B474. Token Bijutsu English edition by the NBTHK. Volume 1 was released in 1979. The last volume published was # 59, 15 years later. softbound, 7 1/4 x 10 1/4″, maybe 2,500 pages in English. This is a complete set of all 59 issues (the last 4 issues are double issues printed in 2 bindings).

“Token Bijutsu” is easily the very best Nihonto reference in English; nothing else even comes close to the depth of study and quality of production.  Great swords from all periods, great kodogu and koshirae, crisp photography and well done oshigata, thorough write ups by the staff at the NBTHK & National Sword Museum in Tokyo, dozens of articles on all aspects of sword study, and so much more.  All 59 issues are indexed in at least 2 online indexes, which makes the set very easy to use.  When I need to research a smith, this is the reference I reach for first.  I have a word doc of corrections to the 59 volumes; if you buy the set remind me to send it.

Full sets are incredibly difficult to find; I get maybe 1 or 2 a year.  I know of no other sets available now anywhere.  Again, I can’t overemphasize the importance of this reference.  It is simply the best in English.