An authoritative history and visual directory of edged weapons from around the world, shown in over 600 stunning photographs. A comprehensive illustrated guide to more than 500 edged weapons from around the world, focusing on eras of historical and military significance such as the Napoleonic Wars and the American Civil War; the directory is arranged by time period and geographical area, along with specifications of date, origin and length; written by a leading antique sword expert and illustrated with over 600 photographs and artworks and perfect for the professional collector and keen enthusiast alike, and a superb reference for military historians. This beautifully presented book traces the history of swords, sabres, spears and lances from Paleolithic origins to the twentieth-centure demise of the sword as a military weapon. At the heart of the book is a comprehensive and fully illustrated directory, featuring more than 500 examples from around the world. From the swords and spears of Ancient Egypt to the swords of the Russian empire, each entry is accompanied by a photograph of the weapon and key details.The 500 photographs and illustrations of these extraordinary pieces of craftmanship will fascinate anyone interested in the conflicts and weapons that have shaped our history.