The Medieval Longsword

The formidable European longsword – featuring a double-edgedstraight blade in excess of 40in, and capable of being used withone or both hands – remains one of the most impressive anddistinctive edged weapons of the late medieval era. Also known asthe 'bastard' sword and the 'hand-and-a-half' sword, the longswordevolved from the war swords and great swords of the 14th century,and emerged as a battlefield weapon in the early stages of theHundred Years' War. It went on to become a key weapon on thebattlefields of late medieval Europe, creating a new system ofsword fighting.Drawing together period sources, modern technical analysis andhis own experiences with the longsword, Neil Grant explores theorigins, manufacture and evolving use of this iconic late-medievaledged weapon. Illustrated throughout with specially commissionedfull-colour artwork and an array of period illustrations andclose-up photographs, this is the enthralling story of one oflate-medieval Europe's most distinctive and deadly close-combatweapons.