Book excerpt: The Scottish sword has played an important role in the military history of Scotland, and this new book presents an accessible and highly visual chronicle of that role from the 17th through the 20th centuries. With more than 1,200 gorgeous, full-color photographs and authentic period illustrations,The Scottish Sword pays tribute to the swords most associated with the Highland soldier, including Two-handed swords English basket hilts Jacobite basket hilts Regulation basket hilts Nonregulation swords A chapter on sword makers and retailers who supplied the swords and a comprehensive bibliography detailing the most informative books on the subject round out this handsome compilation.