The samurai sword: a symbol of the spirit of old Japan; it embodies the samurais steel discipline; unswerving devotion and peerless skill. With its creation; a feat of craftsmanship passed down by generations of artisans; the samurai sword is generally considered to be superior even to the famed blades of Western Damascus and Toledo. The Samurai Sword Handbook is a precise exploration of the samurai sword designed for sword collectors as well as anyone intrigued by these ancient blades. Detailing the origins and development of the samurai sword; its historical background; styles; famous schools and differences in construction; this revised edition of the classic reference outlines methods of identifying and researching the sword; as well as caring for it properly. This must-have for sword lovers is sure to be a bestseller.Topics of this Samurai book include:Japanese History and the Samurai SwordTypes of swordsParts of the swordBlade shape; construction; and grainThe making of the swordInscriptions and their readingsCare and maintenanceAppraisal and valueRelative point values
#3176435 in eBooks 2013-01-08 2013-01-08File Name: B00ATLAYV0
Review
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. Excellent how-to plus history of world calligraphyBy Linda Lohse-LangeI have taught over 200 courses in calligraphy; and when my students asked what calligraphy book I would recommend if they wanted to buy only one; I told them to look at Margaret Shepherds calligraphy books. She has written many.This one is fun as well as instructional. You can start in any chapter of the book with whatever area of the world you prefer. She has remembered to include Sci-Fi fans!If you have a child as young as 10 years old interested in art and/or history; this would be a good resource to springboard them into the beauty cultures of the world. Margaret teaches the basics; supplies ample guideline charts; and encourages creativity. I couldnt pass up this one; although I already own dozens of calligraphy books.5 of 5 people found the following review helpful. Infinite riches in a little roomBy Lay readerThis book has gems on every page; even for the non-calligrapher; like me. Who knew that the Chinese write in vertical lines because originally they wrote on bamboo slats? (p. 76). Or who invented the ubiquitous Greek-key takeout coffee cup and why? (p. 110) Or that Cyrillic was once the alphabet of eighty languages from Bulgaria to Mongolia? (p. 163)My only complaint is that its too packed; Id like more white space; a blank page or two; a breather!Because of its many insights; multi-culturalism; and beauty; not to mention its low price; this is the perfect holiday gift for everyone.1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Awesome resource!By CustomerI have started researching manuscripts and calligraphy in a couple of languages and found this book to be a very valuable resource for anybody interested in expanding their calligraphy knowledge or get some ideas for future projects. I have been able to adapt some of the alphabets to meet my needs and found it easy and user-friendly. Even my 7 year-old found this book very exciting to look at as it is not only full of a variety of applications per language but also has many pictures of uses of calligraphy in the foreign language as well as very engaging English adaptations of them. Highly recommended especially for teachers interested in integrating World Studies into their new Common Core curriculum.