Katana: The Samurai Sword: No. 5 (Weapon) - Softcover

I found this to be a fascinating read and I would strongly recommend it to anyone interested in the samurai period. Without doubt an easy 10/10. --Miniature Wargames

Written by the leading western expert on medieval Japan, Dr Stephen Turnbull, this is a well written and interesting book. Turnbull challenges the misconception of the Katana as the Samurai s primary weapon while not belittling its huge social impact. The book is filled with colour illustrations, photographs and plates and also with colourful descriptions of the famous Japanese sword masters and their exploits. --HistoryofWar.org

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.