Records of the Medieval Sword

Book Description

An extensive and thorough study of the origins, development and usage of the glamorous two-edged knightly sword of the European middle ages, with a complete typology. Spanning the period from the great migrations to the Renaissance, this book presents a selection from a very large body of photographs and research and gives a full and detailed record of the swords of that turbulent time.

Customer Reviews:

Great resource.......2007-01-21

If you're into swords, this is a must have book. It's more than a catolog of styles of medieval swords but also explains the developement of the weapons and how swords and armour influenced each other. It also explains the difficulty in dating a weapon by the style of blade and hilt.

A sword expert who actually understood swords!.......2006-01-16

Ewart Oakeshott was unsurpassed in his understanding of medieval swords. Unlike the majority of weapons curators who focus exclusively on the hilt and try their hardest to pretend that the sword was never a practical tool, he appreciated the whole sword. Oakeshott's typology is based on blade shape, i.e. on how the sword handles and what it can be used for. Because of this Ewart was loved by re-enactors and historical swordsmen who view swords as a beautifully designed tool that comes to life in their hands.

I feel very fortunate to have had the chance to work with Ewart just before his death (editing a paper he submitted to the anthology Spada). Just as he reminded museum curators that the sword was a practical tool, not an art object, he reminded swordsmen that the sword was an important symbol of just might, not just a tool.

Records of the Medieval Sword is the best available book describing medieval swords (though his earlier book The Sword in the Age of Chivalry is also well worth picking up). It has clear photographs of the whole sword, and lists blade lengths. If only it had a few more measurements (weight, blade width at various points, point of balance, centre of percussion etc.) it would be a perfect resource for people who make and use swords but who rarely have the opportunity to hold genuine originals and feel their handling characteristics. Even with this minor omission, this book deserves pride of place in the library of anyone interested in the medieval sword.

Stephen Hand
Author, English Swordsmanship, Medieval Sword and Shield
Editor Spada, Spada II

The best reference on the european medieval sword.......2005-07-28

Ewart Oakeshott in this pictorial guide takes you by the hand
in a enjoyable trip along the classification created by him
on the european medieval sword: The Oakeshott Typology. You'll be delighted by the pictures of dozens of vintage pieces and you'll be inspired to forge your own swords based on the different pieces depicted in this book. A useful reference for the advanced sword enthusiast and an excellent introduction to the novice.

The Definitive Sword Reference.......1999-11-24

Records of the Medieval Sword is a remarkable volume, representing a body of work in the subject area with no equal.

Although the information is provided in an extremely authoritative manner, it is written in a very personable way, leaving this reader with a desire to know (have known?) the author.

If I were to attempt to be overly critical of this book, I would mention that there are a few minor, but still rather annoying, typographical errors and mis-numbered illustrations that detract somewhat from the otherwise masterly scholorship presented in the volume.

Also, in my opinion, a reference such as this should be provided in a hard cover edition, with full color plates wherever possible.

I will treasure this addition to my library.

Fascinating, a great book for beginners or experts of swords.......1999-11-03

This book contains a life-time's work and research of the sword. All the way from the early Scandinavian sword to the swords of the Renaissance and gives full in-depth summary and description on each piece. The author, Ewart Oakeshott is the leading expert of medieval swords and has taught me plenty (if not more) from his previous works. I am satisfied with the latest one here. "Records of the Medieval Sword" is well suited for a sword expert as well as for beginners and is for all to enjoy. The only thing I have to complain is that the binding of the book isnt done very well, but then again it could just be mine only. But then again, it should stop you from purchasing one.

Book Description

This extensive how-to book emphasizes creative ways the clay extruder is being used in pottery studios. It covers, in great detail, all commercially available extruders and associated equipment on the market today (including company contact information), ceramic artists using extruders, and includes a beautiful 96-page full-color gallery exhibit of works created with the extruder. Nine illustrated step-by-step projects offer valuable tips and ideas. An impressive collection of more than 450 photos and drawings demonstrates the versatility and indispensability of the extruder and shows hundreds of ways for artists to improve and expand their work.

You will find numerous tips on selecting, buying, using, and making dies for your extruder as well as valuable inspiration for your work.

Selected Contents
What Is an Extruder and Why Have One?
Getting Started With Your Extruder
Tips & Tricks: Getting the Best Results
Nine Step-by-Step Projects Illustrated
The Gallery
What's on the Market Today?
Building Your Own Extruder
Specially Designed Extruders and Extrusion
Household Extruders
Making Your Own Dies
Appendix

Customer Reviews:

Answers the Question: What can you do with an extruder?.......2000-12-01

This is a great book for the person who wants to see the huge variety of things that can be made with an extruder, and who wants some ideas of how to make many of them. Some projects look straightforward (and could be made by a beginner) whereas others appear quite advanced. Some can be made with a smaller extruder, yet others required a much larger extruder. Many photos and drawings (some in color, some in black and white), with a lot of discussion about the various commercially available extruders and dies, as well as DIY extruders and dies. This is a comprehensive book, with a lot of discussion with a number of potters who actively use their extruders. It includes a number of "neat tricks" I found impressive. Definitely worth reading AND owning. This is the kind of book where you get ideas of things you want to make NOW, as you read it.

Average customer rating:

Excellent overview of the entire photography art and science

John Hedgecoe's Complete Photography Course
John Hedgecoe
Manufacturer: Simon & Schuster (Paper)
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
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ASIN: 0671475010

Customer Reviews:

Excellent overview of the entire photography art and science.......1999-02-12

This text has over 700 illustrations and more than 300 in full color. It provides total information for anyone interested in photography's how to's and why's of most every aspect of the art. Also included is well documented darkroom techniques for black and white photography. This book will not be outdated anytime soon. It is for the begginer and advanced photographer alike.

John Hedgecoe's Complete Course in Photographing Children

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John Hedgecoe's Complete Course in Photographing Children
John Hedgecoe
Manufacturer: Olympic Marketing Corp
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: 0671542788

Complete Guide to Photography - a Step-By-step Course from the World's Best-Selling Photographer

Average customer rating:

Complete Guide to Photography - a Step-By-step Course from the World's Best-Selling Photographer
John Hedgecoe's
Manufacturer: Simon & Schuster
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: 0731801806

Average customer rating:

Complete Photography Course
John Hedgecoe's
Manufacturer: Simon and Schuster
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000UGE3B6

John Hedgecoe's Complete Guide To Photography: A Step-by-Step Course from the World's Best-Selling Photographer

Average customer rating:

John Hedgecoe's Complete Guide to Photography
Left Out
Disappointed
Rank Beginner Gets Smarter
Excellent book for beginners!

John Hedgecoe's Complete Guide To Photography: A Step-by-Step Course from the World's Best-Selling Photographer
John Hedgecoe
Manufacturer: Sterling
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Photography | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books

Reference | Photography | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books

Equipment | Photography | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books
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ASIN: 0806984279

Book Description

A Step-by-Step Course from the World's Best-Selling Photographer John Hedgecoe. "An excellent way of teaching the technical aspects of photography through hands-on exercises. A first-rate addition to all collections."--LJ. "Hedgecoe has revolutionized photo books....Highly recommended."--Popular Photography. 224 pages (all in color), 6 5/8 x 10 1/4.

Customer Reviews:

John Hedgecoe's Complete Guide to Photography.......2006-03-29

Hedgecoe explains the various basic techniques for a beginner in photography. He depicts "lessons" that work as examples in broadening the creativity of a photographer on the basic level. The explanations of various angles and use of depth of field help explain the technical aspects and limitations a camera and/or lens. Knowing such things allow the photographer to know how to create the compostion and image they desire. This book is well suited for the curious beginner who prefers a book to hands-on learning.

Left Out.......2003-02-23

I am a beginner and wanted a book to explain what is involved in taking a good picture. I expected a technical manual to explain the corelation of shutter speed and aperture and good detail on lenses. This book seems to touch lightly on those and spends the rest of the time talking about great pictures rather than telling you how to do it. It is not a complete guide to using a SLR camera.

Disappointed.......2003-02-22

I am a beginner and really want to know more about what makes a good picture under various conditions. I felt this book fell short in explaining the technical details of aperture and shutter speed correlation. The section on lenses was very brief and general. Am I missing something about learning photography?

Rank Beginner Gets Smarter.......2002-05-27

Simply put, this book provides a workbook-type approach to learning photography. Not only did it provide useful background, but each "skill" has a section of explanation for use by the practicing student.

When I get better I'll need more, but right now it will take me a year to complete and master these useful, focused and achievable projects.

Excellent book for beginners!.......2001-05-03

Being fairly new to photography myself, I was more than a little overwhelmed by the sheer number of photography books available. After carefully surveying the market and making a few trips to the local library, I began to notice that two styles of books seemed the favorites: Kodak's series of books and books authored by John Hedgecoe. After purchasing and reading books from both, I can tell you that you can't go wrong with either choice.

This book in particular I liked very much. John breaks the book into three sections. The first part is about the basics of photography: 1) how camera works (basic terms like aperature, f-stop and shutter speed) and 2) choosing and understanding the camera, lenses and flashes. The second part of the book is a series of projects you can do in order to learn to use your 35mm SLR. Each project provides details about how to acheive the desired shot. The book contained over 70 projects! Finally in the last section, the author provides some insight for you once you master the skills presented in the book.

While I must admit that the Kodak book on 35mm photography is just as good, you won't be disappointed with this purchase. The sheer volume of information, tips and advice are alone worth the price. If you take the time as I did to plow through the book, I know you will see amazing results. While I never intend to pursue photography from more than an amatuer sense, I feel after reading this book and applying the techniques that I now have skills to be quite proud of, not to mention good looking pictures.

I strongly recommend this book for beginners and intermediate SLR users. Once you finish this book, check out his other books on specific photography topics like photographing landscapes. All around this book is a solid buy.

Average customer rating:
John Hedgecoe's Complete Photography Course
John Hedgecoe
Manufacturer: Simon and Schuster
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000MXVFKE

Average customer rating:
John Hedgecoe's Complete Photography Course
John Hedgecoe
Manufacturer: Simon and Schuster
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000KV9V2C

Average customer rating:
John Hedgecoe's Complete Video Course
John Hedgecoe
Manufacturer: Fireside
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: 0671667890

Average customer rating:
COMPLETE PHOTOGRAPHY COURSE
John Hedgecoe
Manufacturer: Simon & Schuster
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000H244AI

Average customer rating:
John Hedgcoe's Complete Photography Course
John Hedgecoe
Manufacturer: Fireside
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000PC60CA

Book Description

In a school where martial arts are standard curriculum, Samurai Girl Ryoko is the top fighter and most popular student around or is she? Things change when the uncouth fighter Shizuma Kusanagi transfers in from Kansai. He may not have the grace of Ryoko, but his amazing fighting abilities could make him the most dominant martial artist at Daimon High. Principal Todo encourages rivalry between the competitors, setting up a dangerous "K-Fighting" tournament where even the teachers can join in and settle once-and-for-all just who is the top dog on campus.

Customer Reviews:

Not Good At All.......2006-05-09

OK, I bought this manga, because I had heard good things generally about it, and was actually looking forward to reading it, but when I got it I hated it from page one. I actually could not even finish it, so I can't actually tell you the story, except for whats on the back, whihc is essentially, its a school where you fight and are graded on it(kinda like Battle Vixens, but without the T & A or bad language). The art work in this series was dark and offended my eyes. The writing was good, but was also against my eyes with the poor art, I hated this and won't read the story, even if it may be a good one.

High-octane action.......2006-01-02

Were "Ranma 1/2" drained of its fantasy elements, it might resemble "Real Bout High School," a martial-arts high school comic that goes by almost too fast. The first volume introduces us to its hot-headed protagonists, but moves by almost too fast -- it would have been much better if the authors had slowed down enough to really introduce us to Daimon High's inhabitants.

When the "Vipers" attack in the street, Ryoko Mitsurugi thrashes them -- but soon she receives some help from an uncouth, unibrowed boy. At first she gives him no more thought, until Shizuma Kusinagi shows up at the Intracampus Martial-Arts Competition, and wipes the floor with his rivals. Then... he transfers.

Now Ryoko has a new rival, which reinforces her insecurities about her femininity. Then Shizuma introduces the concept of the K-Fight to Daimon High, where students and teachers can settle their differences via combat. And now Ryoko finds herself ensnared in a romantic rivalry, while Shizuma ends up challenging a teacher to fight him.

As an action story, "Real Bout High School" fits the bill -- lots of fighting, in different styles, between all sorts of people -- including a student-teacher brawl brewing at the end. The artwork is solidly drawn, full of detail and slapstick extra.... although with the usual focus on women's barely-covered bodies (with especial emphasis on Ryoko's rather thick legs).

Actually, there is almost too much action. The plot moves at a lightning-fast speed, so you might miss key developments. And some of the characters -- such as perky fighter Azumi and violence-loving principal Mr. Todo -- are only introduced during the fights themselves. It feels very rushed in places, and could have used a few more chapters devoted to characterization.

But if they are not so easily understood, then Ryoko seems to be -- she's tough and dedicated to the samurai ideal, but also insecure about her abilities, her femininity, and her appeal to kendo hottie Tatsuya. And Shizuma is both gritty and funny, whether giving Ryoko a noogie or blasting away twenty opponents.

While the first "Real Bout High School" feels rushed, it has plenty of action and sets up the start of an interesting series. Now that it's started, it has time to flower.

Horrible.......2005-02-05

Ok, this one of the worst mangas i have read. I really don't liek the characters(except Ryoko's aunt, she's hilrious) in this story, and the story itself is not so great. I put 2 stars because it deserves some credit. I mean, there are some funny parts. Hilrious in fact(Mostly in the second one)And this stroy dose make u care a little what will happen next. It could be worse..... You could not care at all what happens next. One more thing... the art. Gawd do i h8te the art.......................................

GOOD MANGA.......2004-08-18

Hi (...) I'm as a new fan of manga I've only read about 7 so far but I have already become obsessed with them and intend to read more. I look back on this manga quite fondly as it was the first I ever read it was good lots of action,good plot and halorious storyline as well as indepth characters the only thing holding it back from 5 stars is the fact that it at times was VERY confusing but all and all it was good manga and what started my obsession.

feels like it's just surface level, so far.......2004-08-01

This book takes place at a school were there is more attention paid on how well the students fight than on how well they're learning things in class. There are so many clubs for different fighting styles that they're all fighting for space and money. Ryoko Mitsurugi is one of the best fighters in the school. Shizuma Kusanagi comes and shakes everything up by starting K-Fights, which allow students to resolve issues through battle.

The artwork is nice, although the layout is occasionally confusing, since so much tends to go on in one page. I don't really have a lot of problems with this volume. The reason I'm giving it a three is because I feel like the characters might as well be cardboard cutouts. There aren't even all that many hints that there are depths to them. I'll be reading the rest of this series because I don't think it's bad, but I hope that the other volumes had some depth to the characters personalities.

Samurai Girl Real Bout High School, Books 1 - 3

Average customer rating:

Samurai Girl Real Bout High School, Books 1 - 3
Reiji Saiga; Sora Inoue
Manufacturer: TokyoPop
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Book Description

Margaret Carlson -- widely read Time columnist, regular CNN panelist, political insider, and hostess of A-list but scarcely traditional Washington dinners -- has been commenting on American life for over a decade. In Anyone Can Grow Up, she expands on her writings about presidents, politics, morals, children, family life, and lessons from her own life.

In the section entitled "Presidential Material," Carlson reflects on what it takes to be president by looking at those who choose to pursue the office (and by extension, those, like her, who choose to cover the pursuit). She looks at the hard facts (offices held, speeches given, money raised) and the soft, sometimes determinative, ones (how the candidates talk and look, how they perform under pressure, who they marry and divorce when no one is looking, and how they get into -- and out of -- scrapes). The best man doesn't always win. That's why those who've lost, and those who almost run but don't, are covered as well. Bush Sr. and son, and Clinton in his scandalous term, are here. Carlson also takes a look at those whom have thought of running, like Donald Trump, those who America wanted to run, like Colin Powell, and those who've run and lost, like John McCain.

Carlson draws from her own life in the "Family Matters" section as well, commenting on subjects relating to children, women, and men -- from abortion to balancing work and family, from feminism to sexual harassment.

Finally, in the last section, we read about what makes us who we are and what makes us do what we do. From breaking down how congressmen make money on the side to what cost Newt Gingrich his job, from days in court trying the Menendez brothers to a memorable three-hour lunch with Katharine Hepburn that didn't turn out the way she imagined, Carlson finds the strength of character, or lack of it, in Americans famous and not.

Carlson gets as many as a hundred letters a week from readers who say, "That's exactly what I was thinking." In the vein of Anna Quindlen, Ellen Goodman, and Bill O'Reilly, here is a wise and witty book from a writer who knows what makes us tick.

Customer Reviews:

I think I'm going to be sick ..........2006-06-30

God, what a hack! She really should give up writing and devote herself to sewing patches on Tucker's Toughskins.

Dreadful, dumb, yet interesting!.......2003-09-23

How this woman ever got to be a reporter is beyond my understanding. I take it that she is good at being able to spot things that interest the casual reader of Time magazine. Her analysis of the Bush Gore election is that Bush should win because he served better food than Gore. In the end, this book is dreadful yet interesting because it speaks volumes about what passes for thoughtful `political commentary' theses days.

Too Easy.......2003-07-10

All too often, it is all too easy for Washington insiders to fall prey to common opinion of their peers and colleagues. Carlson bucks this trend by inviting us into actual dialogues taking place as decisions are made and implemented. Her book allows us insight into the workings of Washington and the minds of the very people responsible for decisions and policies affecting the direction of our country and our lives. A must read for those who wonder what drives our leaders. Like it or not.

Margaret's opinions are an inch deep and a mile wide.......2003-07-06

Take a bunch of old TIME magazine columns, string them together with anecdotes (meant to be heart-tugging) about Carlson's brain-damaged brother and working-class Irish-Catholic parents, and slather them with goo intended to soften her sharp elbows deployed during her singleminded ascent to the tippy-top of Georgetown s**thouse aristocracy.

Whadda we got? The unfortunately buyer gets a book that in truth merits no stars at all.

Carlson's brownnosing of the Washington Post's Katherine Graham is sickening enough without a half-dozen mentions of how Carlson's daughter was married at "Kay's" Georgetown mansion. Did you catch that? If you didn't, Carlson will remind you.

Oh, and George W. Bush made silly faces and served fancy food on his campaign's press plane. Maybe that's how both he and Margaret, as the book's subtitle reads, "made it to the White House." By being dim and opportunistic? Must be.

Embarrassing.......2003-06-21

Reading this book you feel embarrassed for Margaret Carlson. She brags about being a member of the Sally Queen Special Class in Washington. She shows contempt for ordinary people and their concerns. She hated Al Gore because he talked about issues on the campaign plane, issues that effect the lives of millions. She liked Bush because he served lobster ravioli on the campaign plane and made funny faces instead of boring her with discussion of issues. She recycles her columns from Time magazine. No original insights in her columns. Just conventional wisdom. No wonder Time magazine cancelled her column.

The roots of inspiration. (Books).(Anyone Can Grow Up: How George Bush and I Made It to the White House)(The Changing South of Gene Patterson: Journalism ... An article from: American Journalism Review

Average customer rating:

The roots of inspiration. (Books).(Anyone Can Grow Up: How George Bush and I Made It to the White House)(The Changing South of Gene Patterson: Journalism ... An article from: American Journalism Review
Carl Sessions Stepp
Manufacturer: University of Maryland
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Digital

Book Description

This digital document is an article from American Journalism Review, published by University of Maryland on May 1, 2003. The length of the article is 971 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.

Citation Details
Title: The roots of inspiration. (Books).(Anyone Can Grow Up: How George Bush and I Made It to the White House)(The Changing South of Gene Patterson: Journalism and Civil Rights, 1960-1968)(Book Review) (book review)
Author: Carl Sessions Stepp
Publication: American Journalism Review (Refereed)
Date: May 1, 2003
Publisher: University of Maryland
Volume: 25 Issue: 4 Page: 64(1)

Article Type: Book Review

Distributed by Thomson Gale

Customer Reviews:

On the @.......2005-06-04

This charming diary/biography of a year thru hiking the Appalachian Trail is not a how-to manual but a why-to guide to pulling up stakes and beginning something new. It's also a hlarious slippery-fast read full of colorful characters, a slow motion romantic chase and a happy ending. Think "Sideways" in hiking boots and without the hangovers.

MUST READ.......2005-03-11

I was drawn to this book instantly. It is a beautiful description of a man on his quest. He basically gives up one life to start anew.

BRAVO to you Bill Maroni (STRAIGHT JACKET)!

Way to go, Straightjacket!.......2004-03-12

Straightjacket's tale is hilarious and heartwarming, and an excellent depiction of what it's really like to thru-hike the Appalachian Trail. A must-read for anyone who has walked the trail or has dreamed of doing so.

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