Whether it's the short gladius of the Roman Legionary or the North American Bowie knife, Knives and Swords looks at more than three hundred of the most important sharp-edged weapons from the last five thousand years. Learn all about legendary warriors and witness the cut-and-thrust of deadly sword duels. Meet famous warriors through history and the weapons they used, from the finely crafted swords of the Japanese samurai to the brutal bayonet of the World War I infantryman. From hand axes to halberds — and taken from every region of the world — each entry is accompanied by color photographs, annotated captions, short description and specification boxes that will appeal to any sword collector.