Medieval Weapons
In the days when possession of a sword meant elevation from yeomanry to nobility, when medieval weapons were named and passed from father to son, metalworking was an art form and a mastersmith could be elevated to godhood.
As armor evolved to resist current sword design, swordmaking evolved to meet the knights' new needs, changing over time in myriad subtle ways. The books here are about swords, weapons, and armor from ancient through medieval times.
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The
Book of the Sword by Richard Francis Burton Written in 1884, this book is an exhaustive (and exhausting for the readers), highly detailed account of the sword from the stone age to Roman times. However, the information is solid and there are few really good books currently available on ancient weaponry. |
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Records
of the Medieval Sword by R. Ewart Oakeshott Oakeshott's masterpiece, this is the definitive work on medieval swords from the earliest Scandinavian through the Renaissance. Completely defines each type, its shape and function. Engagingly written, a joy to read. This book is rare and the prices reflect it. |
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The
Archaeology of Weapons: Arms and Armour from Prehistory
to the Age of Chivalry by R. Ewart Oakeshott Lively and well-written history of the development of arms and armor covering 3000 years, with an emphasis on the middle ages. A very enjoyable overview of the archeological evidence and warfare of the times. |
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A
Glossary of the Construction, Decoration and Use of
Arms and Armor in All Countries and in All Times Together
With Some Closely Related Subjects by George Cameron Stone Stone's hobby run amok (his private collection boasted 4,000 items of European weaponry), this lengthy (over 700 pages) compendium covers East and West, with innumerable illustrations and photos. A terrific, if somewhat erratic, reference. |
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Medieval
Combat: A Fifteenth-Century Illustrated Manual of Swordfighting
and Close-Quarter Combat by Hans Talhoffer, Mark Rector, and John Clements The real deal from the 15th century - a modern English translation of master-at-arms Hans Talhoffer's German manual. 268 illustrations to help you picture what he's saying. This is how they really fought and killed in the middle ages. |
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Medieval
Swordsmanship: Illustrated Methods and Techniques by John Clements Clements, an acknowledged expert both in history and swordsmanship, provides a discussion of medieval warfare, the uses of the various weapons, and instructions for use. Very detailed, a wealth of illustrations. An outstanding resource for students of military history and martial arts. |
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A
Knight and His Weapons by R. Ewart Oakeshott Written for teens or beginners in the study, Oakeshott provides extensive historical information about all manner of weaponry - spears, lances, axes, maces, hammers, swords, daggers, and more - including how they were made and for what purposes. The author's companion volume to this work is entitled A Knight and His Armor. |
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The
Secret History of the Sword by J. Christopher Amberger Entertaining set of essays about European sword-fighting techniques from ancient combat through modern fencing. Includes a look at the Highland broadsword. These essays assume a prior knowledge of swordplay and military history, and would be most enjoyed by the afficionado. |
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The
Medieval Fortress: Castles, Forts and Walled Cities
of the Middle Ages by Joseph Kaufmann, illustrated by W.H. Kaufmann and Robert M. Jurga Both author and illustrators are experts in military history. Learn about castle architecture, fortification and weaponry from Britain to the Crusader castles of Middle East. Over 100 photographs and 400 technical illustrations, including details for each castle type. Has a 1,000-year timeline of important sieges. A very thorough reference for military and medieval history buffs. |