John Wilkinson Latham, a Director of famous Wilkinson Sword Company first published this book in 1971. It has long been out of print and unavailable to enthusiasts and collectors except at a high price in the second hand market.

The book traces the development of edged weapons in the British Army. There are chapters devoted to the regular Army, yeomanry and Militia as well as the Royal Navy and Royal Air Force. There are chapters on pole arms, bayonets and fighting knives and a review of the manufacturing process. There are valuable lists of sword makers, Military sword markings and sword knots. The book is well illustrated.