Rating: 
Summary: A cut above its competition
Review: This is an outstanding contribution to the field of publications dealing with Chinese martial arts. Not only is it a meticulously-written and well-illustrated guide to sword technique, this remarkable book also supports the topic with information which "flesh out" the art's social and historical context. It explains not only the "what", but also the "who", "why" and "when". In this way, it is not only an invaluable guide to serious students of taijiquan and its sword techniques, but will also appeal to those readers who are interested in the role that martial arts played in late imperial China. The author's experience as an instructor and his dedication to scholarship ensure that the information in this book is accurate and well-reasoned, with none of the unsubstantiated and fanciful lore which has been the bane of martial arts writing for years.
Rating:
Summary: Excellence in Martial Arts Writing
Review: Without a doubt, Scott Rodell has written one of the most accessible and comprehensive books on swordsmanship (Chinese or otherwise) I have read. The book welcomes the novice reader and makes him feel comfortable with the subject, while the seasoned martial artist immediately understands the author's intended message, without feeling lectured to. Scott speaks the language common to traditional martial artists with quiet elegance and confidence. Andrew Winston
Rating:
Summary: Excellence in Martial Arts Writing
Review: Without a doubt, Scott Rodell has written one of the most accessible and comprehensive books on swordsmanship (Chinese or otherwise) I have read. The book welcomes the novice reader and makes him feel comfortable with the subject, while the seasoned martial artist immediately understands the author's intended message, without feeling lectured to. Scott speaks the language common to traditional martial artists with quiet elegance and confidence. Andrew Winston
| 
