New book: Arms and Armor from Iran

[Andreas Volk]

Dear fellow Enthusiasts!
I also received the book and worked through parts of it - it's a huge ammount of info and I'm quite busy at the moment.

First in regards to the binding:
Mine is still intact, and I didn't read it on a table as I dragged it arround with
me during a few days of business travel;
So ariel: I'd suggest that you contact the publisher. A book coming apart
after 20 minutes is totally unacceptable and I'd ask them for a replacement.
that is the least thing they should do (including postage).
If it helps you can use my statement here as a refference in any negotiation
- as my binding is still solid.

On the subject that this book was called a "definitive work", or that it is
regarded "definitive" by some of the readers:
I would call such statements "over excitement" by some individuals and it
makes me raise at least one eye brow

Don't get me wrong - it truly is a book that I'm excited about - at least in
regards to chapter 7 and 10 that I've read so far (and with my
limited knowledge of persian history I'd have better started with chapter 1)
But calling something "definitive" is out of place. No academic book will
ever be definitive - labeling it as such denies the progress of mankind.

Religious and holy text are regarded as "definite" or "definitive" by their
believers, academic works can be "ground breaking", "revealing", etc. -
but never definitive.

Just my 2 euro cents.

So I'll get back to chapter 1 now
kind regards

Andreas Volk

[Flavio]

WOW i see the price on amazon and for sure is very expensive !!!!

[Rivkin]

Gentlemen,

I have not read a book yet, so here is my prediction:

a. It it probably going to be a definitive book on arms and armour, with great , well described examples.
b. I have yet to read a history book written by a persian that would not be dedicated to glorifying persian culture, persian tolerance and persian territorial claims (they usually claim Georgia, Azerbaijan, Armenia, Dagestan, Kurdistan and others to be 100% persian lands taken away by some colonizers), and so on, and so on. I am not going to argue these positions - it is not a history forum, just a matter of prediction.

So, my guess is 180 degrees from yours, B.I. - great catalogue of weapons but a persian book in all other aspects.

[ariel]

B.I. and Rivkin,

Let us reserve the judgements until we read it.
After all, as my wife said when she saw this huge volume " This guy must know a lot!"
Now, let's dig in and learn some new things, find novel insights, contradictions and just plain errors.
The rumors were floating for years, the promise to "explain it all" were made in advance and the only proper thing to do was to keep quiet and let the author do his job.
Now this book is out and in a public domain.
It is our responsibility to read it carefully before passing any judgement.
If it is good, let praise it.
If it is bad, let's critique it.
Enjoy the show!

[Andrew]

Gentlemen:

As the saying goes, "there is an elephant standing in the room and I'm not going to ignore it."

The author of this book is well known to many of us. Likewise, some here have had prior disagreements with Manouchehr here and on SFI. He no longer posts here, and will be unable to personally respond to comments about his book.

Constructive and civil criticism of the book itself is welcome. However, uncivil, impolite or harsh criticism is not. Nor will personal attacks or editorial comments about the author be permitted. We have not tolerated this about other authors and books, and we will not start now.

We have had inter-fora issues in the past, and I am not interested in seeing them resumed.

Thank you for your anticipated cooperation.

Andrew
Vikingsword Staff

[Doug M]

Originally Posted by Andrew

Constructive and civil criticism of the book itself is welcome. However, uncivil, impolite or harsh criticism is not. Nor will personal attacks or editorial comments about the author be permitted. We have not tolerated this about other authors and books, and we will not start now.

Well said, Andrew. Thank you for making this clear from the position of the staff here.

[tsubame1]

Originally Posted by Rivkin

b. I have yet to read a history book written by a persian that would not be dedicated to glorifying persian culture, persian tolerance and persian territorial claims (they usually claim Georgia, Azerbaijan, Armenia, Dagestan, Kurdistan and others to be 100% persian lands taken away by some colonizers), and so on, and so on.

There is always a first time for everything and everybody.

[wolviex]

Can't tell anything before reading it, but I was waiting for this book as promising source of knowledge. Mr. Manoucher (the Author) contacted me some time ago in case of Polish bibliography, he is in every way Gentlemen and I remember him very positive. I know he had many lectures on Universities, and the book was prepared with help of many people from many countries (hope I didn't make mistake and my memory isn't fault in this matter) including Iran. I believe this is good piece of hard work and it will be on of the most important reference books on this matter through next few years. Despite some nuances and differences in point of look. In Poland it is said that 'one is not wrong who's done nothing' (hope I make it clear in not my native language)
Regards!

[Rick]

I'm saddened to hear people making innuendos about a work of obvious dedication and passion .

Let us all come back and discuss the merits of this offering after we have read it for ourselves .

Rick

[Mare Rosu]

I agree with Mr. Rick, we should wait, sort of read before you speak.
This is a link to a lecture (video) about the book by the author.
I also ordered the book from the publisher in Germany.
I told the publisher to hurry the shipment as I needed to start my exercise program, it is a 9 pound book.
Gene
http://video.google.com/videoplay?do...03819897907514

P S this video is over 1 1/2 hours long so it will take a while!

[Doug M]

Originally Posted by Rivkin

Gentlemen,

I have not read a book yet, so here is my prediction:

a. It it probably going to be a definitive book on arms and armour, with great , well described examples.
b. I have yet to read a history book written by a persian that would not be dedicated to glorifying persian culture, persian tolerance and persian territorial claims (they usually claim Georgia, Azerbaijan, Armenia, Dagestan, Kurdistan and others to be 100% persian lands taken away by some colonizers), and so on, and so on. I am not going to argue these positions - it is not a history forum, just a matter of prediction.

So, my guess is 180 degrees from yours, B.I. - great catalogue of weapons but a persian book in all other aspects.

Not to start an argument, but this "prediction" has nothing to do with Arms and Armor from Iran. Any "prediction" is a gross generalization and appears to make an attempt at, somehow, attacking the author. I truly wonder what is the point of claiming that "I have yet to read a history book written by a persian that would not be dedicated to glorifying persian culture, persian tolerance and persian territorial claims."

It is best for readers to ignore the "predicted" association of "a persian book in all other aspects" and read the text. This is not a time to "enjoy the show"--whatever that means--but a time to review what has been written and comment on it in a respectful manner.

Sincerely,

Doug M

[tsubame1]

Originally Posted by Flavio

WOW i see the price on amazon and for sure is very expensive !!!!

Try asking directly Legat publisher. AFAIK is cheaper.

[tsubame1]

@ Ariel. The copy I've handled for a while was rock solid binding.
You deserve a new copy from the publisher IMHO.
Don't let bad luck discourage you to appraise such a nice book.

@ Andreas : You're right about the word "definitive" but I think it has been used here with joyfully enphasis rather than to be taken literally.

[ariel]

Originally Posted by tsubame1

@ Ariel. The copy I've handled for a while was rock solid binding.
You deserve a new copy from the publisher IMHO.
Don't let bad luck discourage you to appraise such a nice book.

@ Andreas : You're right about the word "definitive" but I think it has been used here with joyfully enphasis rather than to be taken literally.

As a matter of fact, I kind of like somewhat tattered books (just like "very used" swords and comfort food )
I am not going to use this book as a "coffee table" one (or, at least, I hope not! ) , so some feeling of wiggly binding does not scare me. I just hope the pages do not start falling out. Then, it's bad

[Mumtazb]

Is the binding just a bit wiggly or has it actually pulled apart, as is the impression I got from your first post?

Either way I cannot imagine there are many faulty copies which have been sold.

The book is quality! The materials used are quality, the content, the pictures...and it actually presents a good year or 2 of reading for me, not that I'm a slow reader, just that I have little time on my hands these days.

I would recommend anybody who has an interest in Persian Arms and Armour to buy this book

[Andrew]

Hi Mumtaz. Great to see you here.

[Flavio]

Originally Posted by tsubame1

Try asking directly Legat publisher. AFAIK is cheaper.

Thank you Tsubame, yes the price is more reasonable

[Lee]

Ordering directly from the publisher via the link above and paying with their linked PayPal option cost 177 euros ($230) including air frieght.

[tsubame1]

Originally Posted by Flavio

Thank you Tsubame, yes the price is more reasonable

Flavio, if you're italian and live around Milan or can reach me in an easy way,
a friend of mine has just received the copy that will be presented to me as a gift for a past favour I (joyfully) made. If you want to see it personally before spill an anyway considerable amount of money, PM me.

BTW the person I mentioned collects persian swords (too, not only) and refers to the book as "something never view before" and *underpriced* for its level. Being over than 70 y.o. and still working for the Università Statale in Milano, I can assure you that access to sources, time and knowledge has never been a problem for such a person. I've seen his copy during my last visit (see keris forum) and now I'm trying to find out a place in my library.
I know nuts about persian weaponry, but it is a must to better know metallurgy in other countries if I want fully understand japaneses one.