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Lulu booklist
Since Lulu doesn't support making custom book lists, I put together this list of transcriptions and translations and such available through the site. I'll update it as things come to my attention. Inclusion on this list is not an endorsement by Wiktenauer, merely a notice that these books exist.
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Swords, Science, and Society: German Martial Arts in the Middle Ages by Jamie Acutt Paperback In medieval Germany, combat was a matter of life and death, and knowing the Art of Fencing was to have control over it: to have the power to save or take lives. Those who knew the Art of Fencing kept such knowledge as a closely guarded secret. In 15th century Bavaria, a small and secretive fellowship of fencing masters encoded their knowledge into a cryptic verse. Their Art, the ‘one true art of the sword’, was reserved only for the initiated. At the head of this fellowship was a grand-master known as Johannes Liechtenauer. Presented within this book is an investigation of the Company of Liechtenauer, tracing their connections and influences through archival records spanning more than a century. Scholarly Fencing is contrasted with what was referred to as ‘Common Fencing’. Separating the common from the initiated, this book demonstrates the Aristotelian and Scholastic approach that defined the secret Art of Liechtenauer, and describes the science of sword-fighting in the 15th and 16th centuries. |
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Nicolaes Petter, the Biography by Jerome Blanes Paperback The ultimate Nicolaes Petter source. Nicolaes Petter was a Wine Merchant and a well-known and undefeated Wrestler in Amsterdam during the 17th century. In 1674 his knowledge about wrestling and self-defence was published in a book with 71 etchings by the famous artist and illustrator Romeyn de Hooghe. According to many martial artists and historians, it is one of the most important martial arts books ever published. This book is the biography of Nicolaes Petter and an introduction to the world around him. Also describes 17th century Amsterdam, the Oude and Nieuwe Doolhof, Wine trade, Crime and violence, Lutherism in Amsterdam. Includes Petter's original books. Full training manual of: Petter's self defence suggestions, examples wrestling, weight lifting with barrels. Foreword by MMA legend and champion Bas Rutten. BIBLIOGRAPHY WITH SOURCES FROM PAGE 641. For more information: www.nicolaespetter.blogspot.com |
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Jakob Sutor’s New Illustrated Fencing Manual by S.E. Brunson Paperback Jakob Sutor's 1612 "New Künstliches Fechtbuch" (New Illustrated Fighting Manual) was one publication of many on the subject being printed at the time in Europe, this one focussing primarly on fighting with the long sword, the dusack, the rapier, the staff, and the halberd. This manual has several collections of woodcut illustrations for each weapon and fighting type, demonstrating proper stances and techniques, as well as illustrating the different parts of the weapons and the different zones of the body to strike. The audience was both young aristocratic men who would be expected to duel with others of their station, as well as any who wished to join the military and needed to be well-trained in both offensive and defensive maneuvers with a variety of standard-issue weaponry. |
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The Spada Maestra of Bondì di Mazo by Matteo Butera, Francesco Lanza, W. Jherek Swanger, and Reinier van Noort; . Hardcover - Paperback Bondì di Mazo's La Spada Maestra was published in Venice in 1696. It thus affords a valuable insight into the culmination of the use of the Italian rapier before it was ultimately supplanted by the adoption of the smallsword and the development of classical fencing. In this extensively illustrated work, di Mazo discusses and demonstrates a lively style of fencing characterized by dynamic use of measure, evasions such as the inquartata, use of both edge and point, and grips and disarms. From the single rapier, he moves on to provide advice and examples of fencing with the addition of the dagger, the targa (a form of buckler), and the cape. This book is the first complete English translation of La Spada Maestra. It includes a brief introduction with historical notes, and annotations in the form of footnotes, appendices, and glossaries. Above all, it is clearly written so as to be readily understood and usable to scholars and practitioners of the Western martial arts. |
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Alte Armatur und Ringkunst: The Royal Danish Library Ms. Thott 290 2º edited by Michael Chidester, contributions by Hans Talhoffer, Dieter Bachmann, Paul Becker, Michael Chidester, Ariella Elema, Rebecca L. R. Garber, Dierk Hagedorn, Daniel Jaquet, Christian Henry Tobler Reproduction Volume Hardcover Commentary Volume Hardcover This is a two-volume set. Volume 1 is a complete reproduction of the manuscript, using the same scans as our Talhoffer facsimile but printed and bound in a conventional book. Volume 2 contains a full translation by Rebecca L. R. Garber and commentary on the manuscript from some of the leading scholars in the field of historical European martial arts studies that highlight various aspects of the manuscript and its history. Paul Becker describes the life of Hans Talhoffer in unprecedented detail. Dierk Hagedorn discusses the many treatises of Talhoffer and their relationships to each other. Michael Chidester delves into the life of Konrad Kyeser and his treatise Bellifortis, which is the source for the manuscript’s war machines. Daniel Jaquet describes the judicial dueling culture and customs that Talhoffer existed in, and Ariella Elema discusses the background and history of the specialized dueling weapons that Talhoffer presents to readers. Finally, Christian Henry Tobler explains the strange collection of esoterica that forms the final, inverted chapter of the book. (The red book comes in a white paper wrapper that should be discarded.) |
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Bauman’s Fight Book: Augsburg University Library Cod. Ⅰ.6.4º 2 edited by Michael Chidester, contributions by Michael Chidester, Jessica Finley, Elias Flatscher, Dierk Hagedorn, Marlene Hurst, Lucien Lee, Charles Lin, Oskar ter Mors, Reinier van Noort, Christian Henry Tobler, and Bartłomiej Walczak Reproduction Volume Hardcover Commentary Volume Hardcover This is a two-volume set. Volume 1 is a complete reproduction of the manuscript, using the same scans as our Bauman facsimile but printed and bound in a conventional book. Volume 2 contains a full translation by Christian Henry Tobler and Jessica Finley and commentary on the manuscript from some of the leading scholars in the field of historical European martial arts studies that highlight various aspects of the manuscript and its history. Finley and Tobler introduce the contents of parts A and B in a paper that discusses the various teachings and explores relationships with the tradition of Johannes Liechtenauer. Bartłomiej Walczak discusses the dagger section and uses it as a lens through which to examine the origins and structure of the Augsburg tradition as a whole. Lucien Lee discusses the Messer fencing and proposes connections to other pre-Lecküchner texts. Elias Flatscher evaluates the wrestling teachings and compares them to modern wrestling traditions. Charles Lin and Marlene Hurst present a discussion of the historical context of the fighting teachings of parts A and B and some advice on training them in ways that reflect that context. Finally, Dierk Hagedorn shows connections between the illustrations in part C and Gladiatoria. An appendix contains an edition of another manuscript with similar artwork by Reinier van Noort and Oskar ter Mors. (The blue book comes in a white paper wrapper that should be discarded.) |
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The Flower of Battle: MS M 383 by Michael Chidester Prestige hardcover - Spiral-bound paperback Fiore dei Liberi was a weapons-master from Italy who was active in the 14th and early 15th century. After fifty years of training Italy's elite, he put his art to paper and created the Flower of Battle. The Flower of Battle covers the use of the dagger, sword, spear, axe as well as fighting in armor, on horseback, and other odds and ends. MS M 383, owned by the Morgan Library and Museum, differs from the other Italian versions by beginning with fighting on horseback and moving to foot combat with progressively smaller weapons. This edition includes high-resolution scans alongside a new transcription and translation by Michael Chidester, who also wrote a codicological analysis and an overview of dueling at the turn of the 15th century to help contextualize the treatise. An appendix includes a paper by Jay Leccese that analyzes the artwork and explores connections to others of Fiore's manuscripts. Available in hardcover, perfect-bound softcover, and spiral-bound softcover. A prestige edition using high-end glossy paper for optimal color fidelity is available on Lulu; the other editions use a matte paper which doesn’t take color quite as well, but is better for writing in. |
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“…The Foundation and Core of all the Arts of Fighting”: The Long Sword Gloss of GNM Manuscript 3227a by Michael Chidester and Dierk Hagedorn Reference edition: Prestige hardcover Reading Edition: Hardcover - Paperback - eBook The long sword gloss in GNM manuscript 3227a is one of the most important texts in the Liechtenauer tradition. This is beyond question. It presents a teaching that is unique in the tradition, more focused on ideas and concepts than on individual plays or techniques. In this way, it is the perfect companion to the more action-oriented glosses of other masters like Sigmund ain Ringeck, Pseudo-Peter von Danzig, and Jud Lew. This book seeks to present these teachings in a new light, with an original translation that will hopefully be easier to read and understand than existing offerings. In this way, it will hopefully reveal this important text to a wider audience. Two versions are available: a large format prestige hardcover, including color scans and a revised transcription by Dierk Hagedorn, and a small format softcover version with just the translation. |
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Kunst und Zettel im Messer: The Bavarian State Library Cgm 582 edited by Michael Chidester, contributions by Hans Lecküchner, Robert Brunner, Daniel Burger, Michael Chidester, Casper J. van Dijk, Olivier Dupuis, Jessica Finley, Adam Franti, Falko Fritz, Dierk Hagedorn, Johann Heim, Alexander Kiermayer, Carsten Lorbeer, Julia Lorbeer, Oskar ter Mors Reproduction Volume Hardcover Commentary Volume Hardcover This is a two-volume set. Volume 1 is a complete reproduction of the manuscript, using the same scans as our Lecküchner facsimile but printed and bound in a conventional book. Volume 2 contains a full transcription by Carsten Lorbeer, et al. and commentary on the manuscript from some of the leading scholars in the field of historical European martial arts studies that highlight various aspects of the manuscript and its history. Daniel Burger describes the life and times of Hans Lecküchner in great detail. Falko Fritz discusses the physical properties of Messers and how they relate to Lecküchner’s teachings, and Jessica Finley delves into the unusual terminology used by Lecküchner (and Liechtenauer). Dierk Hagedorn offers the first catalog of all surviving Messer and Dussack treatises. Olivier Dupuis discusses the concept of fencing in jest and in earnest and how it’s reflected in fencing treatises. Casper J. van Dijk and Oskar ter Mors evaluate the Messer teachings that predate Lecküchner and look for possible influences on his teachings. Finally, Adam Franti considers the place of Messers and Dussacks in art and society throughout the early modern period. (The green book comes in a white paper wrapper that should be discarded.) |
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Treatise on the Art of Arms by Antoine Texier La Boëssière, Phillip Crawley Paperback M. La Boëssière'e "Treatise on the Art of Arms" bridges the gap between combative Smallsword and Classical Foil. It retains the very analytic principles-based approach of prior Smallsword methods and applies it to what has become in the Post-Napoleonic Era an increasingly recreational practice of swordsmanship. His method is contained in over fifty lessons complete with interactive exercises for the master and student. These are not in the archaic dialogue form. Instead they are scripted demonstrations the fine points of technique. Often the lessons contain detailed analysis of the rationale for the principles behind each action. Phillip Crawley's translation to which are added all the original plates restored by Victor Markland make this a welcome addition to any smallsworder's fencing library. |
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The Anonimo Riccardiano by I. M. Davis Paperback The Anonimo Riccardiano (MS Ricc.2541) is a fencing manuscript currently held at the Biblioteca Riccardiana in Florence, Italy. It is a copy of notes on fencing instruction, likely dated to around 1550, but copied in the last quarter of the 16th century. This manuscript treats on the use of the sword alone, sword with dagger, sword with cape, sword with rotella, the play of the pike, and the play of the spadone. |
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Lo Spadone by Ian Davis, Franceso Alfieri Paperback Lo Spadone treats on the use of the Renaissance great sword through a series of concatenating lessons that feed one into the next, building facility and intuition with the weapon and serving as excellent exercise for both the mind and body. |
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Wielding the Light of Mars: A Translation and Guide to De Arte Gladiatoria Dimicandi by Philippo Vadi, Ian Davis Hardcover Wielding the Light of Mars is a translation of the 15th century fencing manuscript by Philippo Vadi, accompanied by commentary from Connor Kemp-Cowell of the Philadelphia Common Fencer's Guild, an instructor and competitor who has focused on Vadi's Art for many years. The text is accompanied by brief explanations of its context, as well as a short beginning fencer's guide to engaging with the work. |
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Encased in Steel Anthology I by Keith Farrell Paperback Celebrating four years of Encased in Steel. The writing team behind the Encased in Steel blog (Keith Farrell, Alex Bourdas and Ben Kerr, with guest author Benjamin Hawkins) have compiled some of the best articles from the last four years into the first Encased in Steel anthology. The articles have been edited heavily and updated significantly, to ensure a high quality of both scholarship and written language. Some new and unique articles have been written specifically for this volume, that are not available on the blog. The book is divided into five thematic parts, each dealing with a different element of the study of historical European martial arts. Topics include chivalry, history and research, studies of weapons, test cutting, and practical concerns. For more information and reviews: Encased in Steel Anthology I |
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With Malice & Cunning: Anonymous 16th Century Manuscript on Bolognese Swordsmanship by Anonimo Bolognese, Stephen Fratus Paperback Translation of the Renaissaance fencing manuscript known as the "Anonimo Bolognese" |
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Foundational Description of the Art of Fencing: The 1570 Treatise of Joachim Meyer by Joachim Meyer, trans. by Rebecca L. R. Garber, introduction by Roger Norling Hardcover - Paperback - Giant spiral-bound paperback In his short life, master cutler and Freifechter Joachim Meyer appears to have had quite a successful career as a fencing master, teaching craftsmen and nobility alike while also authoring at least four different fencing treatises (and possibly more). His works became renowned far outside of his own nation and were copied by other authors for over 100 years after his death. These books contain Dr. Rebecca L. R. Garber’s entirely new translation of Meyer's longest and most developed treatise, Foundational Description of the Valiant, Knightly, and Noble Art of Fencing, published in 1570. It teaches complex and sophisticated methods for using all the typical weapons of his day, beginning with the two-handed sword prized by the tradition of Johannes Liechtenauer, then showing how traditional German fencing could be applied to the eastern European dusack and the Mediterranean rapier which had become popular as sidearms, and finally covering the dagger and polearms that were commonly used in the militias of the Imperial Free Cities. To aid in the study of Meyer’s work, in this edition the 61 elaborate Figures created by the circle of Tobias Stimmer have been broken up into individual pairs of fencers and placed inline in the text, and hundreds of footnotes have been added throughout. In addition, Roger Norling has provided an exhaustive, 110-page introduction to Meyer and the world that he inhabited. |
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Flower of Battle MS Ludwig XV 13 Field Edition by Colin Hatcher Paperback Fiore de Liberi was a weapons-master from Italy who was active in the 14th and early 15th century. After fifty years of training Italy's elite, he put his art to paper and created the Flower of Battle. The Flower of Battle covers unarmed combat, the use of the dagger, sword, spear, axe as well as other odds and ends. The layout was first created by Tracy Mellow and the text was lovingly translated by Colin Hatcher. The Field Edition is spiral-bound to give instructors an easier time using the book. |
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Fencing Illustrated by Christopher Holzman, Giuseppe Pallavicini Hardcover - Paperback Fencing Illustrated, by Giuseppe Morsicato Pallavicini is one of the late 17th century fencing books from the Neapolitan-Sicilian school of fencing. Originally published in 1670, this book is copiously illustrated, and focuses on the use of the sword alone. Pallavicini cites and quotes to earlier Italian authors, as well as German and Spanish authors. The influence of La Verdadera Destreza is plainly evident in Pallavicini's work. |
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The Second Part of Fencing Illustrated by Christopher Holzman, Giuseppe Morsicato-Pallavicini Hardcover - Paperback The Second Part of Fencing Illustrated, by Maestro Giuseppe Morsicato Pallavicini, was first published in 1673. This book continues the work of his first book, and presents a thorough treatment of fencing with the sword and dagger, sword and cape, sword and buckler, as well as sword and rotella used at night. The author continues to copiously quote and cite earlier works as authority for his propositions, especially earlier Italian and Spanish authors. |
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Italian Chivalric Code by Christopher Holzman & Achille Angelini Paperback This dueling code, by Lt. Gen. Achille Angelini, was originally published in Firenze, Italy, in 1883. It explores the moral, social, and legal issues of honor and the reparation of honor in the Kingdom of Italy, that sometimes required members of polite society to commit the crime of the duel to vindicate their honor. Angelini's code also include clear instructions on how to conduct the dispute and the duel, with sword, sabre, or pistol. |
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Regulations of Exercises and Evolutions for the Cavalry by Christopher Holzman Hardcover - Paperback The 1873 Regulations of Exercises and Evolutions for the Cavalry, Book I., are the cavalry regulations of the Kingdom of Italy, and features the sabre fencing method of Milanese fencing master Giuseppe Radaelli, as applied to the use of the cavalry sabre at the regimental level. Maestro Radaelli was a veteran of the Monferrato Cavalry, and saw action at the Battle of San Martino (24th June 1859) in the campaign against Austria, as part of the Italian wars for independence. This book contains marching, calisthenics, gymnastics (vaulting on a horse dummy), sabre and lance exercise, platoon maneuvers on foot, judgement of distances, and instruction for buglers (including sheet music). There are illustrations for the vaulting, sabre, and lance exercises. This is another very important data point documenting the Radaellian tradition of sabre. |
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The Roman-Neapolitan School of Fencing by Christopher Holzman Hardcover - Paperback The Roman-Neapolitan School of Fencing is an English translation of the collected works of 19th century Italian fencing master Masaniello Parise. Maestro Parise was the director of the Italian military's fencing masters school from 1885 until 1910. The translations contained in this book are of Maestro Parise's 1884 textbook, "Theoretical-Practical Treatise on the Fencing of the Sword and Sabre", his 1897 Chivalric Code, or dueling code, and his 1904 work "Fencing on the Ground", a work which describes specifically how to fence as if preparing for a duel. The work includes an extensive synoptic table of fencing actions, and is copiously illustrated with figures from both the 1884 and 1904 editions of the work. This is an incredibly important text for both the classical fencing movement today, and historically for Italian fencing in general. |
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Rules of Fencing by Christopher Holzman & Francesco Marcelli Hardcover - Paperback Rules of Fencing, originally published in 1686 by Neapolitan fencing master Francesco Antonio Marcelli, treats the use of the sword alone, sword and dagger, small sword, and the use of companion weapons including cape, buckler, and lantern. It also discusses fencing at night, and provides some instruction on the use of the sabre. In addition to the technical and tactical discussion of fencing, Marcelli's work contains a wealth of pedagogical advice. This is a must-have work for students of the Italian school of fencing. |
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Sabre Fencing on Horseback by Christopher Holzman. Hardcover Sabre Fencing on Horseback is an English translation of fencing master Cav. Ferdinando Masiello's 1891 book, "La Scherma di Sciabola a Cavallo." This book presents a course in the mounted use of the sabre, in the method of Maestro Giuseppe Radaelli. The course consists of solo and paired drills that teach the cavalry soldier use of the sabre against cavalry and infantry. |
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The Science of Fencing by Christopher Holzman, et al. Hardcover - Paperback La Scienza della Scherma, in English as The Science of Fencing, by Giuseppe Rosaroll-Scorza and Pietro Grisetti, first published in 1803, presents a thorough treatment of Neapolitan fencing. This book was hugely influential in Italy, and was cited and appealed to as authority by Maestri Masiello and Parise, among many others. Technically, the book treats fencing with the sword alone, and includes parries with the unarmed hand, grappling and throws, and counters to those. There is also a wealth of tactical advice provided by the authors, who were officers in the military of the Italian Republic. |
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The Expert Sword-Man's Companion, 1728 by Ben Kerr Paperback A story so incredible, it was believed to be historical fiction. Donald McBane is a figure from history much loved by those who have had the joy of studying his autobiography. Growing up in Inverness and later joining the British regiments, McBane travelled across Europe pimping, duelling, blowing himself up, and performing other incredible feats of a not always admirable nature. The last we hear of him is when he comes out of his retirement in his fifties to fight one last bout in Edinburgh against an uppity Irish youngster, where he defeated his opponent and walked off with barely a scratch himself. Yet for all his heroic and sometimes crazy actions, he is remembered only for a single act of cowardice on maps marked as the "Soldier's Leap". This is a highly accurate reproduction of McBane's original work from 1728, created by the historian Ben Kerr. It features reproductions of all the original image plates as well as a full and accurate transcription of McBane's original text including his teaching on self-defence, an account of his life and adventures and the art of gunnerie. For more information and reviews: The Expert Sword-Man's Companion, 1728 |
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The Art of Defence on Foot, 1798 by Ben Kerr, Keith Farrell Paperback In 1798, Charles Roworth published his first edition of The Art of Defence on Foot with the Broadsword and Sabre, uniting the Scotch and Austrian methods into one Regular System. Although not a fencing master himself, Roworth's book provides an easy-to-follow system for a student of the broadsword or sabre. His instructions are clear and presume no prior knowledge of the sword; the book works well for beginners, yet even experienced swordsmen will benefit from Roworth's explanations of and rationales for techniques. This facsimile has been recreated from the original treatise owned by the Academy of Historical Arts in Glasgow. Each page has been photographed carefully and edited to provide an exacting reproduction of the highest quality. Additionally, the work includes a biography of Charles Roworth by Keith Farrell, and a brief essay by Ben Kerr on the Long-S character found within the original printed text. For more information and reviews: The Art of Defence on Foot, 1798 |
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The Guards and Lessons of the Highland Broadsword, 1799 by Ben Kerr, Keith Farrell Paperback In 1798, Henry Angelo, a member of famed Angelo dynasty of sword masters, published Hungarian and Highland Broadsword, twenty-four plates designed by Thomas Rowlandson. This was a collection of 24 posters illustrating guards, defences and striking techniques for a man on foot or on horseback. In fact, only five of the 24 posters dealt with men on foot; the remaining 19 posters illustrated the use of the sword when mounted. The following year, in 1799, he published a poster called The Guards and Lessons of the Highland Broadsword, in which he set out his "10 lessons" (sometimes called the "10 divisions"), a set of sequences with which the Army regiments could drill and learn the system. This facsimile has been recreated from the collection of original posters owned by the Academy of Historical Arts in Glasgow. Each poster has been photographed carefully and edited to provide an exacting reproduction of the highest quality. The larger poster of 10 lessons has been provided in its original form, and also broken up to demonstrate the lessons on individual pages with higher resolution. Additionally, the work includes a brief biography by Keith Farrell describing the Angelo Dynasty, their schools and their publications. For more information and reviews: The Guards and Lessons of the Highland Broadsword, 1799 |
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Swordplay in the Age of Shakespeare by Stephen Hand Hardcover A detailed analysis of the four fencing manuals published in England during the period that William Shakespeare was writing his famous plays. Giacomo Di Grassi's True Arte of Defence, Vincentio Saviolo's His Practice, George Silver's Paradoxes of Defence (and his unpublished manuscript Bref Instructions Upon my Paradoxes of Defence) and Joseph Swetnam's Schoole of the Noble and Worthy Science of Defence were all published at the time Shakespeare was working and show the type of swordplay that he was exposed to. In Romeo and Juliet, Shakespeare plays on anecdotes mentioned by Silver, as well as describing a fencing sequence that is move for move out of Saviolo. This volume is an indispensable resource for anyone interested in recreating the systems of swordsmanship in use in Shakespeare's day, whether they are recreating the systems as martial arts, historical re-enactment or as fight choreography in Shakespearean plays. |
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The Ambraser Codex by Master Hans Talhoffer by Hugh Knight Paperback Fight Master to the Stars! Hans Talhoffer was one the most famous and prolific of the 15th-century German fight masters with at least six fight books attributed to him that have survived to the present day. His Ambraser Codex from 1449 is one of the lesser-known fight books, but it contains a wealth of information about armored combat, dagger fighting, wrestling and mounted combat that makes it tremendously valuable to students of historical combat. Written for Talhoffer’s patron, Leutold von Königsegg, the Ambraser Codex gives us a fascinating blow-by-blow account of what judicial duels were like from start to finish. More than just a translation, the author has used other fighting manuals of the period to interpret Talhoffer’s techniques. This important book belongs on the shelves of everyone with an interest in the middle ages. |
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The Gladiatoria Fechtbuch by Hugh Knight Hardcover - Paperback This is the first-ever complete translation of the anonymous fifteenth-century fightbook commonly known as the Gladiatoria Fechtbuch. It contains detailed information on armored spear combat, halfsword combat, dagger combat, and ground fighting along with unarmored techniques for Long Shields, sword and buckler and staff combat. This book is a must have item for anyone with an interest in medieval combat or knighthood. Please Note: A few of the pictures in this book are of poor quality, however I have done what I could to clean these pictures and all of them are clear enough to interpret. I have made an effort to show some of the plates in the preview available here so that you, the customer, have a fair notion of what you're getting. |
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Alfieri by Tom Leoni Paperback This book is the integral translation (with the original illustrations) of Francesco Alfieri's important Italian rapier treatise, La Scherma (1640). Experienced rapier teacher, researcher and translator Tom Leoni is offering this translation with an introduction on Alfieri and his work, and with ample annotations throughout the text. This book is ideally suited for historical-fencing enthusiasts, rapier fencers and instructors, as well as history-buffs interested in European martial arts, dueling and military culture in general. |
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Angelo Viggiani: Lo Schermo (Book III, English Translation) by Tom Leoni Paperback With this book, experienced historical-fencing author Tom Leoni has translated the fencing section of Angelo Viggiani's important text, Lo Schermo (written circa 1550). This book, in dialog form, is important because it is the only one that describes, in great details, the biomechanics of the Bolognese single-sword fencing style of the time. As such, it is not only a valuable historical-fencing resource in itself--but it also serves as a key to interpret other texts of the time (e.g., Marozzo, Manciolino, Dall'Agocchie) more accurately. Includes a historical and stylistic introduction, and the full translation of Book III, amply annotated to be more useful to the student of the sword. The original illustrations of the tree-diagrams of attacks and guards, as well as of the seven guards described by Viggiani. |
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Fiore de' Liberi's Fior di Battaglia by Tom Leoni Paperback A revised edition has since been published through Freelance Academy Press, but it appears to be out of print. They now offer a much larger and more expensive edition including Tom's translation. This book is the first English translation of Fiore de' Liberi's "Fior di Battaglia," the 1409 swordsmanship and martial arts text that is the oldest extant in the Italian tradition. The book survives in four known manuscripts. One of them, housed at the Getty museum in Los Angeles, CA, is held to be the most complete, and is the basis of this translation. Writing for an audience of illustrious students including the powerful marquis Nicolo' d' Este, Fiore presents detailed instruction on wrestling as well as the use of several weapons including longsword, axe, dagger, staff, lance and others. Fiore's text has been translated by experienced historical martial artist Tom Leoni of the Order of the Seven Hearts and reviewed by Maestro Sean Hayes of the Northwest Academy of Arms and by Greg Mele of the Chicago Swordplay Guild. Fourth revision. Text only. |
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Marozzo Book 1 by Tom Leoni Paperback Publishing in 1536, Achille Marozzo is one of the most important Italian fencing authors of the Renaissance, as well as a towering figure in what we call the “Bolognese style.” His book Opera Nova was reprinted in the course of the 16th century and at the beginning of the next, as evidence of the popularity of his instruction. Experienced Renaissance swordsmanship instructor and professional translator Tom Leoni has tackled this complex project to offer the modern historical European martial artist (and historian) Marozzo’s text in fluent, readable English. Because of the complexity of the work, it will be offered one book at a time (total of five books). This first volume deals with the “queen” of Bolognese weapon-combinations, the sword and small buckler. Other volumes—sword and other companion weapons, two-handed sword, polearms, and advice on dueling (plus dagger grapples) are forthcoming. |
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Salvator Fabris Scienza d'Arme by Tom Leoni Paperback Salvator Fabris (1544-1618) was one of the most influential masters of the Italian rapier. His long career culminated with his employment as royal fencing master at the court of the king of Denmark, Christian IV. It was the king himself who also sponsored the printing of his treatise Lo schermo, overo scienza d'arme (on fencing, or knowledge of arms), a lavishly-illustrated manual on the theory and practice of the Italian rapier first published in Copenhagen in 1606. Apart from explaining rapier alone, rapier and dagger and rapier and cape in painstaking detail, the treatise became the basis for a northern German fencing tradition that is documentable until well into the 1800’s. Admired by his contemporaries and celebrated by later fencing masters as “a name of the greatest reputation in our profession,” Fabris has also become a household name in the modern revival of historical martial arts. This book is a fully illustrated reprint of Tom Leoni’s English translation, originally published in 2005. |
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Vienna Anonymous On Fencing: a Rapier Masterclass from the 17th Century by Tom Leoni Paperback If there ever was an invaluable glossa to two of the major Italian rapier fencing treatises, the Vienna Anonymous—also known as Della Scherma or MS 381 in the Fürstliche Sammlung des Palais Liechtenstein (Vienna)—deserves the title. An anonymous fencer took it upon himself to write a detailed explanation of the art of the single rapier by referencing (and expanding on) the writings of Salvator Fabris and Ridolfo Capoferro. Finished in 1614, the Anonymous bridges the gap between the high-level rapier treatises of the time and the minutiae of salle instruction, thereby gifting us with a wealth of technical and tactical details that would otherwise have faded forever into the dark night of history. The intricate handwriting of the Anonymous has been meticulously deciphered, transcribed and translated by experienced Italian rapier scholar Tom Leoni. This book includes a historical introduction, glossary, translation and transcription of the text, amply annotated for the benefit of today's rapier student. |
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The Art of Fencing: A Manual of Sword Fencing; Historical Techniques by an 18th Century Master (Hardcover) by Monsieur L’Abbat & Andrew Mahon Hardcover - Paperback Monsieur L’Abbat was an early 18th century tutor of fencing and sword fighting, who instructed many students in France with the techniques contained in this guidebook. Discussing techniques, tactics, stances, and movements essential for the skilled swordsman, L’Abbat treats the pivotal motions with great attention. With the aid of pictorial examples alongside, we learn how to assume a good battle stance, how to lunge or thrust in attack or defend with a parry or riposte. The finer points of conduct during a sword fight are given much attention, with L’Abbat relating experiences with other masters of the craft. Monsieur L’Abbat lived at the time the culture of the musketeers was at its height. Emblematic of French bonhomie and martial prowess, these soldiers were expected to gain mastery of both the musket firearm and the thin, lengthy sabre. Many would hone their techniques with both weapons for years in special military barracks. |
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Alexander Doyle’s New fashionable knightly Art of Fencing and Defending by Reinier van Noort Paperback Audax et velox, meaning “bold and swift”. This was the motto of the Irish fencing master Alexander Doyle, who was employed as fencing master at the court of Archbishop-Elector (and Archchancellor) Lothar Franz von Schönborn, in Mainz. In 1715, Doyle published the Neu Alamodische Ritterliche Fecht- und Schirm-Kunst. Interestingly, Doyle’s Fashionable Art of Fencing is not only one of the earliest German sources to describe fencing with the smallsword, providing important insights into the early evolution of smallsword fencing, particularly in Germany, but also contains the earliest known German description of the ligation used as a disarm, a technique that would become important within the German Kreußler lineage and its mythology. This book presents a modern English translation of Doyle’s treatise, as well as a brief discussion of the work in its historical and martial context. |
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Transcription of Bruchius' Scherm- ofte Wapen-Konste by Reinier van Noort Hardback This is a full transcription of the Rapier fencing treatise written in Dutch by Johannes Georgius Bruchius, and published in Leiden in 1671. Additionally, this book contains black and white photo reproductions of all the plates contained in the original book. |
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De Werken van Christiaan Siebenhaar by Reinier van Noort Hardcover This is a full transcription of the third edition of Christiaan Siebenhaar's "Handleiding voor het Onderwijs in de Schermkunst" (1861), which include photo reproductions of all plates included in the original. In addition, a full transcription of Christiaan Siebenhaar's "Wenken en Aanwijzingen voor den Onderwijzer in de Schermkunst" (1877) is included in this book. Please note that all text in this book is in Dutch. |
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Salomon Christoph Müller's First Principles of the Noble Art of Fencing by Reinier van Noort Hardcover The university library of the Friedrich-Alexander-Universität in Erlangen holds a manuscript in two volumes, numbered MS.B 215. 1 and MS.B 215. 2. These volumes contain a treatise on fencing, written in the middle of the 18th century by fencing master Salomon Christoph Müller. Müller’s First Principles of the Noble Art of Fencing first describes the basic principles of fencing. Next, it contains 91 lessons based on these principles, 91 counter-lessons to these lessons, 15 lessons on grappling while fencing, and finally 53 lessons for a left-handed fencer against a right-handed fencer. The two volumes together also contain some 634 illustrations of pairs of fencers demonstrating the techniques. This book presents a modern English translation of Müller’s First Principles, as well as a bief discussion of the work and its historical context. Note that the numerous illustrations found in the original volumes are not included in this edition. |
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Siegmund Carl Friedrich Weischner's Fencing Exercises at the Court of Saxony by Reinier van Noort, Jan Schäfer, and Tobias Zimmermann Hardcover Siegmund Carl Friedrich Weischner was fencing master at the court of Weimar. He authored a fencing treatise, of which he prepared three different editions. First, he completed a manuscript around 1731, which included 19 colourful drawings. Next, two printed editions were published in 1764 and 1765, with the latter containing 30 plates. Weischner's manuscript can be considered the oldest known fencing treatise within the Kreussler lineage. This book presents parallel translations of the three editions of Weischner's work, as well as all illustrations from the 1731 and 1765 editions. This is preceded by a brief introduction to Siegmund Carl Friedrich Weischner and his works. |
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Fencing on the Thrust and Cut by Reinier van Noort Paperback Johann Georg Paschen (1628-1678) was a fencing master and prolific author in the 17th century, producing numerous treatises on for example fencing, fighting with the pike, and vaulting. Not much is known about Erhardus Henning, who published a small treatise on Cut-fencing in Königsberg in 1658. This book contains both these treatises, translated into English by Reinier van Noort, founder of the School voor Historische Schermkunsten in the Netherlands. In addition, photographs of the plates of Paschen are included with the text. |
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Johann Andreas Schmidt’s Life-saving and enemies-defying Art of Fencing by Reinier van Noort Paperback Johann Andreas Schmidt was a student of Johannes Georgius Bruchius in Amsterdam, and once acquired a position as court fencing master by repeatedly disarming two other fencing masters in the presence of his future employer. Furthermore, as a bet he once ejected six strong peasants from a tavern using only a staff, and he could punch a dent into an oak table with his right fist. At least, if the Nürnbergische Gelehrten-Lexicon is to be believed. Whether or not these claims are true, Schmidt also wrote the Leib-beschirmende und Feinden Trotz-bietende Fecht-Kunst, which is one of the earliest German books on fencing with what can clearly be identified as a smallsword. In this book, Reinier van Noort presents a clear English translation of Schmidt’s complete treatise, including the sections on fencing, proceeding with resolution, vaulting and grappling. Also included are a discussion on Johann Andreas Schmidt, and his work in its context. |
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Lessons on the Thrust by Reinier van Noort Paperback In 1664, Jéann Daniel L'Ange published the Deutliche und gründliche Erklärung der adelichen und ritterlichen freyen Fecht-Kunst in Heidelberg, Germany. This was one of the first concise and systematic treatises on the typically German style of rapier fencing that evolved from the teachings of Fabris and his German students. L'Ange presents his personal point of view on this fencing style, which includes a rather large selection of brutal grappling moves. This first English translation of L'Ange's treatise, made by Reinier van Noort and published exactly 350 years after the original edition, provides a fascinating viewpoint on a fencing style that is underrepresented in the modern studies on historical martial arts. In this translation, Jéann Daniel L'Ange's view on fencing is presented in a way that is both close to the original, and clearly understandable by a modern reader. Meticulously cleaned scans of the 61 page size plates from the original treatise are also included. For more information and reviews: Lessons on the Thrust |
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The Martial Arts of Johann George Pascha by Reinier van Noort Paperback The weapons used in historical fencing treatises can roughly be divided into three classes based on weapon length, and thus distance at which the enemy is engaged. Most commonly described is the use of weapons with intermediate reach, such as various kinds of swords, but in addition there are works dealing with fighting with a shorter reach, such as with knives or daggers, or unarmed combat, and those that deal with a longer reach, with various pole-weapons. This book presents translations of Pascha's works on fencing (both thrust-fencing and cut-fencing), grappling, and the use of the hunting staff and the partisan. All these translations are based on the later, most complete versions of the texts, which also included clearer and more numerous figures. These works of Pascha taken together present one of the few 17th century sources describing all three ranges of fighting. |
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New Discourse on the Art of Fencing by Reinier van Noort Hardcover Joachim Köppe’s Newer Discurs der Rittermeßigen und Weitberümbten Kunst des Fechtens, first published in Magdeburg in 1619 presents exactly what the title suggests – a fresh discourse on fencing. Its author was not a fencing master, but a doctor attached to the University in Magdeburg, who had already written and published several works when he decided to write and publish a book about his great passion, fencing. His professional background is reflected in his Newer Discurs, making it not only an interesting, thoughtful text on fencing, but also a journey through the mind of a 17th century academic who is writing about his favourite subject. His Discourse is richly illustrated with many anecdotes, varying from his personal experiences meeting Salvator Fabris in Paris, to Athenians being strangled by the Minotaur in the Labyrinth. |
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Nicolaes Petter’s Clear instructions in the excellent Art of Grappling by Reinier van Noort Hardcover Nicolaes Petter, from Mommenheim, was a wine seller in Amsterdam, who was known far and wide for his great skill in breaking glass roemers using only his voice. In addition to that, he was quite a famous grappler, as well. To preserve the Worstel-konst, or art of grappling, that he invented, he decided to publish a book describing it. To illustrate this work, he commissioned the famous painter and engraver Romeyn de Hooge. While Petter unfortunately died in 1672, before he could see his treatise published, his student, Robert Cors, completed and published the work in 1674. In this book, Reinier van Noort presents his clear English translation of Petter’s Worstel-Konst, along with a biography of Nicolaes Petter and Robert Cors, and a brief discussion of the work. In addition, this book contains a complete set of Romeyn de Hooge’s beautiful illustrations, digitally enhanced, and in high resolution. |
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Plates from Bruchius's Of the Single Rapier by Reinier van Noort Paperback This booklet contains only the plates from Johannes Georgius Bruchius's Scherm- ofte Wapen-konste (Leiden, 1671), to support users of my English translation "Of the Single Rapier". This book does not contain text. |
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Scandinavian Smallsword by Reinier van Noort Hardcover In the 18th century, Scandinavia was divided between the kingdoms of Sweden (which included most of modern Finland) and Denmark-Norway (which included Greenland, Iceland and parts of modern Germany). Once the Treaty of Nystad ended the Great Northern War in 1721, it was a relatively stable and peaceful period for the two Nordic nations. Scandinavian Smallsword presents English translations of three fencing treatises published in Scandinavia in the 18th century.
Together, these three books provide an interesting overview of the diversity of fencing instruction in 18th century Scandinavia. |
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Siebenhaar's instructions in the art of fencing by Reinier van Noort Hardcover In the mid-19th century, not long after the Belgian war of independence, an experiment was taking place in fencing in the Netherlands. The main proponent of this experiment was Christiaan Siebenhaar (1824-1885), fencing master in the Dutch army. In his own words, the purpose of this experiment was to "introduce the Dutch language in the art of fencing" so that "soon nobody is found in the Netherlands anymore who teaches this art in a foreign language". However, the real purpose of this experiment appears to have been more ambitious than that: to create a Dutch School of Fencing - to be known as de Hollandsche Methode. This book presents English translations of Siebenhaar's two works about fencing and its instruction. The first is his main treatise, Manual for the instruction in the art of fencing. This is followed by his Leads and directions for the instructor in the art of fencing. Combined, they present an interesting view into the development of fencing in the Netherlands in the 19th century. |
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Of the Single Rapier by Reinier van Noort Paperback In 1671, Johannes Georgius Bruchius published the Grondige Beschryvinge van de Edele ende Ridderlijcke Scherm- ofte Wapen-Konste in Leiden, in the Netherlands. In his work, Bruchius described a style of rapier fencing that evolved from the teachings of Fabris. He presents this style through a brief explanation of the principles of fencing followed by 212 lessons. Bruchius' weapon was the rapier: a dangerous yet elegant sword of the 17th century. Its usage was dynamic and effective, with a focus on personal safety through controlling the opponent's blade. Not only does this treatise discuss bladework by way of thrusts and parries, Bruchius teaches grappling and disarming techniques, and provides many solutions to common problems that occur during fencing practice. Reinier van Noort first made a draft English translation of Bruchius' treatise available in 2009. In this new book, he presents his fully reworked and improved English translation of this important treatise, along with a detailed biographical study on the fencing master Bruchius. For more information and reviews: Of the Single Rapier |
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The True Principles of the Single Sword by Reinier van Noort and Philibert de la Touche Paperback In the second half of the seventeenth century, the rapier commonly became lighter and shorter, with a smaller hilt, and eventually developed into the smallsword, also known as the court sword. Often, this development is associated with France, and the court of its King, Louis XIV. It is to this King that La Touche boldly dedicated his treatise, "Les Vrays Principes de l'Espée seule", in 1670, and it is this treatise that could be seen as the first work to show how fencing evolved to accommodate the changing weapon. In this work, Reinier van Noort and Antoine Coudre present the first ever English translation of La Touche's "Vrays Principes", providing a fascinating view on the development of fencing in France at a time when the rapier gave way to the smallsword. |
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AlfonsoFalloppia by Steven Reich Paperback A word-by-word transcription of the 1584 fencing work of Alfonso Falloppia. This short book is perhaps the first work which can be considered to cover the classic "Italian Rapier" which would be covered in detail in the next century by such authors as Giganti, Capoferro, and Fabris. Falloppia covers techniques for Sword-Alone, Sword and Dagger, and Sword and Cape. This work is in Italian with the Transcriber's Notes in English. |
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Antonio Manciolino by Steven Reich Paperback Published in 1531, this was the first treatise on swordsmanship published in the Italian language. Antonio Manciolino was a master of the Bolognese school of swordsmanship and his treatise covers nearly all of the classic weapons of that tradition, including the Assalti of sword and small buckler and the techniques for earnest swordsmanship for the sword and broad buckler or targa, sword and dagger, sword and rotella, sword and cape, sword-alone and two swords. In addition, Manciolino includes material for various polearms including the Partisan, Ronca, Spiedo, and Lance. |
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Marco Docciolini by Steven Reich Paperback A word-by-word transcription of the 1601 fencing treatise of Marco Docciolini. This important fencing work describes a system of swordsmanship which falls between the older "Cut & Thrust" systems of the 16th century and the classic 'Rapier' systems of the 17th century. Docciolini covers techniques for Sword-Alone, Sword and Dagger, Sword and Cape, Two Swords, Sword and Buckler, Sword and Targa, and Sword and Rotella. This work is in Italian with the Transcriber's Notes in English. 2nd Revision. |
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The Sword of Combat or The Use of Fighting With Weapons by Rob Runacres, Thibault Ghesquiere Paperback - eBook In the 17th century Italy was the place to learn the art of the sword. Travellers visited training salles and across Europe Italian works on fencing were translated and Italian schools sprang up. France was no exception. Francois Dancie’s 1623 treatise L’Espee de Combat (The Sword of Combat) is therefore an anomaly. Dancie’s views are blunt and acidic. He says that many who teach fencing are a ‘bunch of libertines’. He has no truck with the geometry that had crept into fencing since Agrippa’s work of 1553 and had contempt for that author’s use of illustration. Dancie’s style follows an Italian form, but rather than following other authors by providing an explanation of tempo and measure, Dancie prefers to concentrate on what temperament is required in a confrontation. His is a direct, fighter’s treatise, dedicated to a military man of similar temperament, his methods and descriptions speak more of the street than the salle. |
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Treatise or Instruction for Fencing: By Hieronymus Calvacabo of Bologna and Patenostrier of Rome by Rob Runacres Paperback - eBook In 1597 the great French traveller Seigneur de Villamont translated a fencing manuscript by his teacher, Girolamo (in French ‘Hieronyme’) Cavalcabo of Bologna, along with a shorter piece by Paternostrier of Rome. This treatise seems to have brought Cavalcabo to the attention of the French court and he, and later his son César, would be invited to teach the future Louis XIII. This treatise may represent survival of the great fencing tradition of Bologna, and could have influenced the development of French swordplay in the early seventeenth century. Now translated into English, this treatise offers an insight into the fighting style of the period. |
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Archives of the Masters of Arms of Paris by Chris Slee & Henri Daressy Paperback - eBook The Corporation of the Master in Deeds of Arms of Paris was founded under the auspices of Charles IX in 1567 and, for the next 225 years, it regulated the conduct and teaching of fencing in Paris until its demise in the French Revolution. The Corporation included many of the most celebrated names of the French fencing world such as Pompée, Cavalcabo, Saint-Ange, de la Touche, le Perche, Liancour, De Brye, Danet, Boëssière, and many others. Henry Daressy, whose father and grandfather were also famous fencing teachers, collected the Corporation's scattered documents over a thirty year period. His Les Archives des Maîtres d'Armes de Paris (1888) presents these documents which outline the changing the rules and regulations of the Corporation and detail some of its legal battles with unlicensed fencing teachers. He includes a number of brief portraits of famous members of the organisation. |
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The Art of Fencing Reduced to a Methodical Summary by Chris Slee & Jean de Brye Paperback - eBook Jean de Brye's The Art of Fencing (1721) is a manual for fencing instructors and coaches showing how to break down the discipline into four broad developmental stages. He begins with the basics of posture, balance, guard positions and simple actions before progressing to chaining together these actions to make complex attack phrases and later moving on to sparring with another opponent. It is not a book which teaches early French smallsword techniques but it describes a small collection of techniques for illustrative purposes. Historical European Martial Arts instructors and historians will find The Art of Fencing useful in understanding Enlightenment period fencing pedagogy as well as proving a useful framework for teaching period swordsmanship in the modern day. There are a great many practical examples of how de Brye's teaching framework was and can be put into action in the training hall. This is a book which deserves to be found on every fencing instructor's bookshelf. |
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La Canne Royale by Chris Slee, Larribeau, Eugène Humé Paperback - eBook La Canne holds a unique position in the development of martial arts in the nineteenth century. It was at once a weapon for self-defense taught in the boxing and savate clubs across France and Belgium as well as a tool for gymnastics and physical education. The canne was taught to the officer class in military academies and to children in public schools. This volume presents two mid-century methods for learning the canne which encompass both these aspects of its use. Larribeau's 1856 A New Theory of the Art of the Canne concentrates more on self-defence and introduces lessons against a mannequin as a teaching method. Humé's 1862 Treatise and Theory of La Canne Royale centres more on the gymnastic and athletic aspects of the canne. Both provide a fascinating insight into the canne before it was codified by Vigny and incorporated into the composite English martial art of Bartitsu. |
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Fencing Through the Ages by Chris Slee, Adolphe Corthey Paperback - eBook Adolphe Corthey's meticulous research into the styles of fencing of former times were translated into public demonstrations which astonished the general public and helped to popularise fencing as a sport. These demonstration events were hugely popular throughout the Continent and even the famous British fencing historian Alfred Hutton was invited to participate. This volume collects two of Corthey's most influential works. In Fencing through the Ages, Corthey traces the history of swordsmanship from primitive times through a series of development to culminate in the modern art. His On the Subject of the Transformation of the Combat Sword is an argument to alter the shape of the duelling sword in order to take advantage of previous hundred years of the development of fencing theory. Included also are a number of items from the contemporary press reporting on these demonstration events and a brief biography of Corthey from a who's who of the nineteenth century fencing world. |
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The Independent Master of Arms by Charles Besnard, Chris Slee eBook Charles Besnard's 1653 text marks both the start of the era of the smallsword and beginnings of the French school of fencing. The book clearly outlines the stances, strikes and parries taught during the transitional period between fencing with the rapier and the development of the lighter court sword carried by the nobility and upper classes as a mark of their status in society. The student of fencing history and the HEMA practitioner will find in this book much that is useful for understanding later French smallsword texts and refined explanations of the rapier techniques which came before them. The translation in this book also includes Besnard's polemic against the contemporary practice of duelling with pistols contained in the original publication. |
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Secrets of the Sword Alone by Chris Slee Paperback A modern English translation of Henry de Sainct-Didier's 1573 fencing training manual. Sainct-Didier taught a style of swordsmanship informed by more than two decades as a soldier on the battlefields of France's Italian Wars. He demonstrates techniques which are straight forward and direct, without the niceties of the Italian and Spanish salles of the period. This is a textbook of lesson plans teaching basic cuts and thrusts, how to counter them, and the ways to respond to and defeat these defenses. It is written so that each action builds step by step into complex two-person drills in which initiative passes back and forth between the combatants. No interpretation of Sainct-Didier's text has been attempted, allowing his words to stand on their own merits. |
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The Duel, or the Flower of Arms for Single Combat, Both Offensive and Defensive, by Achille Marozzo by W. Jherek Swanger, Achille Marozzo Hardcover Achille Marozzo’s Opera Nova (1536) was the most highly renowned text of the cut-and-thrust school of “Bolognese swordsmanship”. It describes armed combat with the single-handed sword, alone and with a variety of companion arms (bucklers, shield, dagger, second sword, cape, etc.); the dagger alone or with cape; the two-handed sword; a variety of pole arms; and grappling techniques, both armed and unarmed. This translation was prepared with the practitioner of historical fencing in mind. It encompasses the entirety of the Opera Nova with the exception of the discussion of the dueling code in Book 5, is highly annotated, and includes all of the numerous original illustrations. The translator has provided an extensive introduction covering history, technical elements, and theory, as well as a glossary and a gallery of guards. Please see the preview. |
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The Fencing Method of Angelo Viggiani: Lo Schermo, Part III by W. Jherek Swanger, Angelo Viggiani Paperback Angelo Viggiani wrote "Lo Schermo" (the defense, or fencing method) in 1551, and it was published posthumously in 1575. In it he attempted to refine the swordplay of his day by imposing a systematic nomenclature and by reducing the number of guards, parries, and attacks. He argues in favor of the superiority of the thrust, without abandoning the cut, and presents an extremely clear description of the lunge, executed from an overhand position, which he considers the most perfect attack. In addition, Viggiani discusses issues of combative advantage and provides insights into elements of body mechanics. This translation represents only "Book III" (i.e., the last of the three sections of Lo Schermo), which is the portion dealing with actual swordplay. This edition is a full revision of the translator's earlier version, improved for accuracy and clarity, and is the first thereof to see publication. It includes illustrations, notes, a summary essay, and glossary. |
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How to Fight and Defend with Arms of Every Kind, by Antonio Manciolino by W. Jherek Swanger Hardcover - Paperback Antonio Manciolino’s "Opera Nova, dove li sono tutti…" (1531) is the oldest known published text of an Italian martial art, and is one of the core texts of the Renaissance style of fencing and combat now known as “Bolognese swordsmanship”. Manciolino begins with general advice on combat and then proceeds to provide extensive specific instruction in the use of the single-handed double-edged sword, either with a variety of companion devices (bucklers, shield, cape, dagger, etc.) or alone, as well as several types of pole arms. This wholly newly prepared translation includes the entirety of Manciolino’s text. In addition, the translator has provided an extensive introduction covering technical and theoretical elements, a glossary, a gallery of guards, and an historical vignette recounting an armed brawl in 16th century Bologna. |
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Treatise on Fencing, or, the Way to Handle the Sword and the Sabre by W. Jherek Swanger, Paolo Bertelli Paperback Paolo Bertelli, fencing instructor of the University of Bologna, published this treatise in 1800. As such, it represents a rare glimpse into Italian fencing of its time, as there is a relative paucity of such works of the 18th century. This edition represents its first English translation. Bertelli provides general advice to instructors and students, and general theory, in Part One, followed by specific technical instruction on a wide variety of actions in Part Two. Despite its title, the work is overwhelmingly focused on the use of the thrusting sword (whether for play or earnest combat), briefly addressing the use of the sabre in its final two chapters. |
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A Treatise on the Science of Arms, with a Philosophical Dialogue, by Camillo Agrippa: an Annotated Translation by Camillo Agrippa, W. Jherek Swanger Hardcover - Paperback Camillo Agrippa’s “Trattato di Scientia d’Arme, con un Dialogo di Filosofia”, published in 1553, is widely regarded as the seminal text of scientific fencing. Agrippa analyzed fencing in terms of geometry, biomechanics, and timing, laying the groundwork for centuries of fencing theory that followed him. This translation is thoroughly annotated, with a particular emphasis on aiding scholars and practitioners of historical fencing to follow Agrippa’s descriptions of combative sequences. An extensive introduction provides background on terminology, the author, and the text itself, places Agrippa’s system within the historical continuum of Italian fencing, and provides a thorough overview of the theoretical and technical aspects of the system. The latter part of the text, Agrippa’s “Philosophical Dialogue”, addresses various topics of geometry and pre-Copernican astronomy. Includes bibliography, appendices covering both the Treatise and Dialogue, and glossary. Please see the preview for sample pages |
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The Way to Employ Arms with Certainty by Giacomo di Grassi, W. Jherek Swanger Hardcover - Paperback Giacomo di Grassi’s “Ragione di adoprar sicuramente l'arme…” was originally published in 1570, discussing the use of the sword alone and with various companion weapons, as well as pole arms and the two-handed sword. Upon being translated and published with inferior illustrations in 1594 as “Giacomo di Grassi, His True Art of Defense…” it became the first text on swordplay to be published in English. Unfortunately, the Elizabethan English of the 1594 translation is not always easy on the modern reader, and, critically, suffers from inapt choices of terminology and numerous errors of translation. This wholly new translation has rectified these problems; it was made exclusively with reference to the original Italian text, rendering it into clear modern English, and reproduces the superior illustrations of the original. This translation renders di Grassi readily accessible, to the benefit of scholars, stage combat directors, and historical fencers alike. |
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Flower of Battle MS Latin 11269 Field Edition by Benjamin Winnick & Richard Marsden Paperback The (full color) Field Edition of the Flower of Battle MS Latin 11269 is perfect for instructors. With its spiral binding, it is easy to keep the pages open to where you need when training or teaching. Fiore de Liberi was a fencing master who in the early 15th century put his thoughts and techniques down in his Flower of Battle. There are four surviving copies of the Flower of Battle and the MS Latin 11269 shows Fiore's work in full color with a greater sense of perspective. Benjamin Winnick has translated the Latin and Richard Marsden has provided his own interpretation as well as comparison to the other versions of the Flower of Battle. The Flower of Battle covers mounted combat, wrestling, the dagger, the sword in one hand and two, as well as the spear, pole-axe and other odds and ends. |
