Medieval Longsword

The European longsword, a double-edged straight blade over 40in long, evolved from war swords and great swords in the 14th century and became a battlefield weapon in the Hundred Years War. Neil Grant explores its origins, manufacture, and use, featuring period sources, technical analysis, and artwork.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 80 pages
Publication date: 25 June 2020
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

The European longsword, a formidable weapon of the late medieval era, boasts a double-edged straight blade exceeding 40 inches in length and capable of being wielded with either hand. Also known as the "bastard sword" and the "hand-and-a-half sword," it evolved from the war swords and great swords of the 14th century and emerged as a battlefield weapon during the early stages of the Hundred Years War. It went on to become a pivotal weapon on the battlefields of late medieval Europe, shaping a new system of sword fighting. In his book, "The European Longsword: Origins, Manufacture, and Evolving Use," Neil Grant delves into the origins, manufacture, and evolving use of this iconic late-medieval edged weapon. Supported by period sources, modern technical analysis, and his own experiences with the longsword, Grant presents a captivating story of one of late-medieval Europe's most distinctive and deadly close-combat weapons. The book is richly illustrated with specially commissioned full-color artwork and a wealth of period illustrations and close-up photographs, providing a visual feast for readers.

Weight: 264g
Dimension: 185 x 247 x 7 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781472806000