Tuesday, May 20, 2014

Swords: An Artist's Devotion by Ben Boos (Review and Giveaway)

About the book:  Be smitten by the sword! An extraordinary young artist brings the history of this noble weapon — and its skillful masters — into stunningly sharp relief.
  • ISBN-13: 978-0763650988

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.
My thoughts:  This is a book that truly brings the art of historical weaponry to the reader in beautiful illustrations that highlight and clarify the intricate details and shapes of the various types of swords. An oversize book, it truly does justice to the subject.

I will donate this book to our local Christian school library, and I foresee this being a frequent check-out by the boys.  But then, of course, I see their daddies also pouring over its pages once it is in the home.

The array of swords, knives, and other such weapons are covered in 14 chapters including but not limited to: Warriors, Raiders, War Maidens, Villagers, Soldiers, Knights. Kings, Samurai, Ninja.
I can see this book used and studied for the sheer artistry of each illustration. I can also see that the interest of a reader would be drawn to the historical value of this piece because the author has done his research homework thoroughly. 
The use of swords throughout history has indeed been bloody and yet some cultures hold to the belief that the sword is a sacred instrument.
The combination of such intricate beauty with destruction in its use is mindboggling but none-the-less factual – swords are beautiful and swords are destructive.

GIVEAWAY:  The good folks at Candlewick Press have graciously provided a copy of Swords: An Artist's Devotion for one of Chat With Vera’s readers to win. Just use the Rafflecopter entry form. Maybe you can win this for that special young reader in your life.  Begins May 20 & ENDS June 12 @ 12:01 a.m. EDT. Open to addresses in USA only.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy of Swords from Candlewick Press in exchange for this review. Opinions are my own and I was not compensated for this review.

9 comments:

  1. I know they were used throughout the Roman Empires Persian Empires. and middle ages as weapons. I know there were different types depending on country and time period
    mcnuttjem0(at)gmail(dot)com

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  2. I know that once gunpowder was invented that war changed from a personal swordfighting experience to being one where you can have some distance from your enemy.

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  3. I know nothing about swords, beyond the fact that this was an important part of the weaponry of historical times. From the examples shown here, I can see that there was lots of pride taken in the craftsmanship. Very interesting! Sonja dot Nishimoto at gmail dot com

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  4. I don't know very much but this book looks very informative.

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  5. I truly know very little about swords!

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  6. How unique, I have a friend who does sword play as a sport. I must pass this onto her. Thanks for joining us on the Kid Lit Blog Hop

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  7. i know that swords were crafted lovingly and with extreme attention to detail. it was an art then

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  8. I know almost nothing about swords other than knights used them…and ninjas. But my son takes martial arts classes and would love this book!

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  9. I probably know more than a lot of people. I studied European history in graduate school and sword get mentioned quite a bit.

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