Chinese
Archery by Stephen Selby,
2000.New Books
Chinese
Archery by Stephen Selby,
2000.
This is the only readily available comprehensive book on Chinese archery. It is a must for any archer interested in the enchantment of international archery, and imperative for those interested in China specifically. It is written by a scholar/archer who is fully comfortable with both the English and Chinese languages. The casual reader can roam and glean fascinating passages which pique their personal interests. Obviously, the scholar will find a treatise of serious substance (it includes Chinese text parallel to the English). Eight pages of beautiful full color prints, plus many other line drawings and photographs. Three thousand years of Chinese history. Hong Kong University Press. Paper, 418 pages. $29.95.
Archery
Traditions of Asia, by
Stephen Selby, 2003.
This
gorgeous piece was created in conjunction with a team of
collaborators for the spectacular “Archery Traditions of Asia
Exhibition” in Hong Kong in the fall of 2003. Nearly every page
is fully illustrated with absolutely outstanding color illustrations
or photographs. The content is basic, but there are riches here for
the beginner and the veteran archer. Some Chinese text is included.
As the title states, this work reaches beyond the Chinese borders and
includes highlights from many of the other Asian traditions, from
Japan to Hungary. Hong Kong Museum of Coastal Defense. Paper,
oversize, 80 pages. $19.95.
Bows
of the World, by David Gray, 2002.
This work is unique in several ways. It is an overview of traditional bows from prehistoric recreations to modern selections and in full color. I believe it is the only book of that sweeping range in high quality color. It does not include high tech archery. It features a few typical bows from each continent. Each bow is given some historical framework, including anthropological insights into the intelligence and skill needed to construct these traditional weapons. There are some action shots, including some dramatic horse archery action. It is being featured by leading outdoor book clubs, and has relevance for target archers, bow hunters, archery collectors, museums, universities, and local libraries. Guilford, Connecticut: Lyons Press, An Imprint of Globe/Pequot. Hardback, with nice dust jacket. Full color through out. Professional studio photography, occupying about one-third of the space. $24.95 (plus $1.50 tax and $4.50 shipping). ISBN 1-58574-478-6
Horseback Archery, by Kassai Lajos, 2002 in English translation.
Kassai Lajos is the founder and leading world performer of the new growing and standardized sport of mounted archery. He can shoot 3 arrows in 6 seconds at a 3-faced target while at a full gallop. Krackow has been instrumental in bringing him and the sport to this country for the first time in 1998, and three subsequent times to the International Horse Archery Festival at Fort Dodge, Iowa. The book tells the story of Kassai’s struggle to develop the sport, doing the research of the ancient Magyar roots, training himself and his horses, establishing the regime and the rules, and then going on to international demonstrations and open competitions. It is a challenging and stimulating discipline and story. Budapest, Hungary: Puski Kiado kft. Hardback with nice photo of mounted archer on cloth cover. Many attractive black and white photos, 155 pages. $19.95 (plus $1.20 tax and $4.00 shipping). ISBN 963-9337-66-8
W
arriors
of the Steppe: A Military History of Central Asia 500 B.C. to
1700A.D. By Erik Hildinger, 1997.
A very readable yet careful account of the repeated waves of mounted Asian horseback archers who swept across the great plains of Asia into Eastern Europe. Follow the hoof beats of the Scythians, Huns, Avars, Magyars, Mongols, and many others. The unique importance of the horse culture and the composite bow receive much attention. Great read to get the ancient background and culture behind the modern mounted archery discipline. $17.50 ($1.05 tax and $4.00 shipping). DeCapo Press, paper, some nice black and white illustrations, 260 pages. ISBN 0-306-81065-4
Kay’s Thumbring Book, by Kay Koppedrayer, 2002.
A nice answer to that often asked question of where can I find a guide on thumbrings? The first part of the book helps to create an appreciation for the many different types of rings developed around the world. The last third of the book explains and illustrates how to use the thumbring. This had been a much need source. $12.50 (.75 tax and $4.00 shipping). Blue Vase Press, paper, 82 pages.