Complete Encyclopedia of Knives, Swords, Spears and Daggers

With over 1500 colour photographs and illustrations, and written by leading experts in the field, this beautiful guide is essential reading for everybody interested in the conflicts, sharp weapons and warriors that have created and shaped history.¿

Since sharpened tools emerged, almost 1 million years ago, edged weapons have played an incredible role in the shaping of human history. As well as being deadly weapons of war, they have been used all over the world to hunt for food, and to battle for honour. This comprehensive encyclopedia of edged weapons is both an authoritative reference work and a stunning visual directory, explaining the development of these weapons through the centuries, describing the weapons capabilities and individual specifications.

Tracing the fascinating history of swords, sabers, lances, daggers fighting knives and bayonets, from their Palaeolithic origins through to the 21st century. The book reviews the development of each weapon and how the military tactics have shaped the great civilizations of ancient Egypt, Rome and Greece. The book looks at the significance of the sword in the mystical traditions of the Celts, delves into the world of the medieval knights and crusades, as well as how the Middle Eastern armies fought. The decorated daggers of Persia and the exquisite knives of Japan are also examined.

The directory is among the most comprehensive visual reference works of their kind published for the general reader, and present a superb pictorial guide featuring more than 750 examples of sharp edged weapons, from the pole arms and ballock daggers of medieval Europe, and the cavalry sabers of the 17th century to the swords of the Russian Empire and classic commando knives of World War II.