This is a fully illustrated comprehensive reference guide to edged weapons, from early stone-age flint hand axes to the swords of World War One. This broad-ranging work examines weapons from the swords and spears of ancient Egypt to the pike and thrusting polearms of medieval Europe, and from the slashing sabres of the 17th-century cavalry to the presentation and dress swords used for show, pomp and civil ceremonies in the 1900s. Presented in an easy-to-follow format there are specially commissioned photographs of each item, annotated with the blades defining features as well as at-a-glance specification boxes. Featuring more than 400 examples from around the world, this comprehensive volume also offers information on African, Chinese, Indian and South-east Asian weapons. This indispensable resource will intrigue anyone with an interest in the conflicts, warriors and weapons that have been a part of our human history.