With over 300 stunning photographs and woodblock prints along with extensive historical and cultural commentary; Japanese Swords is the ultimate authority on Samurai weaponry. Historically; Japanese warriors considered their swords to be far greater than simple weaponry. Their swords were both lethal tools and divine companions mdash; social and religious icons. Traditionally worn by the samurai as a sign of social status; the Japanese sword represented the junction between the reigning military class and those whom they ruled. Moreover; the samurai sword was a technological and artistic marvel. Many scholars consider it to be the finest sword ever constructed.In terms of symbolism and historical importance; no other blade comes close to the Japanese sword. With a historical; iconographical; and technological perspective; author Cohn M. Roach provides an in-depth study of these magnificent weapons in Japanese Swords. This richly illustrated sword book weaves the blades primary influences together; tracking its history and illuminating its progress from infancy to grandeur. By studying the evolution of the Japanese sword from this perspective; we better understand Japan and its warrior archetype.Combining research materials from multiple disciplines; Roach uses his expertise as an educator to guide readers through the swords rise to greatness in a unique way. This book discusses the history; development; and spiritual symbolism of the sword; as well as the esoteric metallurgical techniques used in making it. It also covers the difficult training practices used by skilled swordsmen. Japanese Swords also includes a companion DVD featuring a beautifully-filmed documentary that explores the traditional swordmakers craft. The DVD also contains an introduction to the Japanese sword at a sword shop in Kyoto and a visit to a dojo for a beginners class in the medieval sword-drawing art called iaido.
#1579267 in eBooks 2013-03-22 2014-09-25File Name: B00NY1NDN8
Review
10 of 10 people found the following review helpful. Learn; Laugh; Applaud--and singBy Susan BerenzweigGive this book to everyone you know who has ever sung you a song; or reminded you of one. I want to sing praises for Levines contribution. It is not just for opera fans; but for fans of life and art. This is a short; immensely readable; sometimes irreverent; hysterically funny book for everyone. It will allow novices to enter the sometimes daunting field of High Culture feeling that they belong because they know enough to have a conversation about opera--and music and theater in general. It will give the experienced opera goer something to laugh over and to think about; e.g. "People love group crying". It made me search my memory files for past opera experiences to share with the author; e.g. Bjorling "made my body shake". I compared my memories of arias and productions and singers with Levines. And of course; I learned about what I thought I knew and what I wanted to know about even more. There are so many operas and singers out there. Im happy Levines book will be my guide as I take the opportunity to Shudder and Weep; but also to Exhalt and Qvell.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. this was a lot of fun. An incredible amount of information in a short ...By sophiethis was a lot of fun. An incredible amount of information in a short book; including great suggestions for arias in each opera to listen for. I read it straight through and now want to go back and listen to each opera he writes about; while reading his critiques and suggestions for what to listen for.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. I Met master Levine in college. He is one ...By Brett AlexanderI Met master Levine in college. He is one of the funniest humans ever. His book is expectedly insightful and riotous. He gives opera. We are forever grateful.
