The Encyclopedia of the Sword - by Nick Evangelista (Hardcover)

About the Book

From the gruff, sword-toting swashbucklers of the Middle Ages to modern adventure epics like The Princess Bride, the aura surrounding the sword is one that is both romantic and pragmatic. Thoughts of this weapon bring to mind images of the Knights of the Round Table, Zorro, the Three Musketeers--the things daydreams are made of. Historically, the fate of the empires revolved around the sword; nations rose and fell based on the power of their swordsmen. For centuries it was the weapon of choice in settling personal disputes. Today, the art of sword fighting has been incarnated as the dynamic, chess-like sport of fencing. It has also played an important part in the history of theatre and film, and it has been part of literature for as long as there have been books. In its varied guises, the sword has for centuries figured in the world's varied cultures, myths, and politics.

Yet, there has never been a comprehensive volume on the subject of the sword until the publication of this encyclopedia. For the first time, in a single volume one can locate information on the history of sword types and styles around the world; techniques of combat sword use; techniques and styles of modern sport fencing; names and descriptions of various fencing implements and weapon types; swashbuckler films and the fencing masters who influenced the genre; significant individuals who have taught sword use; the sword at the Olympics; the literature in which the rapier, foil, or broadsword has figured; and much, much more. Essential reading for fencing and military history enthusiasts.

Book Synopsis

From the gruff, sword-toting swashbucklers of the Middle Ages to modern adventure epics like The Princess Bride, the aura surrounding the sword is one that is both romantic and pragmatic. Thoughts of this weapon bring to mind images of the Knights of the Round Table, Zorro, the Three Musketeers--the things daydreams are made of. Historically, the fate of the empires revolved around the sword; nations rose and fell based on the power of their swordsmen. For centuries it was the weapon of choice in settling personal disputes. Today, the art of sword fighting has been incarnated as the dynamic, chess-like sport of fencing. It has also played an important part in the history of theatre and film, and it has been part of literature for as long as there have been books. In its varied guises, the sword has for centuries figured in the world's varied cultures, myths, and politics.

Yet, there has never been a comprehensive volume on the subject of the sword until the publication of this encyclopedia. For the first time, in a single volume one can locate information on the history of sword types and styles around the world; techniques of combat sword use; techniques and styles of modern sport fencing; names and descriptions of various fencing implements and weapon types; swashbuckler films and the fencing masters who influenced the genre; significant individuals who have taught sword use; the sword at the Olympics; the literature in which the rapier, foil, or broadsword has figured; and much, much more. Essential reading for fencing and military history enthusiasts.

Review Quotes

.,."serves as both a glossary of fencing terms and a repository of facts concerning actors and films in which sword-play is prominent. Equal time is given to historical, mythical, and Japanese swordsmanship, so that this can be used as a literary reference as well as a sportsman's guide."-College & Research Libraries News

.,."this encyclopedia is a most welcome addition to the field. This book should prove useful, and it is recommended for the reference collection of academic and large public libraries."-RQ

?...serves as both a glossary of fencing terms and a repository of facts concerning actors and films in which sword-play is prominent. Equal time is given to historical, mythical, and Japanese swordsmanship, so that this can be used as a literary reference as well as a sportsman's guide.?-College & Research Libraries News

?...this encyclopedia is a most welcome addition to the field. This book should prove useful, and it is recommended for the reference collection of academic and large public libraries.?-RQ

?Evangelista has succeeded admirably in achieving his aim of bringing "all aspects of sword knowledge under one roof.?-European Studies Journal

?In regard to 20th-century fencing and the Anglo-American tradition, it is the best and most comprehensive reference book published thus far. It is the first to systematically devote space to cover swordplay in the movies, television, plup fiction, and comic books. The Encyclopedia also provides a refreshingly global perspective, uniting Western and Asian traditions, particularly in regard to Kendo and the related Japanese traditions. It provides answers for nearly all questions regarding the sword and its use in history, as well as starting points for much-needed critical investigation into modern fencing mythology.?-Hammesterz Forum

?The Encyclopedia of the Sword is the first comprehensive treatment of the weapon that has played a key role in human history. Evangelista has assembled a massive amount of information about virtually every artistic, cultural, historical, literary, popular, and symbolic aspect of the sword at all times and in all countries. This will truly serve as the definitive text on the subject for many years to come. ... Libraries of all kind should concider this as a valuable addition to their social historical collections and not simply as another weapons book with limited value.?-ARBA

..."serves as both a glossary of fencing terms and a repository of facts concerning actors and films in which sword-play is prominent. Equal time is given to historical, mythical, and Japanese swordsmanship, so that this can be used as a literary reference as well as a sportsman's guide."-College & Research Libraries News

..."this encyclopedia is a most welcome addition to the field. This book should prove useful, and it is recommended for the reference collection of academic and large public libraries."-RQ

"Evangelista has succeeded admirably in achieving his aim of bringing "all aspects of sword knowledge under one roof."-European Studies Journal

"The Encyclopedia of the Sword is the first comprehensive treatment of the weapon that has played a key role in human history. Evangelista has assembled a massive amount of information about virtually every artistic, cultural, historical, literary, popular, and symbolic aspect of the sword at all times and in all countries. This will truly serve as the definitive text on the subject for many years to come. ... Libraries of all kind should concider this as a valuable addition to their social historical collections and not simply as another weapons book with limited value."-ARBA

"In regard to 20th-century fencing and the Anglo-American tradition, it is the best and most comprehensive reference book published thus far. It is the first to systematically devote space to cover swordplay in the movies, television, plup fiction, and comic books. The Encyclopedia also provides a refreshingly global perspective, uniting Western and Asian traditions, particularly in regard to Kendo and the related Japanese traditions. It provides answers for nearly all questions regarding the sword and its use in history, as well as starting points for much-needed critical investigation into modern fencing mythology."-Hammesterz Forum

About the Author

NICK EVANGELISTA is a Fencing Master who was trained in Europe and the United States and who teaches both sport and theatrical fencing. In addition, he is a freelance writer and has been a fencing technical consultant to the film industry.