Japanese Swords: Cultural Icons of a Nation: The History, Metallurgy and Iconography of the Samurai Sword

by Roach, Colin M.

• ISBN13: 9784805310359
• ISBN10: 4805310359
• Edition: DVD
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 2010-12-10
• Publisher: Tuttle Pub

Summary

The Japanese sword is much more than just a weaponuit is a social and religious icon. Traditionally worn by the samurai warrior as an instrument of justice and courage, the sword was an embodiment of the soul of the person who wielded it that was at once sacred and symbolic. Swords of Japan is the first book to tell the full story of the Japanese sword's rise to greatness by discussing its long history and development, its spiritual symbolism, the esoteric metallurgical techniques used to make the sword, as well as the difficult training techniques used by skilled swordsmen. Swords of Japan is complemented by stunning high-resolution photos, a foreword by sixth degree Iaido black belt Nicklaus Suino, an afterword by expert sword polisher and oMukansao Abe Kazunori, and a DVD featuring a beautifully filmed documentary and two bonus features.

Author Biography

Colin M. Roach, M. Ed. lives in the high mountains of Utah with his wife and three sons. He is a private school administrator at Wasatch Academy. Four generations of familial connection to Japan have fueled Mr. RoachÆs passionate study of JapanÆs archetypal warrior culture. In addition to his academic study of sword-related symbolism, he has trained with some of the top teachers of aikido and iaido in Japan and America. His previous publications include: Katsujin Ken, The Sword of Compassion, Why Do Wise Old Men Whittle Sticks?, and The Yama Oroshi Dojo and the art of Traditional Japanese Swordsmanship.