xxxv 297 pages, indexed, illustrated. Originally published by Chatto and Windus 1884. The lower outer edge is lightly bumped, else clean, unmarked and solid. "Spanning the centuries and a wide range of cultures, Burton's rich and elegant prose illuminates the sword as both armament and potent symbol. For nearly all peoples of the world, the sword embodied the spirit of chivalry, symbolized justice and martyrdom and represented courage and freedom." (back cover)