Katana: The Samurai Sword by Stephen Turnbull (English) Paperback Book

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The Samurai sword of Japan is probably the finest edged weapon ever made. This title reveals the story of how and why it achieved this distinction. It focuses on the development of the familiar blade from the original straight blades, the associated development of Japan's famous steel-making techniques and the challenges from contemporary warfare.

FORMATPaperback LANGUAGEEnglish CONDITIONBrand New Publisher Description

The Samurai sword of Japan is probably the finest edged weapon ever made. This volume by leading Samurai expert Stephen Turnbull reveals the story of how and why it achieved this distinction. Particular attention is paid to the development of the familiar curved blade from the original straight blades, the associated development of Japan's famous steel-making techniques and the challenges from contemporary warfare. Together with the technical details of forging, polishing, mounting and testing; this volume is brought to life with details of the great swordmakers themselves. Moreover, no history of the sword would be complete without a detailed examination of its use in combat, from the greatest Samurai armies to individual duels and revenge killings. Personal accounts allow the reader to discover the art of Japanese swordsmanship in the hands of masters such as Miyamoto Musashi to the unnamed Japanese warrior defending his family's honour. This lively text is perfectly complemented by artwork reconstructions of the sword in use and colour photographs of the swords in use.

Author Biography

Stephen Turnbull took his first degree at Cambridge University, and has two MAs (in Theology and Military History) from Leeds University. In 1996 he received a PhD from Leeds for his work on Japanese religious history. He travels extensively in Europe and the Far East and also runs a well-used picture library. His work has been recognized by the awarding of the Canon Prize of the British Association for Japanese Studies and a Japan Festival Literary Award. In 2008 he was appointed Visiting Professor of Japanese Studies at Akita International University in Japan. Stephen Turnbull currently divides his time between lecturing in Japanese Religion and History at Leeds University and freelance writing.

Table of Contents

Introduction /Development /Use /Impact /Conclusion

Promotional

The Samurai sword was revolutionary in terms of its design and the impact it had on Japanese society. This book reveals the development and use across the centuries of one of the finest edged weapons in military history.

Promotional "Headline"

The Samurai sword was revolutionary in terms of its design and the impact it had on Japanese society. This book reveals the development and use across the centuries of one of the finest edged weapons in military history.

Details ISBN1849081514 Author Johnny Shumate Language English ISBN-10 1849081514 ISBN-13 9781849081511 Media Book Format Paperback Illustrator Johnny Shumate Series Weapon Year 2010 Imprint Osprey Publishing Place of Publication Osprey Country of Publication United Kingdom DEWEY 623.4410952 Pages 80 Series Number 5 Short Title WEAPON #05 KATANA UK Release Date 2010-11-20 Publication Date 2010-11-20 NZ Release Date 2010-11-20 Translated from English Illustrations 12 b/w; 20 col Subtitle The Samurai Sword Publisher Bloomsbury Publishing PLC Audience General AU Release Date 2012-05-19 We've got this

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