A Study of the Eastern Sword Hardcover – July 26, 2017

For students of Islamic Arms, this book will provide the much needed insight into the differences of blades and their origin. The information is detailed, well searched and is based on a vast collection of items provided by different collectors (thanks to the authors and collectors for providing the opportunity)I especially benefited from the insights on Turkish and Mameluke blades comparisons and their counterparts from Persia. Also, lesser known and earlier blades are shown in clear images and accurate descriptions. A great source for a researcher and quite lovely to look at even without reading.I look forward to more research!

Beautiful and profesional made photos. Many details visible. Left and right side of objects. Everything what reconstructor wish to see.

This book has some of the chemistry and metallurgical details that knife and sword makers might be looking for as well as many high quality images

If you are interested in the Swords of the Middle East and Central Asia this is simply the best book you could buy. I have numerous books on "Islamic" arms and armour and they now must all be re read based on Rivkin's work. A must have and deserves to be the publication upon which the others will be assessed

A magisterial work on the swords of East and Central Asia and the Middle East. For someone interested in the details of the history of swords, this is a simply superb book.

This book traces the development of the Eastern sword ( saber) from its humble nomadic beginnings to the main weapon of the Islamic world and a multitude of European weapons. It does to the history of saber what Darwin’s “ The origin of species” did to the theory of evolution.Profound, provocative, well-thought and carefully documented treatise with a totally novel approach to the field of historical weapons.

A breakthrough study of development and evolution of Eastern saber, featuring high quality imagery backed by comprehensive academic level research. An exceptional work covering thousands of years and civilizations from about 5th Century B.C. following further into nomadic tribes of Khazars and then Mamluks, and into Medieval and later Asian, Eurasian and Middle Eastern ages and territories. The depth of research is astonishing, if not revolutionary. Most presented samples come from museums, storage rooms and private collections around the world that were never published before. With many fascinating topics such as the "Legend of Assadulla", crucible Damascus wootz (bulat) steel, origin of karabela handle to name a few. I recommend this book as absolute must have for seasoned collector and novice alike.A Study of the Eastern Sword

Excellent book with tons of high quality photos. Awesome if you're looking at getting into the antique sword market, or if you're just interested in swords in general.Would get a 5* if the book had been packaged better. It didn't have any packing material in the box and the top and bottom corners were slightly damaged. Wouldn't be a big deal normally, but with the cost of the book sitting just shy of $80, I would expect it to at least have some bubble wrapping.