The smell of the Indian swords.

Jim McDougall · 9th January 2005, 05:08 PM

This is but one example of the fascinating and perceptive material presented in Dr. Elgood's new book, which can only be described as magnificent work in my opinion. This work on Indian weapons far exceeds any of the venerable and well known works that have stood faithfully as the few references used to study Indian weapons. Robert Elgood enters into important examination of not simply the appearance and forms of the weapons, but the subjective and religious significance imbued in them, something that should be paramount in the study of ethnographic edged weapons, but often is avoided in many of the established references.This would exclude of course Indonesian weapons, the keris in particular, whose esoteric study is well represented on the forum by the knowledgable members and readers who are students of these weapons, and the specialized books focused on these weapons. After reading Elgood's book, I can now better realize the depth of the study of these fascinating weapons, and how they reflect profound influences from India.

This work is not only essential to those interested in Indian arms, it is of key importance in establishing the significance of weapons in studies of anthropology and ethnography as distinctive icons of material culture.
While many of these weapons have typically been considered items of art in the more elaborately decorated and sometimes lavish examples, it is important that even the most pedestrian of fighting weapons of these cultures often carry subtle symbolism of thier religion and tradition. This point is brought forth beautifully by Robert Elgood in this new book, as is illustrated by this example shown by Jens.

To me this book is like reading an adventure narrative, contrary to often dryly written academic material. The colorful text is intriguing and parallels outstanding photos, with the detailed references and treasure of footnotes which are characteristic of Robert Elgood's work, standing ready for continued scholarly research.

This book has been long awaited, and I know many have copies ordered, which should be soon arriving. I very much look forward to hearing opinions from others when they do receive their copies, and hope that this will advance the study and discussion of this also very esoteric area of arms and armour.

Best regards,
Jim

Jens Nordlunde · 9th January 2005, 05:27 PM

Hi Jim,

Thank you for your response, I fully agree with you about the book. Dr. Elgood has written a very interesting book, with a lot of fine pictures, not normally seen.

Regards

Jens

Marc · 9th January 2005, 05:35 PM

I indeed hope they do arrive soon... I had mine pre-ordered in June and hadn't heard anything from the publishing house since then, and now it seems the book it's been out for some months, already. May I ask when did you receive yours? Can't say I'm exactly happy with all this...

B.I · 9th January 2005, 05:42 PM

hi marc,
the book has been held up in the states, and the delay has caused problems everywhere. there were a small number of pre-sale copies distributed by robert, and a small number sold on by an english bookseller. the book has not reached general release, but i know it will be worth your wait.

RSWORD · 9th January 2005, 05:58 PM

I have also experienced the same problem with my early order. I inquired a couple of times to the publisher with no response. I do know it will be worth the wait and do hope it comes out soon. Elgood presented at last years Timonium dinner with many fascinating slides of his research in India and we had the opportunity to flip through a pre-edited copy. I understand his next work will be on Balkan arms and armour.

Marc · 10th January 2005, 10:53 AM

Oh, I'm totally sure i won't be disappointed with the book and that it is well worth the wait, it's the lack of information about the delay coming from the publishing house what annoys me...
So, it seems I'm not alone in this... ok, let's wait a little bit more and see if things clear up.
Thank you all for answering to my concern, gentlemen, I feel more at ease, now.

Sincerely
Marc

JPSF · 10th January 2005, 06:11 PM

BOOKFINDER.COM has 7 or 8 copies available from various worldwide booksellers including Powell's Books in Portland, Oregon. Maybe a stack will show up in Baltimore.

ariel · 11th January 2005, 01:35 AM

I ordered it today from Amazon.com
They promise to mail it on 1/20-24..
We shall see....

9th January 2005, 05:08 PM	#1
Jim McDougall Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Posts: 10,278	This is but one example of the fascinating and perceptive material presented in Dr. Elgood's new book, which can only be described as magnificent work in my opinion. This work on Indian weapons far exceeds any of the venerable and well known works that have stood faithfully as the few references used to study Indian weapons. Robert Elgood enters into important examination of not simply the appearance and forms of the weapons, but the subjective and religious significance imbued in them, something that should be paramount in the study of ethnographic edged weapons, but often is avoided in many of the established references.This would exclude of course Indonesian weapons, the keris in particular, whose esoteric study is well represented on the forum by the knowledgable members and readers who are students of these weapons, and the specialized books focused on these weapons. After reading Elgood's book, I can now better realize the depth of the study of these fascinating weapons, and how they reflect profound influences from India. This work is not only essential to those interested in Indian arms, it is of key importance in establishing the significance of weapons in studies of anthropology and ethnography as distinctive icons of material culture. While many of these weapons have typically been considered items of art in the more elaborately decorated and sometimes lavish examples, it is important that even the most pedestrian of fighting weapons of these cultures often carry subtle symbolism of thier religion and tradition. This point is brought forth beautifully by Robert Elgood in this new book, as is illustrated by this example shown by Jens. To me this book is like reading an adventure narrative, contrary to often dryly written academic material. The colorful text is intriguing and parallels outstanding photos, with the detailed references and treasure of footnotes which are characteristic of Robert Elgood's work, standing ready for continued scholarly research. This book has been long awaited, and I know many have copies ordered, which should be soon arriving. I very much look forward to hearing opinions from others when they do receive their copies, and hope that this will advance the study and discussion of this also very esoteric area of arms and armour. Best regards, Jim Last edited by Jim McDougall; 9th January 2005 at 05:39 PM.

9th January 2005, 05:42 PM	#4
B.I Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Posts: 485	new book hi marc, the book has been held up in the states, and the delay has caused problems everywhere. there were a small number of pre-sale copies distributed by robert, and a small number sold on by an english bookseller. the book has not reached general release, but i know it will be worth your wait.

9th January 2005, 05:27 PM	#2
Jens Nordlunde Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Europe Posts: 2,718	Hi Jim, Thank you for your response, I fully agree with you about the book. Dr. Elgood has written a very interesting book, with a lot of fine pictures, not normally seen. Regards Jens

9th January 2005, 05:35 PM	#3
Marc Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Madrid / Barcelona Posts: 256	I indeed hope they do arrive soon... I had mine pre-ordered in June and hadn't heard anything from the publishing house since then, and now it seems the book it's been out for some months, already. May I ask when did you receive yours? Can't say I'm exactly happy with all this...

9th January 2005, 05:58 PM	#5
RSWORD Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Greensboro, NC Posts: 1,087	I have also experienced the same problem with my early order. I inquired a couple of times to the publisher with no response. I do know it will be worth the wait and do hope it comes out soon. Elgood presented at last years Timonium dinner with many fascinating slides of his research in India and we had the opportunity to flip through a pre-edited copy. I understand his next work will be on Balkan arms and armour.

10th January 2005, 10:53 AM	#6
Marc Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Madrid / Barcelona Posts: 256	Oh, I'm totally sure i won't be disappointed with the book and that it is well worth the wait, it's the lack of information about the delay coming from the publishing house what annoys me... So, it seems I'm not alone in this... ok, let's wait a little bit more and see if things clear up. Thank you all for answering to my concern, gentlemen, I feel more at ease, now. Sincerely Marc

10th January 2005, 06:11 PM	#7
JPSF Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Posts: 56	BOOKFINDER.COM has 7 or 8 copies available from various worldwide booksellers including Powell's Books in Portland, Oregon. Maybe a stack will show up in Baltimore.

11th January 2005, 01:35 AM	#8
ariel Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Ann Arbor, MI Posts: 5,503	I ordered it today from Amazon.com They promise to mail it on 1/20-24.. We shall see....