B731.  Nihonto Zuikan: Koto & Shinto by Kataoka.  Clothbound with slipcases in 2 large volumes, 9 x 12″, in Japanese.  Koto: 1982, 1,064 pages.  Shinto 1984, 1,068 pages.  This is the expanded later edition of the Shinto volume; there never was a 2nd edition of the Koto. Both volumes have indexes in English. Both volumes have been inscribed by the author to a former owner (small slips of paper have been glued over the the owner’s name). Other than the 7 volumes of Nihonto Taikan (also on this site) this is the greatest of the Taikan/Zuikan.  Well done oshigata of just about every smith who mattered.  This is an incredible reference; if you care about Nihonto you lust after these books.

I have digital copies of English indexes to both volumes; if you buy this set remind me to send you them.  Both are included in the “Index of Japanese Sword Literature” on the JSS/US website

This set (not the one in my 1st picture) has slipcases that are a bit age toned but otherwise in great condition.  Both volumes are in excellent condition. 20 pounds, 10 ounces.  $695.

I have a 2nd set of this book. It has the same edition of the Koto volume (good, read condition) but the Shinto volume is the earlier edition with 991 pages.  A former owner of the Shinto volume has written the book’s title in English and a bit about the author on the slipcase (this is not the copy in my pictures). On the front end paper he has written the title again and his name and stamp are here also. Inscribed by the author on the end paper as well. Condition is quite good; the book has been used but not abused. This set can be had for $595. Let me know which set you want.