Arte of Defence; Author: Wilson, William; Paperback

Author: Wilson, William
Paperback
336 pages
Published: September 2002
Boydell & Brewer Ltd
ISBN: 1891448188

During the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries, hundreds of fencing manuals were published in Italy and throughout Europe, each summarizing a particular master's techniques and philosophy. Today, thousands of rapier enthusiasts throughout the world study these manuals but until now there has been no introductory manual to place them in context and to distill the fundamentals needed to master the weapon. William Wilson, one of the most highly respected instructors of the Italian rapier in the United States, successfully captures the romance of swashbuckling combat and forges it together with solid fundamentals culled from the historical masters. This book promises to quickly become a standard reference for fencers, historical swordsmen, fight choreographers and Western martial artThe romance of swashbuckling combat with the rapier comes vividly to life as the author - one of the most highly respected instructors of the Italian rapier in the USA - presents a well-documented manual introducing the techniques of rapier use.