The large-scale work of Ewart Oakeshott, a recognized specialist in the history of weapons and an expert of world significance, reflects a huge historical period - from the middle of the Bronze Age, covering the era of the Great Migration of Nations, the times of the Vikings, chivalry until the beginning of the Renaissance. Along with the description of many types of weapons, special attention is paid to the analysis of the development and improvement of the classic knight's sword, the features of its manufacture, as well as the classification of blades, spears, cross guards and pommel. In addition, Oakeshott recreates the era of feudalism in detail, considering the evolution of military armor and varieties of medieval estates.The book is addressed not only to specialists, but also to those who would like to get acquainted with the most interesting hypotheses about the emergence and development of various types of weapons .The publication is supplied with a large number of illustrations, exact copies from rare manuscripts made by the author's hand.