BRITISH & IRISH HISTORY. The British Isles have long been steeped in a rich heritage of ceremony and tradition, and there are few artefacts that evoke this culture so strongly as the ceremonial sword. Undertaking a monumental task to create a celebration of artistry, craft and tradition, author Edward Barrett travelled to over sixty locations, from Edinburgh to Exeter, Camarthen to Canterbury, on a 3,500-mile-long odyssey to inspect, document and measure the eighty-seven state and civic swords of Great Britain. This was followed by a further 1,000-mile journey around Ireland researching similar swords. The individual story behind each of these magnificent works of art is told in full, and the volume also explores the history of the sword, the scabbard and their manufacture, as well as of other ceremonial trappings of each location. With unique access to the Royal Collections and stunning full-colour images throughout, Edward Barrett more than brings this fascinating work to life.

Sharpen your knowledge of swords with Kristen B. Neuschel as she takes you through a captivating 1,000 years of French and English history. Living by the Sword reveals that warrior culture, with the sword as its ultimate symbol, was deeply rooted in ritual long before the introduction of gunpowder weapons transformed the battlefield. Neuschel argues that objects have agency and that decoding their meaning involves seeing them in motion: bought, sold, exchanged, refurbished, written about, displayed, and used in ceremony. Drawing on evidence about swords (from wills, inventories, records of armories, and treasuries) in the possession of nobles and royalty, she explores the meanings people attached to them from the contexts in which they appeared. These environments included other prestige goods such as tapestries, jewels, and tableware—all used to construct and display status. Living by the Sword draws on an exciting diversity of sources from archaeology, military and social history, literature, and material culture studies to inspire students and educated lay readers (including collectors and reenactors) to stretch the boundaries of what they know as the "war and culture" genre.

THIS BOOK IS PRINTED ON DEMAND BY AMAZON CREATESPACE FULLY UPDATED AND REVISED A full colour reference book and price guide for collectors of antique swords!! The book contains over 2000 full colour photographs, the majority of which have never been seen in print before. Each listing includes full colour photographs, a concise description and the current market value in both $US and Sterling. Over 2000 full colour photographs There are also comprehensive sections detailing the historical background for particular sword types and essential tips for collecting. Categories include: Infantry Swords Cavalry Swords Naval Swords Hunting Swords Smallswords Japanese Swords Care and Preservation of Antique Swords Sword Bibliography READ THE REVIEWS! "This beautifully produced volume...wide-ranging and eclectic work cataloguing a large selection of swords dating from medieval times to the demise of the sword as a combat weapon...gives the generalist the knowledge and confidence to identify and know the value of any commonly encountered sword..." Classic Arms and Militaria Magazine "Almost 300 pages of colourful photographs and informative text...is an entry level guide which also serves as a source of reference to the more experienced collector..." The Armourer Magazine "I am delighted to write the Foreword...because it gives a broad introduction to the types of swords that one might might find in the marketplace..." Professor Richard Holmes PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS BOOK IS PRINTED ON DEMAND BY AMAZON VIA CREATESPACE AND NOT THE PUBLISHER.

This new publication is intended to bring together a mass of research dealing with all aspects of British naval swords. Unlike the much sought after Swords of Sea Service by May and Annis, this work offers a far broader coverage and, for the first time, the complete story of swords and swordsmanship is presented in one concise volume. While the swords themselves are described the authors also tell the story of naval swordsmanship For exsample, subjects such as how swords and cutlasses were used in action and how training was conducted and covered. The authors also address how how the use of swords developed into a sport in the Navy, and how swords and swordsmanship may have entered naval symbology in such areas as ships' names. Many current myths are addressed and corrected, and the story is brought right up to date with information on the sport from 1948 to 2000. While the book concentrates on the Royal Navy, foreign weapons, including those of the Irish Naval Service, are mentioned where appropriate Other British Maritime organisations such as the Merchant Navy, the Customs and Coastguard Services, and the Reserves are also addressed The book also covers subjects such as dating, collecting, and conservation of swords and re-examines those swords attributed to Nelson. The Appendices include the first list of Swords of Peace awarded to naval units to be published. Recent research by the authors is also reflected in the updated lists of Patriotic Fund Awards, City of London Swords, and Naval fencing champions contained in the Appendicitises The comprehensive nature of the work has not been attempted before and the book will appeal to a wide range of naval enthusiasts and historians, collectors of weapons, fencers and re-enactors.

This new publication is intended to bring together a mass of research dealing with all aspects of British naval swords. Unlike the much sought after Swords of Sea Service by May and Annis, this work offers a far broader coverage and, for the first time, the complete story of swords and swordsmanship is presented in one concise volume. While the swords themselves are described the authors also tell the story of naval swordsmanship For exsample, subjects such as how swords and cutlasses were used in action and how training was conducted and covered. The authors also address how how the use of swords developed into a sport in the Navy, and how swords and swordsmanship may have entered naval symbology in such areas as ships' names. Many current myths are addressed and corrected, and the story is brought right up to date with information on the sport from 1948 to 2000. While the book concentrates on the Royal Navy, foreign weapons, including those of the Irish Naval Service, are mentioned where appropriate Other British Maritime organisations such as the Merchant Navy, the Customs and Coastguard Services, and the Reserves are also addressed The book also covers subjects such as dating, collecting, and conservation of swords and re-examines those swords attributed to Nelson. The Appendices include the first list of Swords of Peace awarded to naval units to be published. Recent research by the authors is also reflected in the updated lists of Patriotic Fund Awards, City of London Swords, and Naval fencing champions contained in the Appendicitises The comprehensive nature of the work has not been attempted before and the book will appeal to a wide range of naval enthusiasts and historians, collectors of weapons, fencers and re-enactors.

A simplistic and informative guide to British Cavalry Swords that does not claim to be an academic treatise. The essential features are demonstrated by photographs and descriptions of swords from the author's own collection, supported by sketches of sword hilts that have not been generally publicised.