British Naval Swords and Swordsmanship by John Mcgrath

British Naval Swords and Swordsmanship by John Mcgrath

This new publication is intended to bring together a mass of research dealing with all aspects of British naval swords. Unlike the much sought after Swords for Sea Service by May and Annis, this work offers a far broader coverage and, for the first time, the complete story of swords and swordsmanship is presented in one concise volume. While the swords themselves are described the authors also tell the story of naval swordsmanship. For example, subjects such as how swords and cutlasses were used in action and how training was conducted are covered. The authors also address how the use of swords developed into a sport in the Navy, and how swords and swordsmaship entered naval symbology in such areas as ships' names. Many current myths are addressed and corrected, and the story is brought right up to date with information on the sport from the 1948 to 2000. While the book concentrates on the Royal Navy, foreign weapons, including those of the Irish Naval Service, are mentioned where appropriate. Other British Maritime organisations such as the Merchant Navy, the Customs and Coastguard Services, and the Reserves are also addressed. The book also covers subjects such as the dating, collecting and conservation of swords and re-examines those swords attributed to Nelson. The Appendices include the first list of Swords of Peace awarded to Naval units to be published. Recent research by the authors is also reflected in updated lists of Patriotic Fund Swords, City of London Swords, and Naval fencing champions contained in the Appendices. The comprehensive nature of the work has not been attempted before and the book will appeal to a wide range of naval enthusiasts and historians, collectors of weapons, fencers and re-enactors.

"Depth of knowledge shown in this 144-page tome is impressiveExtremely copiously illustrated in black and white and colour. The authors provide a useful potted history of the sport under the White Ensign." Navy News

Captain JOHN MCGRATH is a retired naval officer while Commander MARK BARTON is still serving in the Royal Navy. Both have been serious competitive fencers and share a passion for naval history as well as naval swords. Between them they have published more than forty articles and five booklets on the subject.

SKU	Unavailable
ISBN 13	9781848321359
ISBN 10	184832135X
Title	British Naval Swords and Swordsmanship
Author	John Mcgrath
Condition	Unavailable
Binding Type	Hardback
Publisher	Pen & Sword Books Ltd
Year published	2013-10-01
Number of pages	144
Cover note	Book picture is for illustrative purposes only, actual binding, cover or edition may vary.