is there a book on swordsmanship?

Answer 1

There are a number of good books on swordsmanship. Since you didn't specify the type of swordsmanship you are interested in or what kind of information about swordsmanship you are seeking I will offer a few suggestions.

Modern "European" Sport Fencing
Technical books to look at include "Fencing, Steps to Success, 2nd Edition" by Elain Cheris and "The Art and Science of Fencing" by Nick Evangelista.

Historical "European" Fencing
Anything by Silver, diGrasse, Hope and others of that era are well worth the read in an effort to explore the techniques of swordsmanship use in europe throughout the 16th & 17th centuries. View this site for a look at some of this material: http://www.kismeta.com/rapier.html.

Chinese Swordsmanship
This is a huge subject that covers hundreds of style of swordsmanship. For a Tai Chi sword approach I like Scott Rodell's "Chinese Swordsmanship". It offers a nice introduction and overview of the style. "Kung Fu Butterfly Swords" by Cheung is a fun book to play with as well.

Japanese Swordsmanship
"Shinkendo" by Obata, "Flashing Steel" by Shimabukuro and "Kendo: The Definitive Guide" by Ozawa are a few of my favorites. Anything by Darrel Craig is worth a read as well.

If none of these are what you are looking for just let me know and I will provide more recommendations.

Keep in mind that if your goal is to learn the techniques of swordsmanship nothing can take the place of a good teacher.

Regards
www.thundereaglemaa.com

Answer 2

Well learning physical techniques from a book is not exactly gonna make you into a master swordsman. But there are books you can read to help a swordsman become better at tactics and strategy. Try reading "Go Rin No Sho" Or "The Book of Five Rings" By Miyamoto Musashi. You can also read other classics like Sun Tzu's "Art of War" and zen master Takuan Soho's collection of letters to Shinkage Ryu Kendo Master Yagyu Munenori titled "The Unfettered Mind"

Answer 3

You could check out "the Book Of Five Rings" by Myamoto Musashi, or any one of a number of books on Aikido or Iaido.

Answer 4

Not really sure what kind of sword work you are looking to do, however,...

http://www.amazon.com/IAI-Drawing-Sword-Darrell-Craig/dp/0804870233

This book has been really interesting with regards to Iaido. Goes over etiquette, proper postures and basic movements. That being said, as with any martial art, learning solely from a book usually won't get you far.

Answer 5

A book will not help you to learn the art of the sword.

Answer 6

http://www.thearma.org/book/renbook.htm