Does anyone own the book Cut and Thrust Weapons by Eduard Wagner that could give me any advice on whether or not to purchase it? I've found some summaries on the web, but I'd like to hear some reviews here if at all possible. Thanks!

I had this one for a while. It's enormous--one of the biggest books I've owned (very thick).

It's illustrated solely with drawings: no photographs at all. I didn't get much into the text, but it seemed unspectacular if you've read other works and perhaps a bit dated.

It's not a bad book and is getting rare. It's worth adding to a large library, especially as a collectible item. At the time I owned it I was more into buying books with a lot of photographs since I wanted to see more and more surviving specimens. So it wasn't for me back then.

That's very good information to know, Chad. Thanks!

It's also predominantly sabres, and many of the drawings are just of the hilts, IIRC.

I think its worthwhile. It has a good section that covers armourers marks and cabalistic symbols. Wagner also wrote another book called swords & daggers. This is a smaller version of Cut and Thrust Weapons, not quite as good but maybe a bit cheaper. Just a thought...

Had mine for many years and do use it for reference. Standing alone it is an OK book, but its real value comes as part of a reference library. If the price is right snatch it up.

Chad's post pretty much says it all.

Regards, Dan

Eduard Wagner was Colonel Czech army. He was founder historical fencing in Czech after WW2.
In this time is new edition Cut and Thrust Wearpons but only in Czech. You can buy it.
There are more books from E. Wagner: Husits, Clothing...