Swords: An Artist's Devotion

by Ben Boos

Be smitten by the sword! An extraordinary young artist brings the history of this noble weapon — and its skillful masters — into stunningly sharp relief.Brave men and women have taken up the sword since ages of old, and a fascination with this formidable weapon grips dedicated followers to this day. Here is a celebration of swords and swordsmen that spans time and place — from ancient warriors such as Beowulf to medieval knights; from stealthy ninja and samurai to legendary maidens of war. Illustrated with breathtaking intricacy, SWORDS reflects the passion of a true devotee, offering lavish background details on design and use as well as exquisite spreads showcasing specimens in all their shining glory.Book HardcoverPublication 9/9/2008 96Reading Age 10 and Up

Genres: Nonfiction, History, Art, Childrens, Reference, Picture Books, Medieval

96 pages, Hardcover

First published September 9, 2008

About the author

The son of an Artist, Ben Boos was born in 1971, into a world filled with paint and art. He compulsively doodled his way through seven years of study at San Jose State University, while wandering the world and absorbing art history. He then put his head full of ideas to work as a video game developer, in his native state of California. Working for Blizzard North for over seven years, and then with Flagship Studios after that, he participated in some of the most amazing years of video game history. The first game he worked on sold 13 million copies, which bolstered the confidence of the otherwise shy artist. Inspired by the incredible people he worked with, as well as the incredible fans of Blizzard video games, he spent several years of his life as an author and illustrator, pouring his heart into, “SWORDS-An Illustrated Devotion” for Candlewick Press. Ben Boos passed away in 2011.

Reviews

[Marc *Dark Reader with a Thousand Young! Iä!* · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a dad, I've made better use of libraries than ever before. I loved drifting through a well-stocked children's section for picture books that could fire the imagination, with amazing and well-suited artwork, and text that reflected heart, love, and wit.

This is not one of those—although, "Hey, small child, look at these cool swords," has its appeal—but I did discover its companion, Fantasy: An Artist's Realm on this one beloved library's oversized children's book shelf (there was a lot of awesome stuff there, like Dinotopia: A Land Apart from Time and multiple Graeme Base books). And a love of that one led me to this one, and when we moved away I bought copies for our home, and here we are.

Boos was a talented digital artist in California who died too early, I believe in a motor vehicle collision, in 2011. These two books of his demonstrate his sheer love of creation and open self. While this book of swords isn't indispensible, it's a joy to pick up and flip through time and time again. For all the purpose of these weapons, the book demonstrates no violence; it's a simple ode to craftsmanship and design.

The book is divided into various sections to highlight different cultural representations and uses of swords around the world and across time. There are small tidbits of historical information and explanations of the use of different types of blades, but mostly it's just a visual presentation of the variety of such things. I can't fault his research, and he cites multiple sources for deeper exploration. The digital media tools he worked with show their age now, but the layout and design of the book are perfect.



I love that the artist was able to share his love with the world in this way.

[GoldGato · Rating 5 out of 5]

The swashes get buckled in this book and they do so in style. Absolutely gorgeous renderings (in digital media) of swords make this a treat for the eyes, while each sword is provided a description and/or reason for existing. The author breaks it all into sections, such as Ninjas, Samurai, Raiders, Landsknechts, and so forth. There is even a breakout on the Silla Knights of ancient Korea, which sent me scurrying for a Wiki viewing. The Scimitars of the Sultans are even explained to the differences between Persian, Turkish, and Indian, which is so much more than I expected from a book that gets filed in the children's section.

I would pair this with Richard Francis Burton's The Book of the Sword: With 293 Illustrations. One would enhance the other and provide even more respect for the Queen of Weapons. The sword is truly sacred.

BTW, the typeset used is Historical Fell, which means you need to get thyself to a bookstore just to view the professionalism of what a real book aspires to be.

Book Season = Autumn (concentrated energy)

[Roxanne Hsu Feldman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I couldn't believe my eyes, flipping through page after page of beautifully rendered swords from many time periods and many cultures, how visually perfect this book is! No matter whom I showed this book to (HS students, MS kids, other adults) - the reaction was the same: an astounded delight at this Feast of the Artistry of Beautiful and Elegant Swords. I'm glad the inclusion of Asian and African swords and their histories (although would have like a more balanced proportion in treatment...)

This makes a great holiday gift for any child who enjoys this topic. The general and specific notes on various types, their usages, their histories, and those who used such and such swords are easy to read and absorb. But one definitely doesn't need to read all the text to enjoy the book.

[Alexandra Beckett · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great reference book with illustrations and descriptions for:

- Bronze Age Swords
- Iron Age Swords
- Various Hilt Styles
- Viking Hilts and Blades
- warriors, raiders, war maidens, soldiers, landsknechts, knights, kings, samurai, ninja, eastern masters, and sultans.

Age 10+

We borrowed from the local library but ended up liking it so much we bought a copy to keep in our home library.

[Sherry · Rating 5 out of 5]

An Artist's Devotion is a most appropriate title, as Mr. Boos knows history's swords, and wields a mighty paintbrush to describe these beautiful objects. Weapons become works of art with his oil renderings, light reflecting off the steel and realistic shadows giving depth to his canvas. Sometimes you have to stare to make sure it isn't a photograph that you are seeing, but a painting. The accompanying historical text, warriors, and scenes are a basic introduction to swords and military through the ages, and are complimented by the addition of fine, black ink line definition. Interesting Celtic and Middle-Eastern borders and digital background colors complete the beautiful pages. This is a feast for the eyes, and 9-13 year-olds will love it.

Booklegger, grades 5-8

[Wild Man Dan · Rating 5 out of 5]

A true tragedy that the author died

[Cynthia · Rating 5 out of 5]

The artwork was absolutely amazing. The history and descriptions helped but the artwork...incredible

[anil · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ben Boos. Salute to you for creating this masterpiece.
I will always cherish this book as a collector item.

While you have undertaken great amounts of research and large amounts of pain, travel and research - the only disappointment was no coverage of swords from the Indian Subcontinent.
Sure, you have mentioned Sultans and a mention of Indian Talwar but the following deserved a clear entry, along with the cultural backdrop, in a book of Swords -

In South India there is a martial art form Kalaripayattu - thousands of years old (considered mother of all martial arts - mostly because of heritage). It also uses fair bit of swordplay. The blades are not particularly crafty - but purely for the history and context they deserve entry in the book.

In North India - we have a religion of Sikhism. This religion was created by guru Nanak Dev for the sake of peace and harmony. Guru Gobind singh formed a fighting military -Khalsa. A spin off were Akali Nihangs. They trained in, what is popularly known as, Ghatka. This form of martial art uses fair amount of Sword and alike. A good variety of modifications were made to take on the English and Mughals.

To date, every devout Sikh carries a Kirpan. A small waist band hooked knife size sword shape - mostly ornamental. It’s reference to culture and heritage in India is super.

In East India near Manipur and Nagaland there is a martial art form of Thang-Ta. Literally means Sword and Spear. The fighting was basically defensive against invaders and sword sizes are small but unique.

Undoubtedly you’ll find large amounts of anecdotal references of swords to mace, and also skills - sometimes superhuman- but Swords are deep in our Culture and Heritage and go all the way back to Mahabharata.

Taking away one star - purely for missing the Indian Swords. I wish you’d come to India when you were alive and saw the beauty that we have here and our museums have conserved a fair bit of history of swords.

A masterpiece.
RIP.

[Mary Z. · Rating 5 out of 5]

My interest in swords and the Middle Ages, made it entirely impossible for me to not borrow this book from the library. When I opened the first page I saw the wondrous illustrations and this book became a personal favourite. Even if the love of swords and weapons of old do not hook you, the beautiful art work surely will. This book ranges from Middle Ages Britain to Japanese ninjas. This was an great help for me in my writing courier!

[Abigail Werner · Rating 4 out of 5]

My siblings and I loved this book as kids. We loved learning the history behind the different types of swords, but we also loved all the different pictures and we tried to make duplicates of all the different kinds of swords.

[Sarah Kennedy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read for research purposes. Found it to contain some very useful information and detailed depictions of various blades.

[Caleb Smedra · Rating 5 out of 5]

A stunning art book, crafted with meticulous, intricate detail and just the right amount of historicity. A true homage to the sword through the ages.

[Shaie F · Rating 3 out of 5]

I loved this book as a kid! Beautiful illustrations. I do wish there were more explanations about the different pommels, hilts, blades, etc., but I understand it's for children.

[Vera Godley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a book that truly brings the art of historical weaponry to the reader in beautiful illustrations that highlight and clarify the intricate details and shapes of the various types of swords. An oversize book, it truly does justice to the subject.

I will donate this book to our local Christian school library, and I foresee this being a frequent check-out by the boys. But then, of course, I see their daddies also pouring over its pages once it is in the home.

The array of swords, knives, and other such weapons are covered in 14 chapters including but not limited to: Warriors, Raiders, War Maidens, Villagers, Soldiers, Knights. Kings, Samurai, Ninja.

I can see this book used and studied for the sheer artistry of each illustration. I can also see that the interest of a reader would be drawn to the historical value of this piece because the author has done his research homework thoroughly.
The use of swords throughout history has indeed been bloody and yet some cultures hold to the belief that the sword is a sacred instrument.

The combination of such intricate beauty with destruction in its use is mind boggling but none-the-less factual – swords are beautiful and swords are destructive.

GIVEAWAY: The good folks at Candlewick Press have graciously provided a copy of Swords: An Artist's Devotion for one of Chat With Vera’s readers to win. Just use the Rafflecopter entry form. Maybe you can win this for that special young reader in your life. Begins May 20 & ENDS June 12 @ 12:01 a.m. EDT. Open to addresses in USA only. http://chatwithvera.blogspot.com/2014...


DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy of Swords from Candlewick Press in exchange for this review. Opinions are my own and I was not compensated for this review.

[Tasha · Rating 4 out of 5]

This nonfiction book is packed full of information on many types of swords ranging from Iron Age swords to those carried by ninjas. Readers will enjoy the detailed information on each type of sword and its wielder, filled with details about the blade, the hilt and the way it is used in battle. In each chapter, there is a vivid double-spread that highlights swords from that period rendered in 3-D style.

This is a book that will capture children's imaginations, have them poring over the book, and talking about it with friends. The ink line drawings are detailed and accompanied by the detailed information while the two-page spreads are images only, allowing the swords to speak for themselves. All sorts of readers will enjoy this book, whether looking for information or just fuel for their imagination.

No needs to sell this book, just face it out on your nonfiction shelves and it will never ever sit for long. Recommended for ages 8-12.

[Terry · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a beautifully executed book that details many different swords from across the ages. The author has created numerous incredible illustrations, which are the focus of this nonfiction book. The book is divided into chapters, each of which discusses the sword of a particular type of person, such as kings, knights, ninja, samurai, etc. There is some textual discussion for each type of person. My only criticisms are that the chapters would have been better had they been in strict chronological order with some effort given to explaining the evolution of swords across time and space. This book will appeal to teens in middle school and up, along with adults who have even a passing interest in swords. Keep in mind that these are illustrations, not photos of actual swords, but the illustration are great!

[Erica · Rating 5 out of 5]

I would never have guessed there was so much to know about swords. Or rather I guess I knew there was, but it never occurred to me it would be so vast and so interesting to learn about! Swords covers this vast amount of information like Bronze Age swords and Iron Age swords, types of hilts, things about soldiers, knights, and more. It was so fascinating to read about. PLUS you get awesome pictures along side it!

The was a whole chapter on Maidens of War. I loved this - girls who rock totally never get enough attention, in my opinion.

I loved that this book touched on so many things, but didn't go real in depth about any of them. The things that really caught my eye, I can now go check out on my own, after I go a bit of information about about everything I can think of when it came to swords.

This was a super awesome book! I would definitely check it out if you get the time!

[Heather Shaw · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ever take your boys (or your husband) to the art museum TO SEE ART and lose them to the underground chambers of weaponry and swordcraft? Me too. Good news: Candlewick has published the best book on swords and knives I’ve ever seen in any library. Sure, it’s a big picture book, but author Ben Boos calls his work “an artist’s devotion.” (Boos helped create the Diablo game fanchise for Blizzard Entertainment.) Everything from the page borders to breakaways of blade-widths, to the feathers hanging from the crescent sword, to the fighting technique cartoons is lovingly considered and detailed. For the knights, Ninjas, and Sultans in your family, buy this book. It’s beautiful.

[Leni D. · Rating 3 out of 5]

VOYA Review Codes: M, J, S; 4P; 3Q

Sword: An Artist’s Devotion written and illustrated by Ben Boos is a beautifully illustrated book about swords; their history; the people who used them to defend and protect, pillaged and plunder; and celebrate their craftsmanship and artistry.
This is a good book for anyone, especially sword enthusiast, but more specifically for young people interested in seeing and gaining basic knowledge about the evolution and different manifestations swords have gone through over the centuries from around the world.

[Michael Connell · Rating 5 out of 5]

All boys, and likely some girls I’m sure, were weapon enthusiasts at some point or another. All heroes use some sort of weapon, and the sword is one of the most used. This book draws very heavily from that and shows every known type of sword, with detailed description about the blade, what sort of people would use them, and how said blade was made. Every sword featured in this book is beautifully drawn, with details so well shown one could almost mistake it for a photograph. For anyone who wants to learn about swords and their history, this book is a must read.

[Lady Knight · Rating 5 out of 5]

The subtitle says: "An Artist's Devotion" and it truly is. I LOVE this book. It is so neat, and so different from what I was expecting when I picked this up. The basic concept of the book is highlighting through artwork the different types of swords throughout the ages. Tidbits of fact blend beautifully with the highly artistic swords. All types of swords are drawn, from the very plain to the highly ostentacious. Although listed as a children's book, it is perfect for anyone who loves swords (fantastical and historical)!

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I came across this book while shelving in the kid's section of the library I volunteer at, and after checking it out, I was pleased to find that it wasn't simply a kid's picture book. This book is fantastic for any sword enthusiast out there. Ben Boos' illustrations were breathtaking and had me studying the pages, admiring the detailed drawings of the hilts especially. It provided a lot of interesting information without overpowering the reader and I learned a lot about the different styles of swords.

[Zoe · Rating 4 out of 5]

In short, this book is pretty cool.
To be more specific, this book contains a few interesting pieces of info on sword moves, and how some of the swords mentioned were made, but there isn't much actual printed info about these, if that's what you're looking for.
What is really neat about this book though are, of course, the illustrations. It gave me lots of ideas on designing weaponry for characters, and for my own drawings, and also mentioned a few further-reading sources that I'd previously never heard of.
Good book.

[Jrprince]

4Q, 2P, M
This book is simply a graphic display of various swords from around the world. It shows weapons from different time periods and nations. The author also provides brief descriptions of the setting some of the weapons would be found in, as well as the types of people who might have wielded them. While well done, only teens who have an interest in ancient weapons, be it through enjoyment of history or of manga/fantasy stories, will be interested in this book.

[Sarah Sherman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful book about the use of swords throughout history. The illustrations by Ben Boos include an incredible amount of detail. Illustrations are captioned with lots of interesting factual information. The text begins with ancient swords and covers medieval weapons, samurai swords, and other swords from various fighting classes around the world. Definitely an interesting read for anyone interested in cultures that have a history of sword usage!

[Matt · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is filled with beautiful renderings of a vast array of different swords and related items. Though it is a juvenile book, there is a reasonable amount of information about different weapons and parts of those weapons, what purpose they served, how they were used, etc. Nicely, a good variety of cultures were represented beyond European cultures--particularly some of the African swords were quite interesting. Definitely a fun "coffee-table" book!

[Sylwia · Rating 5 out of 5]

we read a lot of children's book around here. very seldom do I give one 5 stars. this has the most amazing illustrations and fun history facts. my kids have been playing imagination games based on this book for days. because i love the library, i very very seldom buy books. I am planning to purchase this one. it's just too amazing not to own!

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

You can't argue with the meticulous illustrations in this book. One thing that seemed to be missing however was the explanation as to why some swords look the way they do.
Yes, the author explains in most places, but some very unusual weapons are not given a description. Either way, this is the book for people who like strange swords.

[Jen · Rating 3 out of 5]

A. loves making paper swords and was interested in looking through this book for inspiration. It did not hold his interest for long, although he enjoyed leafing through it. I think we both would have liked it more if it had more historical info about swords/sword crafting along with the illustrations.

[Travis · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lots of beautiful pictures, but the accompanying text seemed pretty hit-or-miss. Also, it would be nice to know more about the sources for many of the illustrations; even if they are drawn based off of "actual" weapons, I suspect many of the more outlandish ones are showpieces of a smith's craft or status symbols for owners.