Be smitten by the sword! An extraordinary young artist brings the history of this noble weapon — and its skillful masters — into stunningly sharp relief.
Brave men and women have taken up the sword since ages of old, and a fascination with this formidable weapon grips dedicated followers to this day. Here is a celebration of swords and swordsmen that spans time and place — from ancient warriors such as Beowulf to medieval knights; from stealthy ninja and samurai to legendary maidens of war. Illustrated with breathtaking intricacy, SWORDS reflects the passion of a true devotee, offering lavish background details on design and use as well as exquisite spreads showcasing specimens in all their shining glory.
Back matter includes a bibliography.
Ben Boos (1971-2011) worked as an illustrator and designer for the bestselling Diablo video game franchise. He was also the author-illustrator of Swords: An Artist Devotion and Fantasy: An Artists Realm.
Exemplars of the smithy’s art are depicted close to life-size, from blades hardy folk used against ‘bandits and beasts’ to imperial weapons thought to have had latent spirits of their own.
—New York Times Book Review
Laden with lavish visuals and minimal text. This volume is not an in-depth study of the history of swords or warfare, but a visual orgy of beautiful well-wrought swords used throughout the ages by various cultures.
—Library Media Connection
This beautifully illustrated book gives concise descriptions on the history of swords, including usage and cultures…of special interest are the artistic elements of each culture’s swords…detailed drawings for many of the swords show the inner workings of sword anatomy, one of the book’s highlights.
—VOYA
Every nick, notch, decorative motif and gleaming highlight rendered in lovingly realistic detail.
—Kirkus Reviews
Boos’s treatment of his subject is reverential and his artwork is outstanding…an incredible variety of styles, from hilts to blades to the intricate metalwork that makes each sword not just a weapon but also a work of art. It’s easy to get caught up in his enthusiasm, and the right reader will spend hours poring over every loving detail. Give this to fans of history, art, or swordplay fantasies.
—School Library Journal
Lavishly illustrated…the book’s biggest surprise is this: as captured in Boos’ exquisite digital illustrations, the deadly weapons are undeniably, even delicately, beautiful.
—Family Fun
A true devotee of swords, Ben Boos passionately brings the history of this noble weapon and its skillful masters to life, offering lavish background details and exquisite, full-color spreads illuminating swords in all their shining glory.
—Science Fiction and Fantasy Advance Magazine Supplement, featured as "Top YA Fiction" on the back cover
As a sword lover, turning the pages of this book makes my pulse accelerate. More alive than photography, Ben Boos's stunning illustrations capture both the reality and the myth of the weapons. Swords is a treasure.
—Suzanne Collins
A loving ode to the history of swordscraft and swordsmanship...Ben Boos has created a gloriously crafted wonderland for sword enthusiasts and novices alike.
—BookKids Recommends blog
The dozens of almost absurdly detailed sword illustrations (along with tons of sketches) are the star of the show here, but Boos adds a bunch of cool historical details, too.
—Guyslitwire blog
This breathtaking labor of love offers detailed and elegant illustrations of swords n every shape and size. From Beowulf to medieval knights to stealthy ninja and samurai, Swords provides a lavish and exquisite tour through the art of the sword. This book is a must-have for every true devotee of hand-held arms
—Renaissance Magazine
Even if swords aren’t your thing, they’ll wow you in this book.
—Raleigh News & Observer
A lavishly illustrated homage
—Scripps-Howard (syndicated column)
The detail of the artwork is so textural and vivid, you can almost hear the metallic ringing of a blade pull out of the sheath, and almost feel the carefully adorned indentations, cool beneath your fingers. One of the most beautiful nonfiction books of the year.
—PlanetEsme blog
Oversized book filled with a most unique way to learn history - through the many varied types of swords used throughout the ages. Mr. Boos has rendered the most remarkable assortment of swords which depict many different eras.
—Newton’s Book News
A celebration of swords and swordsmen, this fascinating volume spans the ages.
—Aptos Times
Looking for an awesome nonfiction book for a reluctant reader?...This is the coolest nonfiction book I've ever read. Swords is nothing less than a work of art.
—Boys Read blog
Boos has created a stunning book visually showcasing the history and importance of one of the oldest and most respected weapons in the world.
—Curled Up With a Good Kids’ Book
“This illustrated celebration of swords and swordsmen is a true work of art -- exploring the use of swords from ancient warriors to ninjas and samurais. (The focus is on the sword, not its uses.) Boos is a collector of swords and offers lavish details about their design and meaning.”
