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Sir Richard Francis Burton, The Book of the Sword, London: Chatto & Windus, 1884

[2], xxxix, [1], 299, [1] pp. With 293 black and white illustrations in the text; original publisher’s deluxe binding in bevelled tan cloth, decorative stamping to the upper cover with an elaborate panel design featuring a central illustration of a sword in relief, flanked by geometric motifs and stylised borders, incorporating orientalist and mediaeval elements reflective of Burton’s thematic interest. The spine lettered and ruled in gilt, featuring the title and author’s name in a single compartment; floral or scabbard motif. Housed in a custom modern slipcase of green morocco-backed cloth over boards, gilt-ruled and titled along the spine.
10.5 x 7.5 in (27.1 x 18.9 cm)

THE BOOK OF THE SWORD (1884): SIR RICHARD BURTON’S GRAND STUDY OF THE BLADE — THE ONLY VOLUME PUBLISHED

This is the first edition of Burton's ambitious and richly illustrated work on the history of the sword. Drawing on his extensive travels and linguistic prowess, Burton traces the evolution of bladed weapons from prehistoric times through various cultures, including Egyptian, Greek, Roman, and Islamic civilisations. The work is notable for its scholarly depth and the inclusion of detailed illustrations, many based on artefacts Burton encountered firsthand.

The Book of the Sword was intended as the first volume in a trilogy, though subsequent volumes were never completed. This publication stands as a testament to Burton's encyclopaedic knowledge and his fascination with the interplay between weaponry and cultural development.

Burton's exploration delves into the symbolic and practical significance of the sword, examining its role not only as a weapon but also as a cultural and religious icon. His analysis encompasses the metallurgical advancements, artistic expressions, and ceremonial uses of swords across different epochs and societies.

The volume's production reflects the Victorian era's penchant for elaborate and scholarly works, with its substantial size and detailed illustrations underscoring the importance of the subject matter. Burton's narrative style combines academic rigour with engaging storytelling, making the book accessible to both scholars and general readers interested in the history of weaponry and its broader cultural implications.

The Book of the Sword remains a standalone volume, and it is considered a foundational work in the study of arms and armour, particularly for its scholarly and ethnographic approach.

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