Illustrated Encyclopedia of Knives, Daggers & Bayonets

This is an authoritative history and visual directory of sharp-edged weapons and blades from around the world, with more than 700 stunning photographs. It features a directory of more than 350 weapons, with details of their origin, date of manufacture and length. It describes all the most famous and fascinating weapons, including the medieval rondel, the American Bowie knife, the Highland dirk, and the bayonets of World War II. It explores the development of daggers, fighting knives and bayonets, from their origins in the Stone Age through to the latest utilitarian and creative designs. Since sharpened tools emerged almost 1 million years ago, edged weapons have played an incredible role in the shaping of human history. This beautifully presented volume traces the history of daggers, knives and bayonets through to the 21st century. The directory features more than 350 examples, from ancient Egyptian flint knives to the rondel and ballock daggers of medieval Europe, and from 17th-century plug bayonets to the classic commando knives of World War II. With over 700 photographs, the book is an indispensable resource for the serious collector and amateur enthusiast, and will fascinate anyone with an interest in historical weapons.