Ultimate Illustrated Guide to Knives, Swords, Daggers and Blades

This is a detailed history in two volumes of the development of daggers, fighting knives, bayonets, swords, sabers and lances, from the Stone Age through to the latest utilitarian designs. It is a visual reference to over 750 weapons of the world, arranged by time period and geographical area, along with specifications of date, origin and length. It is perfect for the serious collector and keen enthusiast alike, and a superb sourcebook and reference work for military historians, curators, academics and experts on edged weaponry of all periods. It is lavishly illustrated throughout with more than 1500 photographs and fine art images. This comprehensive boxed set offers two authoritative encyclopedias on sharp-edged weapons through history and around the world. The first section of each book is a fascinating overview of edged weapons, from the pole arms and ballock daggers of medieval Europe, and the cavalry sabers of the 17th century to the swords of the Russian Empire and classic commando knives of World War II. The second sections offer complete visual directories, featuring each weapon's capabilities and individual specification. With over 1500 illustrations, this is essential reading for everybody interested in the history of military conflicts and sharp weapons.