The Japanese Sword (Japanese Arts Library)

The samurai sword was more than a weapon, it was literally an identity. These swords were so carefully crafted for hundreds of years. The japanese officers who carried them, truly considered themselves to be samurai. Although the ancient samurai had been forced to evolve into the modern soldiers of Japan. To be forced to give up one's sword was like having to give up one's very life to the japanese. The samurai sword was a badge of honor to the japanese officers. The wearing of these swords, was tied up in japanese history and culture. The way of the samurai was completely enmeshed in japanese society. American forces sought out the samurai swords are prizes of war. But to the japanese who wore them, these swords were like a very essential part of their existence. JRV

I have been looking for a book that I could research the making and history behind Japanese swords. There is so much more to it than the typical " Katana " I was so happy to get this book and I got it the very next day in great condition. Thanks for the wonderful item .

Katana and Wakizashi are masterpieces rather than simple weapons.Kanzan Sato has planned an exhaustive history through the centuries of these swords andthe sequence of pictures concerning stiles and shapes help the reader in the best understandingof the written part of the book. An excellent study about the technical work of the artisans gives more and more information about the japanese sword.

This was a very interesting book...and it wasnt even for me! I bought it for my husband's birthday but I even read the whole thing because it was so neat. It was a great quality book too, nice bindings and a very sturdy construction, with a beautiful dust jacket. I only wish it had more color photos.

This is a great book that talks about the history and development of nihonto with fantastic images of blades and their fittings. The only thing i found odd is that my book has a different cover than the one pictured above in fact it had two dust jackets on it not complaining just a heads up i suppose if you were wanting that exact cover ;)

Great information, awesome illustrations, teaches the reader very well. Im not a sword appraising expert, but at least now i can see what to look for. really changes how you look at japanese swords and swords in general

Excellent resource with lots of information on how Katanas are made, and what they are made of. Studying for my 2nd degree Blackbelt and this book has been a big help.

A beautiful book detailing the iconic Japanese sword, the katana. Beautiful images. Lots of detail.

Everything as expected, Excellent choice, great purchase.

Book contents are very good as expected from the displayed book, the Outer Dust Jackets it not as displayed , however the contents are exactly the same, overall pleased with my purchase

A nice introduction book to the magical world of the japanese sword. Both text and pictures are very nice. Recommended

very good book

This is a nicely presented book - it has a stylish cover and lots of nice photographs in it, but its a pretty boring read if your just casually interested in japanese swords. I found it poorly written, with just lots of names and dates strung together as paragraphs, and so not very interesting.