| study not only the history of the period, but its art, and not only its art, but its literature - all of it, from saga, chronicle, will and inventory to love poems and pub songs and other frivolities. These things, and only these things, can give some understanding of the Zeitgeist of a period without which there can be no true appreciation of a sword or a war-harness, or indeed of anything else. |
| These by-ways, which always led back to the main road, took me far away from England, for most of the material I needed came from Europe and Asia - from Ireland to Siberia and from Finland to Andalusia. I also had to learn how to wear armour and ride in it, and to heft the sword. These splendid things are not simply ancient artifacts buried in the ground of times past, to be dug up for the benefit of the egos of 20th century experts. They were objects of everyday use by real, very simple people - objects also of mystery and veneration. |
| So: I am indeed an amateur, whose aim is to arouse the interest of any person who cares to read what I write, to be helpful to the student of history or culture or art, and to increase the pleasure of those who collect these splendid things - and now, in these days, of all those who so eagerly and skilfully use them in combat. |
| When this book was in preparation in 1962, I wrote a preface in which I acknowledged my indebtedness to several eminent authorities, working in the field of arms and armour studies, for their support and encouragement. Thirty-two years on, those personages belong to history and there is little point in reiterating this acknowledgement but if, now, I were to try to thank by name all those who support me, a mere preface would be totally inadequate. So I make a general, wide-ranging expression of deep gratitude to all who may read this, wherever they may be, all over the world. It is to them - to you - that I owe the will and the ability to go on working in this most fascinating field of study as my eightieth year rapidly approaches; and it is for you I write. Without the warmth and appreciation of so many people - some close and dear friends, some interesting acquaintances to whom I hope to get closer, and some known to me only by their letters - I would be a spent force. |
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