Bref Instructions vpõ My Pradoxes of Defence ("Brief Instructions upon my Paradoxes of Defense", Sloane MS No.376) is an English fencing manual written in ca. 1605 by George Silver.[1] The original currently rests in the holdings of the British Library in London, United Kingdom. This is the second volume of Silver's work, and seeks to elucidate the correct principles of fencing (in contrast to his Paradoxes of Defence, which primarily seeks to highlight the problems inherent in all other contemporary styles). Unfortunately and for unknown reasons, this treatise was never published in Silver's lifetime and was only brought to light in the 1898 reprinting of his works by Cyril G. R. Matthey.
Provenance
Contents
As this manuscript is not currently available for direct study and Matthey's edition does not give folio information, this table of contents cannot be completed at this time.
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Section
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Admonitions to the Gentlemen and Brave Gallants of Great Britain against Quarrels and Brawls
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The true handling of all Manner of Weapons
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General Rules to be Observed for Weapons Usage
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Declaration of 4 General Fights
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Of the short single sword fight against the like weapon
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Of Diverse Advantages that you may take by Striking from your Ward
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The manner of certain grips & closes
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Of the short sword & dagger fight against the like weapon
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Of the short sword & dagger fight against the long sword & dagger
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Of the sword & buckler fight
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Of the two hand sword fight against the like weapon
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Of the Short Staff Fight
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Of the Short Staff Fight against the Long Staff
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Of the Fight of the Forest Bill against the like Weapon
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Of the Fight of the Morris Pike against the like Weapon
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Of the Single Dagger Fight against the like Weapon
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Gallery
Additional Resources
References
