Review by Joseph P. Tartaro | Executive Editor
THE SWORD: Myth & Reality, by Thomas Laible. ©2015. Published by Schiffer Publishing Ltd., 4880 Lower Valley Rd., Dept. TGM, Atglen, PA 19310; phone: 610-593-1777; online: schifferbooks.com. Large 8¾x11¼, illustrated hard cover, 240 pages. MSRP $50, but available at online booksellers for about $35.
Gun enthusiasts are not the only people with a lasting fascination for swords. Whether inspired by old swashbuckler films or futuristic laser swordplay, men and women of all ages, nations and backgrounds have played at swordsmanship starting in childhood.
That fascination for the big blades is also evident at gun and knife shows, and inspires modern bladesmiths. Small wonder: there is a certain heroism identified with swords that have been with us—in some form—for thousands of years. This book, originally written and published in German in 2010, doesn’t spend much time in discussing or illustrating the sword much before medieval times. However, it does a very thorough job of classifying sword types, explaining and illustrating how and why each type was designed and built in its own special way.
The illustrations range from full-color—sometimes full page—photos and art to detailed cross-sectional drawings and diagrams of swords divided generally by the centuries in which they were made and used.
The various parts of the sword from blade tip to pommel are explained, including the purpose of each part as it changed throughout the history of the sword, or changes in the type of combat because of changes in armor. The reasoning behind the single-handed and two-handed swords are explained as well as the sabers and even the lighter, later period rapier.
There are also explanations of the different styles of swordsmanship; for example, the fact that fencing lessons changed over time to include fighting with daggers, either in both hands or as an adjunct to the longer-reach sword.
This book is also an enjoyable read, enhanced by a nice mix of illustrations that bring the reader to a greater understanding of the subject.
After a forward and introduction to the history of the sword, the book is divided into ten chapters; each subdivided, and concludes with an Appendix divided into five parts and an Index. The Appendix divisions include more details on pommel and cross-guard shapes, German weapons law on the sword, a list of important addresses, a bibliography and categories page index. As an example, Chapter 9, “The Samurai Sword as an Object of Comparison,” is subdivided in a history of the development of the Japanese sword and a comparison between the Katana and European long sword.
The final chapter, perhaps fittingly, deals with The Lord of the Rings and other movie swords—something most people are familiar with because of popular culture. If you’ve ever exhibited an interest in swords and swordsmanship, this is a highly enjoy source for further study.
