The Book of Swords

by Hank Reinhardt

Book Overview

The Book of Swords This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 143913281X
• ISBN13: 9781439132814
• Release Date: August 2009
• Publisher: Baen Books
• Length: 235 Pages
• Weight: 0.95 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.0" x 6.3" x 9.4"

Customer Reviews

Humility, Honor and Humor all rolled into One

In a society fraught with habitual hype and melodrama, especially in the arena of martial arts, which includes Western martial practices of the sword, Hank Reinhardt has always been a beacon of empirical pragmatism, never taking himself too seriously, yet always applying his research methods utilizing good science. This book reflects this realism, not merely as an ideal with which to aspire, but through solid documentation. Unfortunately, Hank died an untimely death before this book could actually be completed, but fortunately, Hank also had completed a rough draft, from which the editors of his estate were able to compile this work. Divided in fourteen chapters, the book is organized into something of a historical chronology of the sword's evolution through mankind's progression, ending with chapters addressing the basic techniques and mindset attributed to the sword's potential applications in battle, single duels and in friendly competitions. In the early chapters of this manuscript, Hank delves into the science of the sword's fundamental make up from bronze to iron to steel, giving the reader the facts of a sword's basic structure, which, in effect limits the sword's elemental function. In his usual matter-of-fact, yet humble way, the myths established about the sword are squished in a hurry. Various sword types are elaborated on in subsequent chapters, discussing the Eastern sword types, including the Japanese swords, as well as Near/Mid-Eastern swords, as well the those swords commonly found originating from Western Europe, from the time of pre-Bronze age through to the late Iron Age. Not only does Hank discuss the sword through good research from reliable and credible sources and his own empirical experiments, he addresses the issue of armor, which was often in race with the offensive arms creators to negate the effectiveness of the sword's capacity to kill. Hank constantly stresses to the reader the importance of understanding the context in which the sword was used and how it evolved--this means understanding the social context, the political context, the economical context and cultural aspects under which people lived and died. He warned directly and indirectly about evaluating the sword, and all weapons of this time frame, under the context of our current contemporary cultural and societal influences. To do would be great folly in seeing the sword clearly. The one weakness of the book, and this is no reflection on Hank Reinhardt, but is merely inherent in the nature of the book and how it had to be completed and that is a feeling of incompleteness with some of the chapters. Hank did die before he could complete this book. Hanks style of writing is as though each reader is talking privately with Hank and he is conveying his personal story to each individual reader. The excellent aspect of this is the reader makes a connection and assimilates the wisdom in a seamless fashion. However, the downside is that, even though the

Most excellent and practical.

The only book of swordsmanship that discusses the mechanics of cutting in detail with relevant explanations. This may be the book I have waited years to read. The insight and practical knowledge expressed by not only his scholarship but years of experimentation is invaluable. This is a must have for any scholar of the sword and its use.

Closing the gap

There are many books written about swords, but like most history they all have the same fault, a vast distance between author and subject. This book represents a valiant effort to close that distance with more than 60 years of research backed up by experiment. Want to know how effective armour was? Well Hank Reinhardt cut it with both replica and original weapons. Have you ever wondered how encumbering maele was? Hear it from a man who ran two miles a day in it. Where fighting is concerned the author begins with an experiment at the age of thirteen and ends with sparring in his seventies. Along the way he examines first hand accounts of historical combat and compares them with modern street fights witnessed by the author. Is it the most complete book about arms and armour? Reinhardt himself awards that honour to Oakshot and Burton. However, it is likely the most practical and unique of our time, and it certainly closes much of the gap left by the likes of Oakshot.

A must read for anyone interested in swords.

Hank Reinhardt dedicated his life to learning the truth about swords, from how they were made to how they were used. This book contains information that anyone interested in learning more about swords should have. "The Book of Swords" offers a wealth of knowledge on a variety of topics specific to swords of all types. Some of the topics covered include: the history of the sword from bronze age to modern times, the metallurgy, the different fighting styles, and development of different sowrds. In this book, you will see that Hank Reinhardt spent time not only learning to use swords but how to use a sword correctly through research, experimentation and sparring. Whether a person has a casual interest, or is a serious student of swordplay the book has something for everyone. One of the most striking things of "The Book of Swords" is the ease of reading. Hank Reinhardt not only had a passion for swords and swordsmanship, but also to share this information. And it shows in this insightful and knowledgeable work. It is a book that you will find yourself reading and referencing again and again.

No hype, no myths, real, logical info about swords.

This fantastic book reads like a conversation with the author. Reinhardt was known for his hospitality and eagerness to teach. His book reads very much like he is across the room with you in a comfortable chair telling you about his life's research. The book's conclusions are backed up with the author's real world experiments with what works in sparring, armor tests, and cutting. He is humorous at times but always factual, and he tells you when he is stating a theory. He is critical of misinformation and dispells myths when they pollute the modern knowledge of swords and swordmanship. The book covers the chronology, geography, metallurgy, and use of swords going all the way back to the dawn of the bronze age. Hank Reinhardt spent decades testing weapons and reverse engineering fighting styles based on historical evidence. He destroyed equipment most people are not willing to part with. He travelled the world and handled many historical examples. This book will save you years of theorizing and move your study of the sword forward significantly. As one of his former students, this is a chance to meet Hank Reinhardt and get a no-nonsense history of swords.