The Medieval Longsword (Weapon)

This illustrated information to the medieval longsword attracts on each interval sources and the newest analysis to inform the total story of considered one of Europe’s most iconic medieval weapons.

The formidable European longsword–featuring a double-edged straight blade in extra of 40in, and able to getting used with one or each hands–remains one of the vital spectacular and distinctive edged weapons of the late medieval period. Also referred to as the “bastard” sword and the “hand-and-a-half” sword, the longsword advanced from the warfare swords and nice swords of the 14th century, and emerged as a battlefield weapon within the early levels of the Hundred Years’ Warfare. It went on to develop into a key weapon on the battlefields of late medieval Europe, creating a brand new system of sword combating.

Drawing collectively interval sources, fashionable technical evaluation, and his personal experiences with the longsword, Neil Grant explores the origins, manufacture, and evolving use of this iconic late-medieval edged weapon. Illustrated all through with specifically commissioned full-color paintings and an array of interval illustrations and close-up images, that is the enthralling story of considered one of late-medieval Europe’s most distinctive and lethal close-combat weapons.