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Rating: 
Summary: Amazing detail
Review: I'm not really into sword collecting, but I nonetheless found
this book to be fascinating. Two-thirds of it is pure reference
material related to particular sword makers and that part would be
invaluable to collectors, but it is not of general interest. The
descriptions of the history of swordmaking and the attributes of
the craftsmanship, however, stands on its own as interesting reading.
One comes away with a much greater appreciation of the art form.
Rating:
Summary: An excellent piece of work!
Review: The Connoisseur's Book is exceptionally detailed and not to mention very aesthetically pleasing. The book itself has the feel and look of a high-quality encyclopedia. As should be expected, the information inside is very well detailed. It is an excellent book and I very strongly recommend it, particularly if you are ready to start deeper in-depth studies of Nihonto. For a novice, I would probably suggest the books by Sato and Yumoto. But this is what I feel would be a step beyond those.Absolutely marvelous. Well written, very clear, of course as was mentioned in another review it sorta lacks photographs, but that's quite OK, as the illustrations do an excellent job of portraying things. For those of you who are more passively interested, this book will be overkill and unnecessary when you can do well with the aforementioned books, but if you are serious...this book is a splendid piece of work that will be VERY enjoyable for you to delve into. Not only for information, but as a good read.
Rating:
Summary: The next step after reading Yumoto's book for collectors
Review: The Connoisseur's Book, is just that. It is very detailed and a must for any serious student of Nihonto. The pluses are the incredible depth of research and information. Nagayama details all five priciple schools as well as the common traits and outstanding smiths of the schools. The only downside is the lack of full color (or even b/w for that matter)picures of the blades and styles he is talking about. However, the drawings do well to illustrate the style. I just would have prefered to see actual blades since that is what I would be looking for as a collecter. Overall- a very good read - Nagayama gives a great history of the development of the Nihoto. As a reference tool, the book is not well set up for quick access, but does provide the information needed if you mark the various pages. Basically more detailed that Yumoto's book and the next step for the collector in his study of Nihonto.
Rating:
Summary: The next step after reading Yumoto's book for collectors
Review: The Connoisseur's Book, is just that. It is very detailed and a must for any serious student of Nihonto. The pluses are the incredible depth of research and information. Nagayama details all five priciple schools as well as the common traits and outstanding smiths of the schools. The only downside is the lack of full color (or even b/w for that matter)picures of the blades and styles he is talking about. However, the drawings do well to illustrate the style. I just would have prefered to see actual blades since that is what I would be looking for as a collecter. Overall- a very good read - Nagayama gives a great history of the development of the Nihoto. As a reference tool, the book is not well set up for quick access, but does provide the information needed if you mark the various pages. Basically more detailed that Yumoto's book and the next step for the collector in his study of Nihonto.
Rating:
Summary: Buy it or you'll be sorry!
Review: This book contains more info than one could even imagine! In fact, that's all I'm going to say becuase it would take to long for me to even give you even a basic idea! I will tell you this: If you don't have this book in your library then you are missing out big time!!!!! Oh, by the way, the illustrations are awesome too!!!! Enjoy and make sure that you have a weekend free to read.... you'll need it ;-)
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