Cut and Thrust

The Book of Swords by Hank Reinhardt
Riverdale, NY, Baen, c2009.
235 p. ; 24 cm.

This book, written by a sword aficionado, is a great introduction to the history of swords and their use by humans. Since the writer is passionate about the subject and is not an academic, there is a fresh and personal tone to the writing. Reinhardt, had spent most of his adult life collecting, testing, talking about, and reading about swords and he brings this to his writing on the subject.

The reader will learn about early metallurgy and the development of iron and steel weaponry. Reinhardt is interested in explaining the basic structure and function of swords - and dispelling myths about swords.

This book should appeal to any reader with a passing interest in the subject of swords, but especially to any students interested in Roman, Viking, or Medieval times - or fantasy fiction where swords play a major role. The book also benefits from generous illustrations that are clear and supportive of the text.