The Book and the Sword is a wuxia novel by Jin Yong. First serialised between 8 February 1955 and 5 September 1956 in the Hong Kong newspaper The New Evening Post, it is also Jin Yong's debut novel.

Wuxia is a genre of Chinese fiction concerning the adventures of martial artists in ancient China. Although wuxia is traditionally a form of historical fantasy literature, its popularity has caused it to be adapted for such diverse art forms as Chinese opera, manhua, television dramas, films, and video games. It forms part of popular culture in many Chinese-speaking communities around the world. According to Hong Kong film director, producer, and movie writer Ronny Yu, wuxia movies are not to be confused with martial arts movies.