The Connoisseur's Book of Japanese Swords

Upon first opening this book and flipping through the pages, I said to myself "Wow, this is a lot of information". From an exhaustive history of the different schools of smiths and their names, to the illustrated pages of different Hamon and Boshi patterns, I feel that this is a most complete workup on the Japanese katana. The information that is in this book is enormous. I knew quite a bit about Japanese swords, but after reading this book, I feel fully equipped to have a conversation with even the most knowledgable. Although I am unable to memorize all of the information in this book, I have found this to be a great reference material that I am constantly using. This is definately a book that should be in your collection if you are involved with katanas on any level and would like to know more.

One of the best reference books for the assessment of Japanese Swords. Period.

This is book is really good if you are into sword collecting or making them. There are a lot of sword styles, shapes, variuos eras and their style properties in different areas, certain school and their properties, hamon and steel folding pattern types and their names. Note that in this book you wont get exact photos for referrence but you will learn a a lot about swords and understand them better.

No one interested in Japanese swords can do without it.

The books is very detailed, descriptive and for any beginner, a must! There may not be any/many pictures, but what it provides is a good basis on kantei. A must have!

A larger than expected book with loads of detail. This is a reference book so if you are looking for a casual read with all pictures then this is not for you. It has many drawings and sketches to supplement the text. It is very comprehensive with history and sword smiths details over the history of Japan and the key differences between periods, regions and smiths.It will take some time to read through and absorb the detail. This is a key book if you want early history and different sword smiths in Japan.

I was extremely happy with the price Amazon was able to come up on this book after years and years of searching for it. To find it at a very reasonable price was very refreshing

Amazing book with far more information than i expected to find. Enough knowledge to order a custom sword being specific in every detail. A truly great source of knowledge.

The book was well received as a present for our Professor. The book was also delivered as promised, on time and in the condition promised. Great buy.

A great book. Very informative and technical, clearly explained with good illustrations.Don't buy a sword without first reading this.

This is just a new edition of a well known reference book. Among the many books concerning the Japanese swords Nagayama's book holds arguably the top position, being the reference based on what all the other books are judged. This edition is faithful to the original one and it is definitely a must have for every serious Japanese swords enthusiast. Opposed to some other oppinions, I consider this book equally suitable for the beginner as it is well and clearly written, thus accessible to all who want to elevate their knowledge about the Japanese swords.

In diesem Buch bekommt man Informationen über alle Schwertschmiedeschulen und ihre Besonderheiten, über alle Jahrhunderte.Sehr ausführlich mit zahlreichen sehr gut verdeutlichenden Abbildungen.Ein sehr gutes Sachbuch für den tief Interessierten und Sammler alter japanischer Schwerter.

le livre a avoir dans sa bibliothèque pour les amateurs voir plus des sabres japonais