This book is a brief history of the sword in Europe from earliest times to the present, illustrated with more than fifty prime examples from some of the best-known collections. It is the least expensive and most concise guide available, forming a ready reference for the collector and a good introduction to the novice. It covers chronologically swords of the classical era, the middle ages and modern times, both military and civilian. It also gives a guide to further reading on the subject and museums with good collections of swords.