Book excerpt: "Knives, swords and bayonets are the world's longest serving arms and some of the most important in history. Originally a simple stone tool, once metals such as iron and bronze became regularly worked, edged weapons appear in the archaeological record. [This book] discusses in detail the long history of these arms, from primitively produced knives and machetes to the exquisite metalwork of Japanese swords. Throughout, the author discusses how these weapons were wielded and their strengths and weaknesses. The book covers all regions of the world and all time periods, from the swords of ancient Egypt and medieval Islamic states to the knives of Africa and today's special forces"--P. [2] of jacket.