various fencing implements and weapon types; swashbuckler films and the fencing masters who influenced the genre; significant individuals who have taught sword use; the sword at the Olympics; the literature in which the rapier, foil, or broadsword has figured; and much, much more. Essential reading for fencing and military history enthusiasts.

Product Identifiers

PublisherBloomsbury Publishing

ISBN-100313278962

ISBN-139780313278969

eBay Product ID (ePID)123046

Product Key Features

LanguageEnglish

TopicFencing, General, Popular Culture, Firearms & Weapons, Antiques & Collectibles, Sports & Recreation, Social Science

AuthorNick Evangelista

IllustratorYes

Dimensions

Item Length9in

Item Height1.7in

Item Width6in

Item Weight43 Oz

Additional Product Features

Book TitleEncyclopedia of the Sword

Lccn94-007426

Number of Volumes1 Vol.

Dewey Decimal796.8

Lc Classification NumberGv1143

Table of ContentPreface Introduction The Encyclopedia Appendix A: Types of Swords Appendix B: Historical Fencing Masters Appendix C: Noted Swashbuckler Films Appendix D: Actors Who Fenced in Movies Appendix E: Film Fencing Masters Index

Publication Year1995

Reviews"...serves as both a glossary of fencing terms and a repository of facts concerning actors and films in which sword-play is prominent. Equal time is given to historical, mythical, and Japanese swordsmanship, so that this can be used as a literary reference as well as a sportsman's guide."- College & Research Libraries News, "In regard to 20th-century fencing and the Anglo-American tradition, it is the best and most comprehensive reference book published thus far. It is the first to systematically devote space to cover swordplay in the movies, television, plup fiction, and comic books. The Encyclopedia also provides a refreshingly global perspective, uniting Western and Asian traditions, particularly in regard to Kendo and the related Japanese traditions. It provides answers for nearly all questions regarding the sword and its use in history, as well as starting points for much-needed critical investigation into modern fencing mythology."- Hammesterz Forum, "...this encyclopedia is a most welcome addition to the field. This book should prove useful, and it is recommended for the reference collection of academic and large public libraries." RQ, "The Encyclopedia of the Sword is the first comprehensive treatment of the weapon that has played a key role in human history. Evangelista has assembled a massive amount of information about virtually every artistic, cultural, historical, literary, popular, and symbolic aspect of the sword at all times and in all countries. This will truly serve as the definitive text on the subject for many years to come. ... Libraries of all kind should concider this as a valuable addition to their social historical collections and not simply as another weapons book with limited value."- ARBA, "...this encyclopedia is a most welcome addition to the field. This book should prove useful, and it is recommended for the reference collection of academic and large public libraries."- RQ, "...serves as both a glossary of fencing terms and a repository of facts concerning actors and films in which sword-play is prominent. Equal time is given to historical, mythical, and Japanese swordsmanship, so that this can be used as a literary reference as well as a sportsman's guide." College & Research Libraries News, "In regard to 20th-century fencing and the Anglo-American tradition, it is the best and most comprehensive reference book published thus far. It is the first to systematically devote space to cover swordplay in the movies, television, plup fiction, and comic books. The Encyclopedia also provides a refreshingly global perspective, uniting Western and Asian traditions, particularly in regard to Kendo and the related Japanese traditions. It provides answers for nearly all questions regarding the sword and its use in history, as well as starting points for much-needed critical investigation into modern fencing mythology." Hammesterz Forum

FormatHardcover

Dewey Edition20

Target AudienceCollege Audience

Number of Pages720 Pages