Swords and Daggers: An Illustrated Handbook (Dover Military History, Weapons, Armor)

This attractively illustrated handbook on European cut-and-thrust weapons will appeal to steady customers of Dover books on military weapons and armor. The carefully researched, crisply written text traces the origin and development of swords and daggers from ancient times to the twentieth century, considering their importance as tools of battle and their dress and ceremonial significance. Captioned illustrations for nearly 250 weapons depict bronze swords made almost 3,000 years ago, arms of the medieval period, and bladed weapons used by fighting men of the twentieth century. Notes on collecting and classifying swords and daggers are also included.