The Fencing Master

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In The Club Dumas, Arturo Pérez-Reverte explored the labyrinthine world of antiquarian book dealers, spicing his tale of mystery and murder with characters straight out of Paradise Lost and The Three Musketeers. Next came The Flanders Panel, a brilliant puzzle comprised of art, chess, and untimely death whose resolution lies in a painting by a Flemish master. In The Seville Communion, Pérez-Reverte turned his sights on the tangled politics of the Roman Catholic Church as an appropriate backdrop--for murder. In his fourth novel translated into English, the Spanish writer changes centuries (if not his focus on homicide), returning to the mid-1800s to follow the exploits of Don Jaime Astarloa, the eponymous fencing master.

The year is 1866 and revolution is brewing in Spain. The corrupt Bourbon queen, Isabella II, is slowly losing her grip on power as equally corrupt exiled politicians vie to be her successor in a new republic. Against this background of political upheaval, Don Jaime goes about his business, teaching a dying art to a dwindling number of students. This is a man who resists changing times; to a friend he explains, "I have spent my whole life trying to preserve a certain idea of myself, and that is all. You have to cling to a set of values that do not depreciate with time. Everything else is the fashion of the moment, fleeting, mutable. In a word, nonsense." But then Adela de Otero--a woman with a mysterious past and an amazing talent for swordplay--comes into his life, and Don Jaime's world is turned upside down. As always, Pérez-Reverte offers literary excellence, a thumping good mystery, and fascinating insight into an arcane practice, in this case, fencing. Though the 19th-century politics in the book may resonate more with a Spanish audience than with English readers, the moral at the heart of The Fencing Master is universal: "to be honest, or at least honorable--anything, indeed, that has its roots in the word honor." In this, Don Jaime and Arturo Pérez-Reverte both succeed. --Alix Wilber

Book Description

The unstoppable thrust is the arcane fencing technique known only by Don Jaime—and the deadly maneuver that a beautiful young woman wants him to teach her.What begins as a rather bold request leads Don Jaime into the shadowy politics and violence of mid-nineteenth-century Madrid.

Customer Reviews:

Spanish Swordsman Saves Self, Skewers Sexpot.......2007-08-23

Ascetic and as otherwordly as Zatoichi or a samurai played by Mifune Toshiro, Don Jaime Astarloa inhabits a narrow world of fencing and honor, remote from the corrupt, crumbling society of 1860s Spain around him. Nevertheless, the aging maestro, who adheres to a code of honor and behavior that seems to be totally out of date, is plunged into a world of intrigue and spies, assassins and purloined letters after a visit from a mysterious young woman. She persuades the reluctant "men only" fencing teacher to take her on as his fencing student. She turns out to be extremely competent and wins his (platonic)love. He introduces her to another of his pupils, a philandering marquis. She becomes that gad-about's lover and disappears. One day, the marquis turns up dead of a sword thrust through the jugular vein. That's when this thriller really gets into high gear. The plot takes a few twists and turns before the final denouement, which of course is a duel.

The book is populated by a set of believable characters in 19th century Madrid, living in a well-described atmosphere of plot, rumors of coups and coups as Spain tried to shrug off its age-old absolute monarchy and strong man rule to emerge into the age of democracy that was sweeping the rest of Europe. The minor characters argue the politics of the day very well. If you get confused, that's because those were confusing times ! At first, the book drags a bit. I was wondering where the "suspense" advertised on the cover had gone. But persevere, this is a well-written thriller which will keep you turning the pages right to the last one even if there are far too many unexplained fencing terms for at least one reader. As literature on the world stage, this is a three star book, though the writing style is quite stylish. That's why I've given it three. But as a thriller in the smaller world of thrillers, I'd venture to say it deserves five stars. If you're a fan of that genre--I'm not really---then you'll definitely like THE FENCING MASTER. Myself, I prefer novels that don't resemble Clint Eastwood movies or samurai films.

Fencing Master, NOT Zoro, for Catherine Zeta-Jones and Antonio Banderas.......2006-08-10

As I was reading the book I thought that the actors from the first Zoro movie would be a great fit for the characters in this book. Enough of that though. I have to say I am a fan of historical fiction, but am not very interested in fencing nor the time period in which this book was set. However, Perez-Reverte made it all very intriguing and entertaining for me through the characters. Do not shy away from the book if the subject matter seems foreign, the emotions, thoughts, and great writing bring it all home. I would have liked to see more interplay given between Luis De Ayala and Adela, but otherwise found little to fault. It is a good change to see the hero, Don Jaime, depicted as a loner a minority that have gotten a rough time of it lately. I would suggest readers look for small thumbnail sketches on the political figures referenced like Prim and Navarez to get a better understanding of the events described in the book. All in all a very enjoyable read, but a notch below Perez-Reverte's The Flanders Panel and Club Dumas.

Beautiful Ending.......2006-08-10

The writing and the story are very, very good -- definately better than the Flanders Panel and slightly ahead of the Seville Communion, but it's the ending of this book that shows a master's command of the story. Weeks after reading this novel, I still cannot get the final scene out of my mind; simply perfect. Frankly, if you are new to Perez-Reverte, this is probably the novel that I'd recommend first.

J. Avellanet, Co-Founder of Cerulean Associates LLC

Enjoyable.......2006-06-06

All things considered, an entertaining read. I learned a lot about classical fencing and the court intrigue in Spain in the 1860s. The titular hero is nicely imagined, as is his beautiful nemesis. The writing is a bit stylistically flat in places and the character descriptions seem too clumsy for a novelist of Perez-Reverte's credentials. The novel is hard to put down once the intrigue gets rolling; I just wish it hadn't taken nearly 2/5's of the book to happen. I think P-R's other works are better, but I still enjoyed the book.

Not his best but VERY good!!!.......2006-04-27

Fun to read story set in medieval Spain , with a strong plot and elderly fencing master who can't fit modern times as an old school honorable gentleman . No esothery here, boys and girls.

Average customer rating:

Must have for fencing coaches
A complete guide for both master and fencer alike
A distillation of a lifetime of wisdom
The best sabre drills you will ever find
Aspiring Coaches: THIS IS THE BOOK TO OWN

Fencing and the Master
Laszlo Szabo
Manufacturer: S K a Swordplay Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Fencing | Individual Sports | Sports | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 0965946800

Book Description

Fencing and the Master is abeloved, unique classic tat distills the fencing wisdom of the twentieth century.

Of great and lasting value. -- Robert Scranton, President, USFCA The most complete book on the teaching and learning of fencing I have ever read. -- Dick Oles, Head Coach, Johns Hopkins. More great coaches have stolen ideas from this book than any other! George Edward Kolombatovich, Fencing Coach, Columbia University.

Szabo's book lays out the tools and techniques of coaching, but more than that, it opens up the heart and spirit of a maestro. Copiously illustrated. Supplemented with a discussion of fencing terminology and with a new memoir of Szabo by his student Eugene Hamori, Olympic medalist, US sabre champion, and distinguished coach.

Customer Reviews:

Must have for fencing coaches.......2006-03-03

Anybody who wants to learn fencing, as well as people who are looking for ways to become a coach should have this book in their library. It gives basic training techniques as well as tactics for combat situations.
Consider this "the bible" of fencing.

A complete guide for both master and fencer alike.......2000-04-27

My Hungarian master Laszlo Jakab, a personal friend of Laszlo Szabo, introduced this book to me as "The fencer's Bible". He continued telling me that within its pages were common faults that Masters should look for and how to fix them. Master Szabo has in his book endeavoured to put in to writing his method of teaching. It a very thorough treatment of the subject matter. Within the scope of subjects covered is immense. Ranging from the master's obligations to his pupils, techniques for building the correct fencing mussels, giving individual and group lessons (where to stand, how to give signals etc), a complete tactical system all the way down to the basics of a correct guard stance.

My master can not speak highly enough of this book and has integrated many parts of the contents in to his own method of teaching and fencing. I myself feel that even though some of the methods explained are now outdated (e.g. training without masks) the book offers great insight in to fencing at all levels and should you wish to become a good coach this is the only book you will need.

A distillation of a lifetime of wisdom.......1999-08-10

There are faults in this book, but they are mostly of production, illustrations in the wrong place and some clumsiness in the translation.

However, the content is excellent. Each topic is considered in detail and there is a pleasing flow in development.

If you are intending to be a coach then this book is an essential adjunct to your coaching course. If you already are a coach then it offers a wealth of material to improve your coaching.

The best sabre drills you will ever find.......1999-07-30

This book has quite possibly the best and most comprehensive collection of sabre drills that I've ever come across in print. Also the discussions on the mental preparedness of both the student AND the master are extremely worthwhile. If you are going to teach anyone how to fence, read and understand this book. If you are going to teach anyone to fence sabre, read, understand and constantly refer to this book!

Aspiring Coaches: THIS IS THE BOOK TO OWN.......1999-02-04

As an aspiring coach, I have read through many different books on fencing and fencing instruction. Only one other book (Foil, Sabre and Epee Fencing, by Garret et. al.) approaches the breadth, detail and clarity of this remarkable work.

Szabo not only describes exercises, drills and lesson plans for the fencing instructor -- he describes *how* to teach them. His section on fencing theory, specifically the "tactical wheel" and "tactical tree," is indispensible -- it is simply not found in any other fencing book. Finally, the book is superbly illustrated: both with represenations of proper technique(and improper -- so that coaches can recognize common errors in their students) and diagrams showing the position of feet relative to the torso during footwork.

$30 may be kinda steep, but it is cheaper than taking a plane flight to Hungary for participation in a week-long fencing instruction seminar (the next best thing)

I did notice that a large portion of the book was dedicated to sabre, but then again, the author was primarily a sabre coach.

I could go on, but I think that if is suffice to say that any serious coach (i.e. hoping to have students with national results) should buy this book and commit it to memory. You won't be sorry.

The book is also available from major fencing equipment suppliers (e.g. blade)

Book Description

In the early Italian Renaissance, few courts were as renowned for arts and letters as was the Court of Urbino. Here the consumate image of the Renaissance Man was forged under the benevolent patronage of Guidobaldo da Montrefeltro, the same man who was patron for Baldasarre Castiglione.

At the same time, the art of swordsmanship was undergoing systematic exposiition at he hands of swordmasters who had traveled and taught the nobility of Europe. Recorded in books, a select few of these fighting treatises have survived to the present, allowing a glimpse not only of the techniques employed in both civilian and military swordsmanship, but also into the philosophy advocated for the employment of arms.

Filippo Vadi, working in the tradition of earlier swordmasters both in Italy and abroad, created his own treatise around the 3rd quarter of the 15th century. Closely following the renowned Italian master Fiore dei Liberi, his approach added much that was new; an emphasis on a more linear stance, the first description of what could be thought of as the lunge, conections to the sciences of Geometry and Music that presaged printed manuals of the 16th and 17th centuries.

Filippo Vadi's prologue is a valuable piece of literature in its own right, a beautiful exposition on the use of arms.

Vadi's book focuses on the use of the longsword, dagger, spear and poleaxe, both in and out of armour. His instructions are clear and precise, enabling reconstruction of medieval swordsmanship from 15th century Italy.

Luca Porzio and Gregory Mele have brouht this text vividly to life with a clear translation and explanatory notes. Published for the first time in English, all 56 beautiful plates reproduced at full size in full color. This book is an exquisite resource for enthusiasts in medieval art, history, fashion, military, reenactment, stage choreography or Western martial arts.

Customer Reviews:

A lavish facsimile of a key swordsmanship treatise.......2005-12-17

Some old swordsmanship treatises are useful only to the swordsman, but some, like Filippo Vadi's Arte Gladiatoria Dimicandi are works of art in their own right. This lavish colour manuscript is one of the key works of Italian swordsmanship. Dating from the 1480s it forms an important link between the early 15th century works of Fiore Dei Liberi and the 16th century works of Marozzo, Manciolino et al.

Luca Porzio's fine English translation brings this work to life as an instructional manual in a deadly combat system. Greg Mele's informative introductory chapters add value to an already worthwhile volume. This work is a few years old, but isn't the sort of book that rapidly dates (like an interpretation). It contains sections on longsword, fighting in armour with sword and pollaxe, dagger and unarmed vs dagger.

Anyone interested in 15th century artwork, the medieval teaching process, the history of fencing, medieval or Italian swordsmanship, or just how to use a sword, should rush to get a copy of this fine work.

Stephen Hand
Author, English Swordsmanship, Medieval Sword and Shield
Editor, Spada, Spada II

Italian Sword Study.......2005-02-06

I found Arte Gladitoria Dimicandi, 15th Century Swordsmanship of Master Fillipo Vadi to be an invaluable resource to a student of Italian swordsmanship. In the spirit of Fiore dei Liberi, Vadi has put in writing and especially spectacular color illustration plates of the various stances, etc used by the 15th century long swordsman. The translation is excellent and the editorial and references are equally helpful.
This book is a 'must have' for any historian or student of the sword.

The Science of Fencing: A Comprehensive Training Manual for Master and Student; Including Lesson Plans for Foil, Sabre and Epee Instruction

Average customer rating:

An excellent primer
Strong medicine for American fencers' chronic impotence
Not for modern fencing
Centuries worth of fencing knowledge
zero relevace to the modern sport

The Science of Fencing: A Comprehensive Training Manual for Master and Student; Including Lesson Plans for Foil, Sabre and Epee Instruction
William M. Gaugler , and Aldo Nadi
Manufacturer: Laureate Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Fencing | Individual Sports | Sports | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 1884528058

Customer Reviews:

An excellent primer.......2006-02-10

Gaugler's book on the Science of Fencing is an excellent primer for fencing students and coaches, and is a superb work on basic fencing actions and helps to illustrate to newer fencers good fencing technique. For coaches, this reinforces what should be taught and what the coach should keep an eye on when working with fencers. Which is very helpful in teaching the basics as well as simply reinforcing good technique.

The book is primarily broken into 3 different sections, one for each of the three different weapons. Each section of the book covers basic technique for each of the weapons, talking about target area and basic lines of attack as well as the parries. Even the basics of holding the weapon are covered, to ensure that a proper grip is reinforced for the fencer. Each section also has several prictures (of Gaugler and his students) to demonstrate some of the fencing actions. This helps to understand some of the more complicated actions, as well as blade positions.

Overall, this ensures that the technique that Gaugler is discussing is adequately explained and that the reader can get what is going on here. As a coach, I've found the text to be invaluable for drills, whether it be for beginning fencers or more experienced fencers. Reading the text gives a coach or advanced fencers some areas to explore by using the drills presented as a jumping off point for other drills.

Some of the critics have found one of the following faults with the book:

Firstly, it is too focused on the Italian school. Gaugler makes no excuse for this, and himself mentions that the focus of the book is training in the Italian school; afterall, that's what he says he was trained in. So, you know what you are getting into from the beginning. And, speaking as someone who has read Vass, learning about the Italian school and gaining an understanding of that system is not a bad thing.

Secondly, it is too basic in nature. This is not meant to be an exhaustive text on fencing and tactics. In fact, I would be wary of any book that promises that, as fencing tactics is a difficult subject to cover (and strongly biased depending on your focus). Instead, it reinforces the basics and technique that all fencers should be well grounded in. Even as an advanced fencer, I find myself more focused on practicing the basics and reinforcing good fencing technique first; then reflecting on tactics later on.

Thirdly, the book is too dated. Gaugler is admitedly a historical fencer. As such his book is not geared towards competitive fencing. He does not decry competitive fencing (as some do), just that is not his focus. That being said, even competitive fencers should be able to learn something from his books. Certainly it will not focus on the what is applicable on the piste in a close bout, but it gives enough good technique that competitive fencers should come back to this for their drills and continuing development.

Overall, I've found the book to be an excellent resource and one that I recommend to fencers interested in learning more. The book can be a tough read though, and if you are not familiar with the Italian school it is also difficult to translate the lessons into something that may be more readily grasped (most fencing in the US is based on the French school, and there are big gaps between the Italian and French schools). But, if you can make the jump, then this book is an invaluable guide that can be used by fencers and coaches.

Strong medicine for American fencers' chronic impotence.......2003-04-25

Trained by self-made "coaches" contemptuous of formal teacher training, it should come as no surprise that American fencers have seen no Olympic Gold in an entire century. Ask them what thrusts or feints are to be used in blade seizure, how to oppose an action in countertime, or which counterattacks can be executed with priority and you'll get a blank stare. Their "coaches" will defiantly insist, "That's old-fashioned, we don't do that any more." Well, perhaps they don't, but it's clear that American fencers' eminently successful European adversaries, prepared with a strong foundation in classical fencing theory and technique, know better. In the United States the one resource that holds the key to success is Dr. William M. Gaugler's "The Science of Fencing." Based upon the works of Parise, Pessina and Pignotti, its importance is not overlooked by the Germans, Austrians, and Swiss who now use the German edition. In Italy the Italian edition is widely employed, while Gaugler's "Dictionary of Universally Used Fencing Terminology" and "The History of Fencing" are required reading for all candidates who hope to become fencing masters. For those fencing either solely for recreation or with serious Olympic aspirations, this book is indisensable.

Not for modern fencing.......2003-04-25

This book has little useful information relating to the modern sport. Absolutely NO attention is paid to the rules, concepts of right-of-way, or direction. The book spends all its time on the mechanics of movements with no attention paid to tactics. Furthermore, figures are sparse, and few illustrations are present to detail the evolution of the movements. The book uses the Italian hand positions rather than the easier to understand and more prevalent (in my experience) French numbering. Too much attention is paid to relaxed, exhibitionist movements rather than the overall goal: to score touches and win. Finally, the preference for all things Italian is excessive and unhelpful with insufficient translation.

This is an excellent book for those not serious about or have no interest in competition. Do not buy this book otherwise as it is useless to you.

Centuries worth of fencing knowledge.......2003-04-21

This is an amazingly complete work on Italian fencing actions and theory written for both student and instructor. It is clear Maestro Gaugler has done exhaustive work collecting and translating works from the last three to four centuries in order to write this compilation. The actions and theory presented here are still being taught in Italy and the U.S. For foil, sabre, and epee, information provided in this book includes: the classical guard and lunge, simple attacks, parry and riposting actions, compound and circular attacks, cut-overs, actions on the blade, counteroffensive actions, actions in time, and fencing tactics.

Any serious fencer should be anchored to the foundations of fencing by exploring classical styles. This book may seem wordy, but it is necessary to describe the actions correctly so that one can effectively practice what ultimately must be felt "in hand" on the strip. A number of the advanced actions revealed by Maestro Gaugler are particularly effective against sport fencers who have never been taught or exposed to this breadth of work. If you aren't a fencing instructor, you don't necessarily need to pour over the synoptic tables, but they do reveal how a fencing phrase can progress with your opponent from the given offensive action. For teachers, the tables and sample lessons provide a wealth of offensive, defensive, and counteroffensive actions that can be used to develop your own lessons.

zero relevace to the modern sport.......2002-11-27

I bought all this author's books... zip on the useful info.

Schools and Masters of Fencing: From the Middle Ages to the Eighteenth Century

Average customer rating:

Dated, but yet to be surpassed
A MUST HAVE FOR FENCERS
Flawed; but a classic none the less...

Schools and Masters of Fencing: From the Middle Ages to the Eighteenth Century
Egerton Castle
Manufacturer: Dover Publications
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Military | History | Subjects | Books

Fencing | Individual Sports | Sports | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 0486428265

Book Description

The standard reference on historical swordsmanship since its 1885 publication. The author traces fencing from its roots in the unschooled brawling of the Middle Ages to its latter-day precision and refinement, focusing primarily on the 16th-century development of the rapier and its popularity in Renaissance Italy. 150 black-and-white illustration.

Customer Reviews:

Dated, but yet to be surpassed.......2005-07-13

Although this history of fencing is over a century old, and some of its conclusions are deeply flawed, it is still the most complete and accurate book on the subject. Castle's dismissal of early works on swordsmanship as "The rough untutored fighting of the Middle Ages" is unfortunate. I defy anyone to examine Sigmund Ringeck's Fechtbuch (as translated and interpreted by Christian Tobler in Secrets of German Medieval Swordsmanship) or the anonymous Manuscript I.33 from 1300 (translated by Jeff Forgeng in The Medieval Art of Swordsmanship and analysed by myself and Paul Wagner in Medieval Sword and Shield)and conclude that medieval fencing lacked system and sophistication.

Also unfortunate is Castle's evident belief that the history of fencing is a process of steady improvement to the perfection of fencing in his day. It was a good thing for Castle and his contemporaries that they never had to face the trained killers of the middle ages and see their "rough untutored" fighting for themselves.

But, quaint 19th century notions of superiority aside, in his description of the fencing masters of the 16th-18th centuries, Castle is unsurpassed. He possessed the rare ability to separate observation from opinion. So, while his opinions may be...interesting, his observations, unsullied by opinion are for the most part accurate. He examined about a hundred different fencing masters and their systems in analyses that are sometimes deep and sometimes quite superficial.

Other authors have attempted to write histories of fencing, but none have managed to separate their observations of the old masters from their personal opinions. Hence none are as useful as Castle. As old and as dated as this work is, it still deserves a place on the shelf of anyone interested in the history of swordsmanship.

Stephen Hand
Author, Spada, Spada II,
Medieval Sword and Shield

A MUST HAVE FOR FENCERS.......2004-02-15

A REVIEW BY NICK EVANGELISTA:

This book is a must for all fencers. It is a font of fencing knowledge, and although much criticized by members of the modern historical fencing movement, it is nevertheless a valuable resource.

As the author of "The Art and Science of Fencing," "The Inner Game of Fencing," and "The Encyclopedia of the Sword," and the editor/publisher of FENCERS QUARTERLY MAGAZINE, I recommend this book highly.

Flawed; but a classic none the less..........2003-07-25

This is a very readable and enjoyable history of the evolution of the various "schools"(or philosophies)of self defence with the sword, expressed with a detailed look at their main proponents, the salon masters of years ago.

Castle's personal sketches of the masters are enlightening and full of anecdotal material. The accompanying illustrations are mostly reproductions of period wookcuts which are invaluable in themselves.

However, the poorly reproduced photographic addenda reveal that Castle was as much as a century off in his ability to identify and date sword types. This of course was not the purpose of his work.

Book Description

A Compendium of the redoubtable Soldier, fencing master, and prize fighter DONALD McBANE's Expert Sword-Man's Companion, late Deputy-Governour of Edinburgh Castle and celebrated Sword-man Sir WILLIAM HOPE's New Method ofFencing, and PAUL WAGNER's fine essay GAELIC SWORDSMANSHIP. The Scottish Highlander has been romanticized in poetry, song and legend, immortalized in the figures of Bonnie Prince Charlie and Rob Roy. His reputationas a fierce fighter and deadly swordsman was more than a myth however: a proud tradition of Scottish fencing masters taught the use of the backsword, smallsword, target and dirk in the 17th-19th centuries. From the 'Anglicized' upper-class Sir William Hope to the bawdy soldier-turned-fencing master Donald McBane, who ran his fencing salon out of his wife's brothel, these masters were as colorful and diverse as the Scottish people themselves. In this omnibus edition, Mark Rector presents these classic manuals of Scottish swordsmanship from the days of Culloden. MARK RECTOR is a founder of the Chicago Swordplay Guild and an Associate Director of the Swordplay Symposium International. Contributors: PAUL WAGNER is a founding member of the Stoccata School of Defence in Sydney, Australia; PAUL MACDONALD is founder and Director of the British Federation for Historical Swordplay; MILO THURSTON is the founder of the Linacre School of Defence.

Customer Reviews:

No WAY This Terrific Book Deserves Two Stars!!!.......2007-04-13

To help counterbalance the misleading review from October, 2005, this is a terrific book on swordsmanship. The costuming might not be completely accurate, but that's hardly the point of the book.

One would be hard-pressed to argue against the text of the manuals themselves, as they were written in period, at least one of them by a man (Donald MacBane) who had to rely repeatedly for his very life upon the skills set forth in the manual. The interpretations of the authors seem spot on with the text. Overall, I would say that this is an excellent introduction to the ways in which the basket-hilted broad- and backswords were actually used in mortal combat.

I hardly think the editors were unaware that a "Highlander" was a "Scottish Gael." The simple fact is that the manuals contained in this book were written by lowland scots, and the "Highland" in the title is used for marketing. If you own or are thinking of getting a baskethilt, chances are you've either already purchased or are planning to purchase the kilt to go with it; simply put, "Highlanders" sell nowadays (if you need help deciding what sort of kilt would be most appropriate, the review I've mentioned lists several good sources for info). "Lowland Swordsmanship" just doesn't have the same ring to it.

The fact that these were lowland scots also explains the quotes in scots sprinkled throughout the book. That these passages are in scots and not gaelic is hardly an "omission;" they're as gaelic as the authors of the period texts they're printed with. Which is to say, not at all.

To fault this book because it doesen't contain little snippets in the language most common to the geography of the title, or because the reenactors wear the wrong clothing, is as absurd as faulting a cookbook filled with good recipes because the china patterns in the pictures aren't right. Is it an accurate observation? Sure. But it has absolutely nothing to do with the purpose of the book. It's a book on swordsmanship, not linguistics or costuming, and as a book on swordsmanship, it's quite good.

"Highland Swordsmanship" is well worth both purchasing and studying, as is the sequel, "Highland Broadsword," and I hope there are more volumes by these folks in the works. I'd give it six stars if I could.

Excelent work.......2007-03-20

This book is a wonderful representation of two old Scottish sword manuals. The information is abundant and clear. These works deal primarily with the small sword, the most commonly carried sword at that time; however, many of the Scottish weapons are represented.

Well written with good illustrations, I highly recomend this book.

Omitted.......2005-10-12

I have two problems with this book however meritorious the descriptions of swordsmanship.

The enactors are frequently pictured wearing a 'little kilt' (fèileadh beag) with knife-edge pleats to portray Highland dress of the mid-eighteenth century. During the period of the 1745 rebellion, the 'big kilt' (fèileadh-mòr) was essentially a large blanket rolled about the body and belted in the middle. There was no flat apron in the front and the kilt didn't necessarily open on right side. The standardization of the modern kilt is due to regulations of Highland regiments in the 19th/20th centuries.

I suggest anyone interested in the topic read:
Hugh Cheape's 'Tartan',
J.Telfer Dunbar's 'History of Highland Dress,
Christian Hesketh's 'Tartans', or
McClintock' & Dunbar's 'Old Irish and Highland Dress'.

The editor seems to be unaware that 'Highlander' is synonymous with
'Scottish Gael'; that is, the first language of Highlanders is Gaelic, not Scots English.

The book would have been enriched with quotes from J.L. Campbell's 'Highland Songs of the Forty-Five', contemporary Jacobite songs in the original Gaelic with English translations, or Ronald Black's 'An Lasair', also bilingual.

A very interesting resource for writers.......2003-10-13

This books is a wonderful resource for writers or reinactors. It pays ode to the romanticising of Scottish fighters such as Rob Roy, Wallace, The Bruce and Bonnie Prince Charlie, but goes past these legendary images to show you the reasons for certain practices. It covers the basics of offence and defence,especially in the fencing techniques of the 17th through 19th centuries. I do wish I would have covered the medieval aspects of Highland swordsmanship: The Claymore. The movements for using the longest two handed sword is wonderful to see in action, so I had hoped this book would cover that.

Lots of diagrams and photos so the non fencer can follow precisely what they are demonstrating.

Very detailed in who did what in duels, the protocol and history.

All in all a very good work.

A good book!.......2002-06-20

Mark Rector has put together an interesting volume that serves both as a historical reference to old Scottish swordplay, and a guide to those individuals interested in the recreation of old styles of sword combat. Happily, it is also easy to read, and nicely illustrated. As the author of "THE ART AND SCIENCE OF FENCING," "THE INNER GAME OF FENCING," and "THE ENCYCLOPEDIA OF THE SWORD," and the editor/publisher of "FENCERS QUARTERLY MAGAZINE," I recommend this book.

A Dictionary of Universally Used Fencing Terminology: With Approval of the Joint Board of Accreditation of the United States Fencing Association Coaches ... and the San Jose State Univ. Fencing master

Average customer rating:

Excellent guide to terms
Helpful when you don't have time to research books
handy reference for fencers and writers
KNOWLEDGE IS POWER
worthless

A Dictionary of Universally Used Fencing Terminology: With Approval of the Joint Board of Accreditation of the United States Fencing Association Coaches ... and the San Jose State Univ. Fencing master
William M. Gaugler
Manufacturer: Laureate Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 1884528007

Customer Reviews:

Excellent guide to terms.......2006-02-10

Gaugler's Dictionary is considered to be one of the best accumulations of fencing terminology currently in print. It is an exceptionally good source of information on many of the terms used by fencers, referees and coaches, and is very straight forward and easy to digest. Anyone who's attempted a reading of the USFA's fencing rulebook will find this to be an invaluable source and helpful in explaining some of the terms.

The layout of the book is very straight forward. After the introduction, the book immediately begins presenting all of the terms present in fencing. Gaugler also presents it from several different angles. Specifically, the origin of the term in each of the major fencing styles (whether it be French or Italian, German or Russian) and whether or not the meaning is slightly different. This helps illustrate some of the historical meaning to the terms, as what constitutes a certain action in the French system is not the same as the German system.

Is the book short? Certainly, because it has definitions specific to fencing and nothing more. As such, it is exactly the right length and is very practical and straight forward. Thus making it a good reference book (e.g., a dictionary). Contrary to some reviews, this does not take away from its use as a resource. It simply means that if you go in expecting some kind of treatise on fencing tactics and technique, you won't find it. It is just a dictionary, and since there aren't a huge number of fencing terms (I would say approximately a couple of hundred) it is long enough to address that. Afterall, how many ways do you need a parry to be defined?

Gaugler has an excellent pedigree in fencing, and is considered one of the best historians when it comes to the history of fencing itself. As an expert in the field, his knowledge is very well founded and his books can be considered an excellent source. Admitedly, his focus is primarily on historical fencing, so modern fencers be wary of this. But, unlike other writers, I still find his writing to be very accessible.

Overall, this book is excellent for what it does and the information it provides. It's not an exhaustive source on fencing history or tactics or training technique, it is simply a dictionary of those terms common to fencing.

Helpful when you don't have time to research books.......2004-07-19

To be truthful, there is little to be said about Maestro William Gaugler's Dictionary of Fencing Terminology since it's just that - a dictionary that no one should expect any more or less from. Though some will complain that Gaugler does not elaborate enough on certain terms, I find this book helpful to look up a quick term whenever I don't have time to skim the pages of fencing literature. It's very quick and easy to look through, and I'm also pleased that Gaugler takes the time to explain both French and Italian terms on a lot of the entries. The book is indeed small but it's sold at a cheap price and the cost should be of no concern to even the stingiest of fencers. I find this book particularly recommendable for those new to fencing who consistently worry that they've forgotten fencing terms.

handy reference for fencers and writers.......2003-11-05

This is not a how to of fencing, but literally a small pamphlet on fencing that deal with only the terminology. Very well done, and would be a great access for writers dealing with sword play scenes. It is approved by the Joint Board on Accreditation of THe US Fencing Association Coaches and the San Jose State University Fencing Master Program, so you know it is vetted completely.

I find it very valuable for writers reference and highly recommend this concise dictionary of fencing terms.

KNOWLEDGE IS POWER.......2002-06-24

Some fencers approach fencing only from a physical level, but there are others among us who believe that thinking is the most important fencing skill you will ever develop. Anyone can learn to lunge, to parry, to perform a disengage. But thinking on the fencing strip is a hard-won ability, exercized by relatively few fencers today. The "anything-for-a-touch" school of fencing, which hangs its consciousness proudly on the tip of its foil, will poo-poo the necessity for the academic approach, but it is a fact that the real game of fencing goes on between your brain and your sword hand. Fencing is a highly abstract activity, and having workable, understandable definitions is a vital part of mastering the real process. This is what has made fencing a readily teachable activity for the past four hundred years. Maestro William Gaugler gives us a volume that provides many answers to the questions of "what is what" in fencing. Every fencing student should read this book. As the author of "THE ART AND SCIENCE OF FENCING" and "THE INNER GAME OF FENCING," and the editor/publisher of "FENCERS QUARTERLY MAGAZINE," I recommend this book highly.

worthless.......2002-03-06

The word "dictionary" brings to mind an image of a weighty tome filled with definitive facts and indispensible information... This "book" is actually a pamphlet listing some of the terms used in fencing and is by no means a complete listing as its title suggests. I find the terms and definitions therein to be of little help interpreting fencing actions and of no value in dissecting the movements associated with this sport.

Customer Reviews:

A Historical Sword Fighters Must Own.......2001-02-20

For those of you trying to get an understanding of where Prize Fighting came about this is a great book. This is a piece of history that any duelist should own. If your into heavy metal or the art of rapier you can get an idea of what men went thru to become " Masters of Defence".

The adventures of Francois,: Foundling, thief, juggler, and fencing-master during the French revolution

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The adventures of Francois,: Foundling, thief, juggler, and fencing-master during the French revolution
S. Weir Mitchell
Manufacturer: Century Co
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding
ASIN: B00087RXEQ

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