EDGED WEAPONS (First edition - first impression - review copy)

First impression of the true first edition, published in medium-format hardcover in 1970. Profusely illustrated throughout in monochrome and colour. ***Near fine in light-grey cloth-covered boards, with silver titles to the spine. The boards are clean and only slightly marked on the front board. Slight creasing at the head and tail of the spine - no other creases or bumps. Corners sharp. Page block edges clean. No reading lean to the binding. Spine tight. Internally also near fine, with no inscriptions, and no marks or foxing to the interior pages. Pages clean and bright. No creases or tears. Published on nice quality but thin paper. Loosely inserted is a publisher's review slip, giving the published date as Monday 26th January 1970. There is also a small magazine clipping showing a photograph from the book (please see scans). ***In a very good colour-illustrated dustwrapper, which has not been price-clipped, retaining the original publisher's printed price of 84s. The dustwrapper has some light creasing to the edges, but is complete with no serious creases and no tears. Some light marks on the front panel. No fading. Dustwrapper bright. ***242mm x 180mm. 256 pages plus a xiv page Index at the back of the book. ***'In this book Frederick Wilkinson traces the story of all the main categories of hand weapons, from neolithic times up to the ceremonial weapons of the twentieth century, with the same blend of deep knowledge and high readability which distinguished his widely acclaimed "Antique Firearms". The superb colour plates, commissioned especially for the volume from Paul Forrester, provide a brilliant panorama of the evolution of the edged weapon, and a fitting sequel to his impressive series of studies in the earlier volume.' (Quote taken from the front flap of the dustwrapper)***A first impression of the true first edition, published in 1970 - this copy a publisher's review copy with inserted review slip. A lavishly illustrated study of bladed weapons by type. ***For all our books, postage is charged at cost, allowing for packaging: any shipping rates indicated on ABE are an average only: we will reduce the P & P charge where appropriate - please contact us for postal rates for heavier books and sets etc.…