SAMURAI: THE WEAPONS AND SPIRIT OF THE JAPANESE WARRIOR.

London: Salamander, 2001. 144 pp, 4to (11 1/4" H). Profusely illustrated in colour and b&w with photographs and reproductions. "Following decades of painstaking research, the author provides an intriguing, scholarly, yet highly readable history of these fascinating weapons and the men who made and fought with them. This wonderfully illustrated book displays in spectacular photographs, most of which are in colour and many of which have never been published before, the most important samurai weapons of all - various types of long and short swords, polearms, bows and arrows, and firearms - as well as the dramatic forms of head and body armour designed specifically for samurai-versus-samurai combat. The spirit of the samurai lives on today in the practitioners of iaido, kendo, and the other marital arts. Japanese swords in particular are still made today, using centuries-old techniques, and may be seen as another embodiment of the samurai ethic. Although they have no practical application outside of martial arts, the artistic properties inherent in their construction can only be admired. Now, as always, the weapons and armour of the samurai, as well as being incredibly efficient in their terrible work, have a beauty of both form and texture greatly appreciated throughout the world and are of immense fascination to the modern collector and military history enthusiast alike." 3" dia. area of air bubbling under paper on rear board. Dust jacket has light edgewear/wrinkling - mainly at top/bottom of spine and flap-folds, very light rubbing, a few light line indentations and small closed tear on rear panel - archivally taped.. Not Signed. Hard Cover. Very Good/Very Good.