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32nd out of 102 books
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94 voters
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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 — ...more
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 — ...more
Hardcover, 96 pages
Published
September 9th 2008
by Candlewick Press
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Roxanne Hsu Feldman
rated it
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...)
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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...more
The was a whole chapter on Maidens of War. I loved this - girls who rock...more
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 chronolo...more
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 throug...more
Becky
rated it
Recommends it for:
5th grade and up
Shelves:
favoriteillustrations,
words-and-pictures
This book is GORGEOUS! Former videogame designer Ben Boos offers his detailed, meticulous "artist's devotion" to swords of all kinds. Some text gives background information on the different users of swords throughout history: soldiers, knights, samurai, ninja. I've never had a particular fascination with weapons, but I spent a long time poring over this book, and for the middle school boys I talked to yesterday, it was like moths to a flame. This would be another fantastic gift book fo...more
A perfect book for a reluctant reader. Boos, who stated that this book was created out of a love of swords, seems to understand the reading habits of young children as well. The book is beautifully contructed with the perfect amount of text per page. Designed in a manner similar to the DK Eyewitness books, a reader may choose to explore the illustrations, the text, or both. Boos was good enough to include a bibliography in the back. Also, bonus points to Boos for discussing female warriors ...more
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...more
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 ...more
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 ...more
This is a book that will capture children's imaginations, have them poring over ...more
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!
This is a really quick read -- more like a quick glance. There are lots of pictures and few words, but that does not make it a useless book. The images are as accurate as I've ever seen and I did not detect false information. In short, this book was beautiful.
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 f...more
I like this book as a quick read. It gives adequate information about all the uses of swords and the orgins. It's not too informal but it is really fun to read.
I've always been very interested in swords, and this taught me a lot about the type of swords and the people who wielded them. It's really quite fascinating!
Simply a beautiful book. We have all enjoyed it together and individually. It will definitely have an influence on this years christmas swords.
i mean wow, this guy really likes to draw swords. i brought this home for my husband but i think i spent more time with it than he did
ZaBeth
rated it
Wonderful illustrations with brief descriptions of various types of swords from around the world
Great drawings! Made me sad I couldn't draw like that...
It was really informative too!
Loved it!!!
It was really informative too!
Loved it!!!
An excellent review of sword history. The drawings are amazing. What a beautiful and educational book.
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.
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.
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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 swor...more
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 swor...more
fun book about many frequently occurring swords from history
Julia
added it
a facinating book in evry way.
Not much as far as reading goes, but wonderfully illustrated!
This book is full of beautiful pictures and interesting information. My 6 year old son and I loved it so much we bought a copy for home!
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.
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.
Truly gorgeous drawings and paintings of all kinds of different swords fill this book. This will be a sure hit with any youngster interested in weaponry.
Read more on my blog:
http://abbylibrarian.blogspot.com/2009/0...
Read more on my blog:
http://abbylibrarian.blogspot.com/2009/0...
One of my favorite books this year. A feast for the eyes.
Some interesting facts about swords, but I absolutely loved its exquisitely executed drawings.
Juliej
marked it as to-read
Amy, this book is right up Michael's alley. I'll have to check it out.
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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...more
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