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It could have been an even better book if it had included a detailed exposition the latest revised version of Oakeshott's typology. However, the book is already an amazing resource as it is, and I know I spend far too much time ogling the pictures of the many swords depicted therein.

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Although I was slightly disappointed that the book did not contain as much information as I expected it was still worth the price I paid for it. It gives an excellent introduction of why the place a sword is found is not necessarily the place of manufacture, and why dating of a sword cannot be based on the cross piece or pommel. He gives some rather good information on sword hilt families but does not follow through enough with it for my liking but left me hanging. He gives illustrations of pommel types but again does not go too deeply into this interesting aspect. Also, he gives some interesting background on sword finds. the meat of the book deals with the classification of sword blades into time periods and gives basic information on where each example was found, its condition, where it is presently, markings and some of meanings behind them. I have read and reread this book and find it useful as a reference while perusing the indices for my edification on such topics as blacksmithing and finding suitable iron for blade making. All in all this is a most interesting book and should be on the bookshelf of anyone interested in medeival swords.

—Updated Apr 6, 2010

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There is no single book by Oakeshott that covers all of the ground, each one is a puzzle piece that when you fit them all together, provides the full panorama. Despite the limitations, this is one of the best known catalogs of medieval swords that is readily available in print and is a must own as everyone refers to it -

—Updated Feb 1, 2010

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This book encapsulates a review of the swords Mr. Oakeshott had contact with and where important in the development of his studies of the Medieval sword. It is a great way to gain insight into the important pieces that had influence on his theories of the swords development and highlights some exceptional swords.

It is often the most accessible volume for many students today and when used along with "Sword in the Age of Chivalry" and "Sword in Hand" it gives the fullest discussion of the Medieval Sword in English.

—Updated Feb 1, 2010

—Updated Aug 13, 2009

Another 'Must have' for any serious student of the Medieval sword. In Records of the medieval Sword, Oakeshott sets out the full and final expression of his sword typology. It builds on Swords in the Age of Chivalry, adding the notion of sword families. The text is perhaps not as in depth as Age of Chivalry, but a good overview of the typology is given nonetheless. The major part of the book is given over to an excellent survey of medieval swords, representing all of Oakeshotts types. This really is a most excellent source of images and information. Swords of all types and conditions are shown ranging from 'as new' to rusted river finds; from the elagent to the downright ugly! There are also some useful appendices, in particular an in depth study of the magnificent Sword of Edward III. The only draw back is that the images are black and white and in some cases not too clear (this is also worse in the latest print run which has been scanned digitally, without the same clarity of images as the earlier editions. Howver this in no way affects the value of this volume to the sword enthusiast). As the culmination of Ewart Oakeshott's 40 year study of the medieval sword this book is a superb legacy in print.

—Updated Aug 10, 2009 :: 1 of 1 members found this review helpful

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Another classic work of the legendary author.

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My favourite book. The quintessential Oakeshott reference book for those interested in the medieval sword as caterogized by Oakeshott. A wealth of black and white photos with great detail, and detailed appendices with information and pictures on specific swords of interest. This one never leaves my bedside table!

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a very usefull reference book on swords by Oakeshott, be carefull not to drool too much on it when you get it!

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This is one of Oakeshott's later works that is essentially a template of his renowned typology. The first several pages are a series of articles about antique swords followed by several pictures of several swords of each type (X thru XXII, including subtypes) which comprises roughly 90 percent of the whole book. At the end is a whole section that discusses the famed (and controversial) sword of King Edward III. 'Records of the Medieval Sword' serves as one of the definitive references of period weaponry. This is one work that the student of the sword should not be without.

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I think I have looked at every photo in this book at least twice. While not too much information is givin on each sword, it has an extensive collection of sword photos, catagorized in their typology. A must have for any swordmaker, retailer, or collector.

—Updated Dec 10, 2006 :: 1 of 1 members found this review helpful

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Have just bought this - will update my comments once I've had a chance to go through it.

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Any serious collector or sword enthusiast should have this book!

—Updated Jun 21, 2006 :: 0 of 1 members found this review helpful

—Updated Jun 19, 2006

OMG!
If you are a sword want to be expert or just love swords, then this is the book for you! What incredible info! If you are in the market to purchase a modern recreation of an ancient sword, then buy this book.

—Updated May 4, 2006 :: 0 of 1 members found this review helpful

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A must have for anyone's library who is interested in the middle ages. The book adds and refines the Oakeshott typology to its final position. The book gives a very rich picture of the swords used from the end of the viking age into te Renaissance. It has wonderful pictures and digrams. Again this would be a staple for a collector/enjoyer of the knightly sword.

—Updated Dec 19, 2005

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All students of the sword should own this book. Oakeshott's research and development of his typology has become a corner stone to understanding the evolution of design in the medieval sword. Oakeshott does what few others had done before him: He put swords in their context. He did not describe swords based on decoration, he described them based on how they would have been used, and gives the reader and understanding of the surrounding circumstances that caused the sword to be developed in a particular way. The book feels more like a collection of swords with notes than a cohesive book, the way some of his other books read, but regardless it is an important work that needs to be on every sword lover's bookshelf.

—Updated Dec 13, 2005 :: 1 of 1 members found this review helpful

Other of Oakeshott's books contains more text, and therefore more substance, than this one, but it's unrivaled among his books for its photographs. The typologies for blades, pommels, and guards are laid out briefly though the obvious focus is on the swords themselves. It contains many black and white photos of surviving medieval and early renaissance swords, plus line drawings of some whose current whereabouts are unknown. It also includes some articles as appendices which are worth reading. I see this book as a companion to The Sword in the Age of Chivalry, further illustrating the information presented there.

—Updated Dec 13, 2005 :: 2 of 2 members found this review helpful

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Another outstanding reference on the medieval sword by Mr. Oakeshott. Unfortunately many readers mistake this book as a stand-alone source of information on the medieval sword. While an excellent book in almost every sense, it should be viewed as a supplement to Oakeshott's Archeology of Weapons, and The Sword in the Age of Chivalry. Much of the information in the text of these other works is missing from this one, which is primarily a photographic record or the typology.

Caution: many of the measurments and weights listed in this book are Mr. Oakeshott's "best guess", and are often inaccurate. These deatials should be taken with a grain of salt. Still, this books stands as an excellent photographic reference to Oakeshott's typology.

—Updated Aug 1, 2005 :: 3 of 3 members found this review helpful

—Updated Aug 1, 2005

A great catalogue of many medieval swords listed according to the sword typology that E. Oakeshott himself devised. It is not a great introductory book and I see it as an update of his earlier versions of the typology as well as a very nice catalogue of swords. Should be read with or after Oakeshott's "Sword in the age of chivalry" or the "Archaeology of Weapons"

—Updated Jul 25, 2005 :: 1 of 1 members found this review helpful