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This book has contributions from three authors. Ian Peirce has produced the main catalogue, which is the heart of the book. Ewart Okenshott had written an introduction to the Viking Sword. Lee O Jones has provided a look at the hilt and blade classifications and a look at the use of pattern welding to produce swords.
Okenshott's introduction looks at the importance of the sword, gives a general introduction to the blade, hilt and pommel types and talks about the inscriptions found on many swords (these include maker's names, religious phrases and other more mysterious combinations of letters).
Jones then gives us a more detailed look at the hilt and blade classification systems, supported by two very useful diagrams. The first shows the many types of hilt, showing how they may have been related, and when they were in use. The second does the same for the same five blade types, and shows that there was a clear evolution here, from early blades with parallel sides to the later tapering swords that were refined into the Knightly sword of the later Middle Ages.
Jones also finishes the book with a fascinating article on blade construction. Even at this early date sword construction was a complex process, as Jones's fascinating article proves. Most blades were made up of several long rods that were welded together, with sharp but brittle steel used for the cutting edges and more pliable iron for the core. The iron rods were also made up of several layers of different types of metal. The rods were then welded together and then polished into shape, often producing beautiful patterns on the blade (thus the name pattern welding).
The heart of the book is Peirce's catalogue. Most swords get two pages - one for text (with smaller pictures) and one for larger photos. The text discusses the history of the blade, description of its condition, an analysis of its type and comments from earlier historians. Some of these articles are very detailed, and all of them are supported by excellent photos.
This is will be a valuable reference work for the sword enthusiast, and also of use to those with an interest in weaponry or Viking society and warfare.
Chapters
Preface & Acknowledgements
Introduction to the Viking Sword, Ewart Oakeshott
Overview of Hilt and Blade Classifications
Colour Plates
Catalogue of Examples
Blade Construction and Pattern-Welding
Author: Ian Peirce & Lee A. Jones
Edition: Paperback
Pages: 168
Publisher: Boydell
Year: 2002