Skip to product information
The Perfect Sword
£15.99
The Perfect Sword—Forging the Dark Ages
Access Your Content in Seconds
- Complete your purchase on our store.
- Download The Grey Hill App (free).
- Log in using the same email from checkout.
- Your ebook will appear instantly in your library.
All content is securely delivered through our app and not offered as a Shopify download.
About the Ebook
The story of the Bamburgh Sword – one of the finest swords ever forged.
In 2000, archaeologist Paul Gething rediscovered a sword. An unprepossessing length of rusty metal, it had been left in a suitcase for thirty years. But Paul had a suspicion that the sword had more to tell than appeared, so he sent it for specialist tests. When the results came back, he realised that what he had in his possession was possibly the finest, and certainly the most complex, sword ever made, which had been forged in seventh-century Northumberland by an anonymous swordsmith.
This is the story of the Bamburgh Sword – of how and why it was made, who made it and what it meant to the warriors and kings who wielded it over three centuries. It is also the remarkable story of the archaeologists and swordsmiths who found, studied and attempted to recreate the weapon using only the materials and technologies available to the original smith.
Why You'll Love This Ebook
- Dive into a compelling narrative filled with insight and depth
- Discover perspectives that will expand your understanding
- Experience storytelling that captivates and inspires
- Read another celebrated title from Birlinn Ltd - Independent Scottish Publisher
Reviews
'Revelatory and fascinating — the kind of book that Wayland the Smith would have adored' Tom Holland, author of Rubicon
'Wonderfully well-written, entertainingly discursive and absorbing account of swordcraft and archaeology' Country Life
'Abundantly confirms that the Dark Ages were not so dark when it came to metalworking' Model Engineer
About the Author
Paul Gething is Director of the Bamburgh Research Project. He studied Archaeological Science at the University of Sheffield and began excavating in 1987. Since then, he has worked in the Middle East, North Africa, France, Spain and the length and breadth of the UK. He has written for History, Current Archaeology,The Great Outdoors and Time Out.
Publication Details
Publisher: Birlinn Ltd
Publication Date: 03 November 2022
Print Length: 272 pages (Ebook edition)
ISBN (Ebook): 9781788855235
Format: Ebook
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I access my ebook?
Download The Grey Hill App and log in using the same email you used at checkout. Your ebook will appear instantly in your library.
Can I read it online?
Yes — you can also access your purchases via our online reader at reader.thegreyhill.com.
I can't see my ebook — what should I do?
Tap the refresh button in the app or online reader. If it still doesn't appear, ensure you're logged in with the same email used at checkout. If issues continue, contact us and we'll help right away.
Can I gift this ebook?
Yes — you can purchase a Grey Hill Gift Card here: Buy a Gift Card. The recipient can redeem it on our store, and the ebook will appear in The Grey Hill App.