Best Arabic Shamshir/Dagger reference book, please?

Jim McDougall · 24th April 2006, 05:10 PM

Hi Alex,
In my opinion, the Elgood books are absolutely essential. I know that some individuals will question certain items, but Robert Elgood's scholarship in my opinion in virtually flawless. I know how hard he works at establishing his facts, his field research and amazingly detailed footnotes. While prices and values are best not discussed here, I cannot emphasize the importance of these books enough for the research you are describing.

The Tirri book is excellently produced, and carrys profuse illustrations of a vast spectrum of weapons, many somewhat obscure and mostly well captioned. Since the weapons shown are typically of the grade usually found by collectors, the book is excellent as a guide for identification. Most arms books focus on high grade weapons typically in museums etc. that only offer basic similarities to the weapons found among the rank and file, so this book is great at typology.It unfortunately does not offer references, footnotes or other helpful academic material, but the written introductory text is well done.

The Uncel book is excellent, and again essential for Islamic swords. Well illustrated and documented.

The still readily available book "Swords and Hilt Weapons" (ed. Michael Coe) is admittedly a general overview, but I think the chapters written by experts in various fields are well done. Anthony North does very well in the chapter on Islamic weapons, Mr. Richardson on China and SE Asia, and Mr. Wilkinson on India. In the study of Islamic weapons, it is important to note how closely related the weapons of these spheres really are. In this book, as in the Elgood books, the bibliographies are outstanding and will provide exactly the course needed to extend your studies.
Its all adventure!!!

All the best,
Jim

P.S. the more specific details on cartouches, markings etc. are found only loosely within various works. There are no specific catalogs or books that focus on these that I am aware of, and as noted, the knowledgable members here are always glad to help with specific questions.

M.carter · 24th April 2006, 05:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jim McDougall

Hi Alex,
In my opinion, the Elgood books are absolutely essential. I know that some individuals will question certain items,

Jim McDougall · 24th April 2006, 07:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by M.carter

I knew you were watchin' ya rascal!!!!

All the best ,
Jim

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24th April 2006, 05:10 PM	#1
Jim McDougall Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Posts: 10,192	Hi Alex, In my opinion, the Elgood books are absolutely essential. I know that some individuals will question certain items, but Robert Elgood's scholarship in my opinion in virtually flawless. I know how hard he works at establishing his facts, his field research and amazingly detailed footnotes. While prices and values are best not discussed here, I cannot emphasize the importance of these books enough for the research you are describing. The Tirri book is excellently produced, and carrys profuse illustrations of a vast spectrum of weapons, many somewhat obscure and mostly well captioned. Since the weapons shown are typically of the grade usually found by collectors, the book is excellent as a guide for identification. Most arms books focus on high grade weapons typically in museums etc. that only offer basic similarities to the weapons found among the rank and file, so this book is great at typology.It unfortunately does not offer references, footnotes or other helpful academic material, but the written introductory text is well done. The Uncel book is excellent, and again essential for Islamic swords. Well illustrated and documented. The still readily available book "Swords and Hilt Weapons" (ed. Michael Coe) is admittedly a general overview, but I think the chapters written by experts in various fields are well done. Anthony North does very well in the chapter on Islamic weapons, Mr. Richardson on China and SE Asia, and Mr. Wilkinson on India. In the study of Islamic weapons, it is important to note how closely related the weapons of these spheres really are. In this book, as in the Elgood books, the bibliographies are outstanding and will provide exactly the course needed to extend your studies. Its all adventure!!! All the best, Jim P.S. the more specific details on cartouches, markings etc. are found only loosely within various works. There are no specific catalogs or books that focus on these that I am aware of, and as noted, the knowledgable members here are always glad to help with specific questions.