National Treasure by Peter Bleed

'National Treasure' by Peter Bleed is a 2000 novel/academic study that explores the world of 14th-century Japanese swords, focusing on two specific blades with significant historical, artistic, and cultural importance. It follows a collector navigating intrigue surrounding these, blending historical accuracy with modern collecting, often highlighting their 'National Treasure' status. (Amazon review).

The story focuses on Dr Eric Mallow (a dentist so not a 'real' doctor ) who is a hobbyist gun collector, who acquires two Japanese swords at a gun show, without knowing one is a 14th-century weapon that belonged to a Emperor-loyalist, samurai general and the other was known as the 'Son Killer'. When it becomes known Mallow has these artifacts, it sparks a dangerously exciting chase by shadowy characters who wish to claim the swords for themselves.

Peter Bleed is a recognised scholar in Japanese archaeology, ensuring the book's accuracy regarding the history and art of swords. The novel explores the complexities of collecting antique items and the deep historical significance of these treasures. It was a finalist for the 2001 Independent Book Publishers Awards, Multicultural Fiction.

This is a book I read some years ago and simply couldn't put down. I'm re-reading it and am experiencing the same phenomenon! Bleed writes convincing and charming characters, especially Mallow, and the story flows at an exciting pace. One can be confident of its historical accuracy due to the author's academic credentials. I genuinely love this novel and a screen adaptation would make a cracking film, (as long as Ryan Gosling isn't chosen to play Mallow). Tom Hanks would be perfect in a 'Robert Langdon style', but maybe he's a little too old as the character is written.

It's such a shame, however, that the book is so expensive (£58 for hardback, £23 for paperback, £19 for digital). Routledge (publishers) tend to publish academic books which are always expensive due to the low sales volumes and yet high standards of authorship, but for an average-sized novel, this is slightly excessive and a lower price would sell much better in my opinion. Having said that, I will be investing in the hardback 'vanity copy' to proudly place on my bookshelf.