Building a reference library of nihonto books. What next?

[Lewis B]

I have started my nihonto collecting journey and begun to accumulate a small reference library of noteworthy books. The 3 I have seem to be widely recommended. So what next for someone interested in Kamakura and Nambokucho era swords and a particular interest in Ichimonji-den, Soshu-den and Yamato-den blades?

 

 

[Franco]

Yamanaka's Newsletters revised

Nihonto Koza (AFU) Koto volumes

 

[nulldevice]

1 hour ago, Franco D said:

Yamanaka's Newsletters revised

Nihonto Koza (AFU) Koto volumes

 

These seem to be extremely hard to find at a good price these days. 

 

I indexed quite a few Ichimonji, Soshu, and Yamato blades in the Nihonto Taikan Koto volumes.

 

Those books have been amazing for me to get through but I'm only just done indexing the mei of each of the books. Trying to get a somewhat decent translation of each page is going to be tough but that's my current project. 

 

The Sesko oshigata books are a great reference in English (and available in German I believe). He has a koto-taikan book that might be of interest to you. 

Edited May 25, 2024 by nulldevice
Spelling

[Lewis B]

I also ordered this Markus Sesko book as it contains many swords I find particularly appealing. Most of the books I have are secondhand although this one is quite reasonably priced so it was purchased new.

If the owner of the Sanekage wishes to sell PLEASE contact me.

 

[Lewis B]

1 hour ago, Lewis B said:

Double post

 

 

[The Blacksmith]

A book that I recently acquired and which I can thoroughly recommend is Cutting Edge, by Victor Harris.

 

 

Victor Harris was Keeper of Japanese Antiquities at the British Museum for many years, and was widely regarded as one of the most knowledgeable people outside of Japan on Nihonto.

[Franco]

3 hours ago, nulldevice said:

These seem to be extremely hard to find at a good price these days. 

 

In general, the better Japanese sword "books" do increase in price over time and become more difficult to find. 

I see the NCJSC no longer offers Yamanaka's Newsletters revised, too bad. Still, I would contact them and inquire. 

Yamanaka's should be in every serious collector's library.

Place a wanted add here on NMB.

Additionally, subscribe to Japanese sword dealers that carry books. Let these dealers know what it is that you're looking for.

https://www.Japanese...index.com/sites2.htm

Search the internet occasionally - https://search.yahoo...a+(AFU)+Koto+volumes

 

 

Regards

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Rivkin]

Absolutely the best book on Soshu den is by Dmitry Pechalov.

Even though it spends a lot of time on researching particular swords, publications, owner relationships - its discussion of the school per se is excellent, rigorous and thoughtful.

 

[Gakusee]

https://markussesko.com/books/

[Grey Doffin]

In my humbled opinion, the best material on the subject in English is the 59 volume of Token Bijutsu from the staff at The HBTHK:

https://japaneseswor...lete-with-1-reprint/

Grey

[Brian]

59 minutes ago, Rivkin said:

Absolutely the best book on Soshu den is by Dmitry Pechalov.

Even though it spends a lot of time on researching particular swords, publications, owner relationships - its discussion of the school per se is excellent, rigorous and thoughtful.

 

That book is a work of art in itself.

[Franco]

45 minutes ago, Grey Doffin said:

In my humbled opinion, the best material on the subject in English is the 59 volume of Token Bijutsu from the staff at The HBTHK

 

Another essential for the serious student's library. 

[Grey Doffin]

Dmitry Pechalov"s book, and I agree, it is impressive.

https://japaneseswor...rpieces-by-pechalov/

Grey