The Book of the Sword

Rating:
Summary: A must for sword and fencing enthusiasts!
Review: Written in 1884, this book is full of the history and lore of the sword. Richard Burton (not the actor)was a historian, an explorer, and a fencer, and he managed to blend all three interests in this fascinating biography of "the Queen of Weapons." His passion for the sword is obvious as he follows it from its origins in prehistory to Roman times. For Burton, no praise is too great, no detail too small when it comes to the sword. He had a burning desire to illuminate, to tell what he knew, and this he did with the full force of a tidal wave. Originally planned as the first of three volumes, THE BOOK OF THE SWORD unfortunately sold poorly when it was first published, so the later volumes never materialized. Today, the book is recognized for the work of art it truly is. As a fencing master and writer, I recommend this book highly.

Rating:
Summary: A third of the history of the Sword
Review: Written in 1884, this book is full of the history and lore of the sword. Richard Burton was a historian, an explorer, and a fencer. His love of the sword is obvious as he follows it from its origins in prehistory to Roman times. You can tell that Burton believed no detail too small when it comes to the sword. He had a burning desire to tell what he knew, and this he did with great detail. It is obvious that this was to be a multi-volume series. Though written well....I was looking for information that would have been in Volume II. Since the series will never be complete; the title should be altered to include the time period reviewed. (With that done it would be 5 star, but I would have not bought it.)