National Treasure

This teaching novel by archaeologist Peter Bleed demonstrates the complexities of contemporary collecting of archaeological antiques and delves into the world of 14th century Japan. Dr. Eric Mallow, a serious gun collector, complicates his life by acquiring a pair of Japanese swords at a gun show. He has no idea one of the swords was the personal weapon of a 14th century patriot, or that the other carries a blood-thirsty reputation as the "Son Killer." Various attempts to get them back complicate his life, from a Japanese politician wants the swords to cement his control over a religious cult to the leader of a Tokyo crime syndicate. National Treasure treats 600 years of history and societies that are worlds apart with accuracy and cultural detail. The book was a Finalist, 2001 Independent Book Publishers Awards, Multicultural Fiction.

Peter Bleed

Prologue | Ashiya Hidetaka; 1: Eric Mallow; 2: Lee James; 3: Odagiri Satoshi; 4: Maeda Nobuhide; 5: Tsuji Takeru; 6: Ken Sawada; 7: Dave Stalgaard; 8: Sawada Kenji; 9: Kutani Noburo; 10: Sato Yoshimasa; 11: Dawn Watanabe; 12: Jerry Lupinski; 13: Lotte Swanson; 14: Osatsu Juken; 15: Hagi Akira; Afterward; Author 's Notes