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Most helpful customer reviews
9 of 9 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars
If you own ONE book....,
By EgusHdus (Hua Hin, Thailand USA) - See all my reviews
This review is from: Samurai Sword (Hardcover)
This book is exactly what you need to understand the factors that determine rarity and value. It contains a comprehensive delineation of the varieties of each sword part, maker dates and places, and a good dose of relevant history to the development and use of the sword.This is not the ONLY book you need - but it should be the first. This small investment can literally save you thousands in mistaken purchases...you will quickly see why you should save your money, i.e. don't buy several $400 swords from Ebay, and rather purchase the "special" (albeit expensive) blade. There are too many hoaxers out there, and you need to visualize your purpose. Do you want a fragile 15th century relic? A modern (and very pricey) blade of Iaido practice? A WWII (and prior) collectible? What's the difference? Why be able to read the maker's mark? What difference doe it make? Do you want the master's blade, the student's blade or the machine made? Better find out the difference before you invest. Would you buy coins without a Redbook? Stamps without a Scotts'?
5 of 5 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars
Excellent introductory work,
By
This review is from: Samurai Sword (Hardcover)
Although not comprehensive this is an excellent introduction to sword appreciation and understanding. After a brief consideration of the main periods of Japanese history, which shouldn't overwhelm anybody since it's a just a brief overview, the author moves on to consider the major periods of swordmaking and their history. After these two brief history chapters the author goes on to discuss the different types and styles of swords, fittings, and other info. There are detailed discussions of all the features, including blade types and details, all the fittings, especially the tsuba, or guard (which is virtually a field unto itself), plus inscriptions, lists of famous swordmakers by historical period, and much other useful and practical information. The author was possibly the most prominent sword expert living outside of Japan at the time he wrote this book. It's excellent as an introduction to the field, or as a quick reference.
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
2.0 out of 5 stars
Don't waste your time,
By
This review is from: Samurai Sword (Hardcover)
While this book is meant to be an introduction of sorts, I found it to be utterly superficial. I feel that even an introductory book on the Japanese sword deserves more attention and detail than this.Furthermore, the text is entirely disjointed which makes for an uncomfortable read. It is as if someone cut out the introductory paragraphs of a much more robust account along with some poorly photocopied images and stuck them together and called this hodgepodge "a handbook". However, for some reason unknown to me, this book is well respected. Still, I suggest some other book though I have no suggestions for you at this time.
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