Overview

Author Colin M. Roach collaborated with top-level artisans, historians, and martial arts experts to create a unique, in-depth study of these magnificent weapons from a historical, iconographical, and technological perspective. In addition to a foreword by seventh degree iaido black belt Nicklaus Suino and a sidebar by Mukansa-level polisher Abe Kazunori, Japanese Swords includes rare looks into the world of Mukansa-level swordsmiths Kawachi Kunihira and Gassan Sadatoshi. Complemented by hundreds of stunning high-resolution photos and a DVD, Japanese Swords is a must-have addition to any Japanophile's library.

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In order to truly understand the Japanese sword in its entirety one must, Roach suggests, appreciate the unique sociological, spiritual, and metallurgical environment in which it evolved. With this at the core of his book, he vividly tracks the fundame

In order to truly understand the Japanese sword in its entirety one must, Roach suggests, appreciate the unique sociological, spiritual, and metallurgical environment in which it evolved. With this at the core of his book, he vividly tracks the fundamental transition from the sword as a mythological instrument to a functional tool for war, and finally to the display art commodity it is today. --Publishers Weekly

Beautiful photographs of swords, pictures of sword craftsmen at work, and illustrations of Japanese art and artifacts complement the thorough, scholarly text. <i>Maine Antique Digest</i>

This oversized 176-page hardcover is overflowing with color and black-and-white photographs. --Black Belt

Author Information

Colin M. Roach has a passion for Japan's archetypal warrior culture and has trained with some of the top teachers of aikido and iaido in Japan and America. His previous publications include: The Sword of Compassion and The Yama Oroshi Dojo and the Art of Traditional Japanese Swordsmanship. He lives in Utah with his family.

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