With over 300 stunning photographs and woodblock prints along with extensive historical and cultural commentary, Japanese Swords is the ultimate authority on Samurai weaponry. Historically, Japanese warriors considered their swords to be more elevated than simple weaponry. Their swords were both lethal tools and divine companions -- social and religious icons. Traditionally worn by the samurai as a sign of social status, the Japanese sword represented the junction between the ruling military class and those whom they ruled. Moreover, the samurai sword was a technological and artistic marvel. Many scholars consider it to be the finest sword ever constructed. Concerning symbolism and historical importance, no other blade comes close to the Japanese sword. With a historical, iconographical, and technological perspective, author Cohn M. Roach provides an in-depth study of these magnificent weapons in Japanese Swords. This richly illustrated sword book weaves the blade's primary influences together, tracking its history and illuminating its progress from infancy to grandeur. By studying the evolution of the Japanese sword from this perspective, we better understand Japan and its warrior archetype. Combining research materials from multiple disciplines, Roach uses his expertise as an educator to guide readers through the sword's rise to greatness in a unique way. This book discusses the history, development, and spiritual symbolism of the sword, as well as the esoteric metallurgical techniques used in making it. It also covers the intense training practices used by skilled swordsmen. Japanese Swords also includes accompanying online videos featuring a beautifully-filmed documentary that explores the traditional swordmaker's craft, an introduction to the Japanese sword at a sword shop in Kyoto and a visit to a dojo for a beginner's class in the medieval sword-drawing art called iaido.

When the young upstart Bob Santoni challenges his drinking ability, the old master, Russell Aldridge, agrees to a contest that will last for six months and end up completely changing both their lives. Filled with "fish stories," social commentary, and wry humor, THE DRINKING GAME is a character study of a man born in an age long past, when honor and dignity were valued and mastery was a way of life.

We spend more time glued to our glutes than ever. The latest numbers suggest that the average person spends sixty hours or more a week using his butt as a base of operations. That's why we've presented you with 101 activities ranging from those which would cause any rational person to tremble in fear - like organizing your office - to things that you may consider just an ordinary weekend pastime - like jumping into the abyss with a giant rubber band tied around your waist. The plan here is to put some dare in your derriere, and some juice in your caboose, some whoosh in your toosh. And to help you get out of the rut created by your butt. So what are you waiting for? Pick a chapter and put some hum in your bum, some flair in your fanny, and some kick in your can After you've done a dozen or so of these activities, you'll look back and wonder how you ever managed to spend so much time parked on your posterior