The Samurai Sword: A Handbook by John M. Yumoto

The Samurai Sword: A Handbook

by John M. Yumoto

Hardcover in good condition.  1992. No dust jacket. No marks or inscriptions.

The Samurai Sword has long been considered the symbol of the spirit of old Japan. It has been said to be the embodiment of the samurai's code, the expression of his steel discipline, unswerving devotion, and peerless skill. It is, in addition, one of the most outstanding examples of Japan's tradition of highly skilled craftsmanship. The product of the tireless efforts of hereditary artisans, whose sole purpose in life was the achievement of perfection in their craft, the samurai sword is indeed a beautiful work of art as well as a formidable weapon. In the opinion of informed critics, both the workmanship and quality of the Japanese sword far surpass that of the Western Damascus and Toledo blades of folklore fame.

Surprisingly, there are a greater number of these swords in America today than there are in Japan. During the U.S. occupation of Japan after the end of the Pacific War, countless servicemen collected these swords, perhaps without fully realizing thier value, and brought them back to the United States as souvenirs. The number of such swords is estimated to be between 250,000 and 350,000.

The present volume is the first book of its kind in English. It is a complete handbook of the samurai sword. The informative text deals with the origins and development of the sword, its historical background, the various types of swords, their parts, styles, and differences in construction, the art of the swordsmith, the famous schools, the problem of identification and evaluation, and the care and maintenance of the sword.

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