<DIV>The Japanese sword is much more than just a weapon&#249;it is a social and religious icon. Traditionally worn by the samurai warrior as an instrument of justice and courage, the sword was an embodiment of the soul of the person who wielded it that was at once sacred and symbolic. Swords of Japan is the first book to tell the full story of the Japanese sword's rise to greatness by discussing its long history and development, its spiritual symbolism, the esoteric metallurgical techniques used to make the sword, as well as the difficult training techniques used by skilled swordsmen.<BR><BR>Swords of Japan is complemented by stunning high-resolution photos, a foreword by sixth degree Iaido black belt Nicklaus Suino, an afterword by expert sword polisher and &#244;Mukansa&#246; Abe Kazunori, and a DVD featuring a beautifully filmed documentary and two bonus features.</div>