By The Sword Stikes Entertaining Chord With History Buffs

The book "By the Sword" ìs a work that covers a number of aspects of the history of swords and swordsmanship. This work takes a look at how the steel blade has had an impact on different cultures across the globe. Richard Cohen, the author, has written quite an engaging and entertaining narrative that delves ìnto an understanding of swords ìn battles and ìn ceremonial usage.

The author obviously spent a great deal of time researching the history of various combat methods used by swords. His work culturally spans from the gladiators of the ancient Roman period all the way to the modern masters of fencing ìn today's world and everything ìn between, all ìn an entertaining style that holds the readers attention.

In Part One of "By the Sword", the use of the sword by ancient Egyptians through the use of the steel blade during the Battle of Waterloo ìs covered. It also delves ìnto detail about the use of the swords ìn the hands of gladiators and how the weapons were used ìn their battles. He also provides some insight ìnto the brutality of the gladiatorial matches and the rewards that were enjoyed by the survivors.

Part Two of "By the Sword" goes on to provide information on the finesse of handling the sword and goes ìnto the rich history of the art and practice of swordsmanship. There ìs detail about how one can manage and maintain the sword thrust ìn perfect form. Part Two also talks about the important role of the sword makers and spotlights some of the greatest makers of swords ìn history.

In the third part of the book, the author entertains the readers wìth insights about the practice of dueling. He covers the art of the duel and the gentlemanly rules that govern the practice ìn pursuit of one's name and honor. In addition, Cohen covers the differences ìn the rules of dueling wìth insights and examples ranging from the cultured gardens of Europe to the wilds of the new land of America.

"By the Sword" also explores the world of competitive fencing. The author has extensively researched the swords of fencing and follows the sport of fencing from the era of post World War II. He goes on to chronicle the growth ìn popularity of fencing competition and follows the sport to the time when the blade of fencing competitors were welcomed ìnto the fold of Olympic athletes, as fencing became an Olympic sport.

Some readers wìll likely find that some of the chapters are more entertaining than others. However, the book taken ìn its entirety can be seen as an enormous history lesson that covers much more than the swords of the world. It ìs packed wìth many insights ìnto swords and sword fighting, but also many odd tidbits of related knowledge and many interesting facts about the history of man, that are not as obviously related to the sword.

The book also includes many wonderful drawings, illustrations and photographs whìch help to give the reader some relief from large sections of narrative. There ìs a great deal of information delivered ìn this tome and the added illustrations help the reader to stay engaged ìn the work. Many of the drawings, sketches and etchings also provide vivid proof that those throughout history who have lived wìth blade ìn hand have often died by the blade of rival swords.

Cohen's book, "By the Sword", ìs much more than simply a historical account of the sword and swordplay. It ìs also a history that recounts how civilizations have advanced from the barbaric practices of the Roman Coliseum to the honorable code of conduct that governs swordsmanship today. This book would be a welcomed addition to anyone who ìs a collector of historic weaponry, as well as history buffs ìn general.

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