Claude Blair (1922–2010)

Well, since the last book I read and reviewed was an atlas and found it fitting to next read and review an encyclopedia. This is a VERY thorough book that should be used as a very good reference. The editors drew the content from obvious experts in the fields of the subject matter. In an effort to save time (and my interest) I skimmed this work stopping only to read the entries that pertained to my area of study; mainly arms and armor of the middle ages. Of the material I read, it was very informative and accurate.
The book in it's entirety covers arms (from prehistoric weaopons, to more modern assault rifles), armor the associated terms and technical minutae. As I mentioned earlier, this will be an excellent reference source for the student arms and armor. Overall, I would recommend it and am glad I aquired it.… (more)

I just finished this book and am VERY glad that I read it. This is by far one of the most comprehensive, authoritative, and above all READABLE books on a very large and sometimes complex subject. Although Mr. Blair wrote this book over 50 years ago he insist on using the modern terms and vernacular for the various pieces of armor and general overall harness. This helps the modern collector/enthusiast/student immensely; allowing them to instantly recognize what the author is talking about without having to translate French and/or Latin.
In the preface Mr. Blair admits that this is difficult undertaking; presenting a short and concise work on such a large subject, but he pulls is off masterfully. He cleanly covers centuries of armor development from the age of mail, to the eventual decline of plate armor as a result of better firearms.
It is a very detailed, but not cumbersome account, which I think, makes this book so enjoyable. He tracks the trends between the two big armor-producing centers (Italy and Germany
from the "Transitional Era" to the 17th century with clear and defined differences and similarities.
Illustrated and with a large collection of drawn plates. The reader is provided with the plate number to reference when the author is describing styles and appearance of certain pieces. This is extremely useful. An overall great book and I recommend it to the enthusiast, whatever the level.… (more)