Earlshall basket hilt sword book

[NeilUK]

Does anyone know what is happening, if anything, with the further volumes of the Baron's magnum opus? I came across a rumour that he had died but don't know if that is true. if so how close were the later volumes to completion? I am wondering if someone like Cathey might have up-to-date info. It would be a real shame if all that research were to be just abandoned.
Neil