To anyone studying Iaido, this is a must-have text. The first half of the book provides a detailed history of the Japanese sword and how it evolved from a crude instrument of war to the incredible work of craftsmanship that today is collected as a piece of art. A history of Japan provides a context for the development of Japanese swordsmanship not only as a military tactic, but as a way of life.

While the writing in the first section can be a bit thick at times, bogged down with names and dates, it is very thorough and can help the reader form an appreciation for the art of Iaido that goes deeper than the etiquette and katas.

The second half of this book provides an excellent reference to the Kendo Seitei-Gata series of katas for Iaido. Not only is detail given on the execution of the katas, but significant insight is provided into the etiquette of Iaido, from entering the dojo to proper care of a sword to the precise method of bowing. This section of the book is concise and more clearly written than the first, taking on more of an outline form than that of a book. ( )