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| ACADEMY OF THE SWORD : The Mystery of the Spanish Circle in Swordsmanship & Esoteric Arts [Gérard Thibault] Secret Geometries of the SwordIn the early years of the 17th century, Girard Thibault - poet, physician, architect, painter, occultist, and master swordsman, a true Renaissance man - astonished the courts of Europe with a new system of swordsmanship based on the principles of sacred geometry and Renaissance occult philosophy. In his youth, Thibault studied the art of the sword with the great Dutch fencing master Lambert van Someren, then traveled to southern Spain to learn destreza, the revolutionary Spanish system of rapier fencing, from Luis Pacheco de Narvaez and other masters of the art. After his return to the Netherlands around 1610, he won fame as one of the best swordsmen of the age, and set out to put everything he knew about the way of the sword into a single comprehensive textbook of rapier fencing that could be used by students who had no access to a teacher of his system. Originally published in 1630, Academy of the Sword is that textbook - the most elaborate manual of swordsmanship ever published. { 310pp, 215x280mm, November 2006; HB, £36.50, 1891448404:9781891448409 , Midpoint Trade Books (Chivalry Bookshelf) } |
| ARMOUR FROM THE BATTLE OF WISBY : 1361 [Bengt Thordeman] On a hot July day in 1361, 1,300 poorly armed men stood their ground to defend their city of Wisby against the pressure of King Waldemar. Unfortunately, the defenders were slaughtered. It was three days before the besieged city capitulated and the defenders were finally able to come out to bury the dead. Putrifying in the hot sun, pits were dug in the peat bogs and the bodies hurriedly cast in and buried. In the 1920s, Bengt Thordeman and a team of archeologists excavated at the site of the burial and produced a work that has stood the test of time. The 900+ photographs and illustrations record in great detail the coat of plate cote armours, brigandine finger gauntlets, dress accessories and wound pathology for many of the victims. Reproduced for the first time since 1939 with a new introduction by 'Techniques of Medieval Armour Reproduction' author Brian R. Price, this elegantly printed single volume version of the original 2 volumes is a must for any library on medieval knighthood, arms and armour, archeology or warfare. { 664pp, 225x295mm, July 2001; HB, £60.99, 1891448056:9781891448058 , Midpoint Trade Books (Chivalry Bookshelf) } |
| ART OF DUELING : Salvatore Fabris' Rapier Fencing Treatise of 1606 [Tomasso Leoni (translator)] The Italian Rapier has held a special place in the history of European swordsmanship. Famous for generations after his death, Salvatore Fabris became the personal fencing master to the equally famous King Christianus of Denmark. Towards the end of his career, and at the king's request, the great master set down the sum of his art in clear in a clear, concise manual of footwork, guards, attacks, defenses, and conterattacks with the rapier, used alone or with a dagger or cloak. A landmark work brought to English for the very first time, Tomasso Leoni offers a complete translation that accompanies the 200 17th century engravings. { 290pp, 215x280mm, September 2005; HB, £24.50, 1891448234:9781891448232 , Midpoint Trade Books (Chivalry Bookshelf) } |
| BOOK OF THE TOURNAMENT : 2nd Edition [Brian R Price] Chivalry, Knighthood, tournaments. The Book of the Tournament by Brian Price brings out the magic of medieval tournament re-enactments as they build upon the traditions in what has become an authentic Western martial art. This book talks eloquently about how these tournaments work, what can be expected in a Society for Creative Anachronism tournament, what kinds of arms and armour work best for the tournament, and what it takes to succeed. Fascinating look into the ideals of people working to study ethics as they combat one another in the list field. Hardcover quality binding with linen paper printed in the style of the early 14th century. { 114pp, 155x235mm, June 2002; HB, £15.50, 1891448005:9781891448003 , Midpoint Trade Books (Chivalry Bookshelf) } |
| DEEDS OF ARMS [Steven Muhlberger] During the 14th century, men of arms -- knights and soldiers -- exercised themselves in various forms of competitions to both refine their skills and as a matter of national honour. Steven Muhlberger details these contests, analysing how their renown was of great political importance. Drawn from an extensive study of all remaining sources from the 14th century, Dr Muhlberger brings his considerable scholarly expertise together with a knack for accessible writing to produce what will become the definitive work on the subject. { 247pp, 155x230mm, September 2005; HB, £21.50, 1891448447:9781891448447 , Midpoint Trade Books (Chivalry Bookshelf) } |
| DUELLISTS COMPANION : A Training Manual for 17th Century Italian Rapier [Guy Windsor] A modern training manual for the 17th century rapier, lavishly illustrated with over 400 photographs, the "Duellist's Companion" is a complete training system for rapier, the Queen of Weapons. Guy Windsor, author of the popular longsword text The Swordsmans' Companion, has triumphed in this work, which guides the beginner through the rapier, based on the world of Capo Ferro's 1610 masterpiece, Gran Simulacro. Italian rapier dominated Europe from the 17th to 19th centuries. This book demonstrates convincingly why it was so successful. { 250pp, 155x230mm, October 2006; PB, £13.50, 1891448323:9781891448324 , Midpoint Trade Books (Chivalry Bookshelf) } |
| ENGLISH SWORDSMANSHIP : The True Fight of George Silver: Volume One - Single Sword [Stephen Hand] One of the most important teachers of historical swordsmanship, Stephen Hand has delivered what may well be his Magnum Opus, a detailed study in text and photographs of his best form, the swordsmanship of the 16th century English swordmaster, George Silver. In nearly 800 photographs, Mr. Hand explores the depth of Silver's technique, presenting for the student a clear and concise path to fighting with the single-handed sword. These techniques are from the same period as William Shakespeare, and it is even supposed that Silver had something to do with the staging of swordsmanship in Shakespeare's plays. So these techniques should have special interest to those involved in swordplay on the stage. Students of fencing history, members of the SCA, LARPS, or students of Renaissance history will also find this first-ever exploration of Silver's amazingly effective techniques surpremely valuable. { 240pp, 215x280mm, April 2005; HB, £30.50, 1891448277:9781891448270 , Midpoint Trade Books (Chivalry Bookshelf) } |
| HIGHLAND BROADSWORD : Five Manuals of Scottish Regimental Swordsmanship [Paul Wagner & Mark Rector (eds)] The basket-hilted Scottish 'broadsword' or Claymore has long been a symbol for Scottish independence and the fierce regard in which Scots warriors are still held. While the rest of Europe emphasised the use of smaller, lighter swords or curved cavalry models, the Scottish weapon retained its medieval flavor. Veteren swordsmen and accomplished authors Paul Wagner and Mark Rector present five key treatises that offer a wealth of advice for fighting with both the basket-hilted broadsword and the single stick -- an ash or rattan stick mounted in a wicker or leather basket-hilt, used both for training and as a weapon in its own right. { 252pp, 210x280mm, November 2003; PB, £19.99, 1891448218:9781891448218 , Midpoint Trade Books (Chivalry Bookshelf) } |
| HIGHLAND SWORDSMANSHIP : Techniques of the Scottish Swordmasters [Mark Rector (ed)] The Scottish Highlander has been romanticised in poetry, song and legend; immortalised in the figures of Bonnie Prince Charlie and Rob Roy. His reputation as a fierce fighter and deadly swordsman was much more than a myth - a proud tradition of Scottish fencing masters taught the use of the backsword, smallsword, target and dirk from the 17th through the 19th centuries. These masters were as colorful and diverse as the Scottish people themselves, from the upper-class 'Anglicised,' Sir William Hope, to the bawdy, soldier-turned-fencing master Donald McBane, who ran a fencing salon out of his wife's brothel. In this omnibus edition, Mark Rector presents two classic manuals of Scottish swordsmanship from the days of Culloden. { 198pp, 215x280mm, November 2001; PB, £18.50, 1891448153:9781891448157 , Midpoint Trade Books (Chivalry Bookshelf) } |
| JOUSTS & TOURNAMENTS : Charny & Chivalric Sport in 14th Century France [Steven Muhlberger] Steven Muhlberger adds a significant new work to the understanding of the 'tournament' of the 14th century with this groundbreaking work. Drawing extensively and with great expertise from the historical record, and featuring the first translation of the 14th century 'Demands Pour La Joute, Le Tournois et La Guerre,' by Sir Geoffroi de Charny, Dr Muhlberger has created a crystal clear picture of what the sweat, blood and competition of the mounted tournament was all about. Illustrated with six beautiful full-page colour illuminations, the book is also unusually accessible for an academic work, an enjoyable read for medieval enthusiasts at any level of knowledge or experience. The book is presented in two parts. Part I offers the analysis, while Part II contains the original French transcription by Michael Anthony Taylor and a facing page translation of each 'question' posed by the wiley 14th century de Charny. Muhlberger's translation of these questions alone warrant interest in the book, since they lend a fascinating glimpse into the concerns of tourneyers and how they thought. { 148pp, 155x230mm, February 2003; HB, £16.99, 1891448285:9781891448287 , Midpoint Trade Books (Chivalry Bookshelf) } |
| RAMON LULL'S BOOK OF KNIGHTHOOD & CHIVALRY : & the Anonymous Ordene de Chevalerie [Ramon Lull] What did it mean to be a medieval knight? Medieval knighthood and chivalry still hold a fascination for modern readers more than 500 years after the knight's office was overtaken by the military officer and civil servant. Writing in the latter part of the 13th century, Ramon Lull penned what has become on of the most influential books on what it meant to be a knight. Originally written in Catalan, it was first translated into English in 1484 by William Caxton and printed as one of the first books in England. Since the 15th century text has proven difficult for many students, this modernised edition by Brian R. Price strives to preserve as much of Caxton's language as possible while upgrading the text as necessary to make this important work accessible to modern readers. As a bonus, the editors have included the anonymous 'Ordene de Chevalerie' translated into English by William Morris. Together, these works comprise two the three most important works on chivalry to survive from the Middle Ages. { 123pp, 140x215mm, September 2003; PB, £7.99, 1891448420:9781891448423 , Midpoint Trade Books (Chivalry Bookshelf) } |
| ROYAL BOOK OF HORSEMANSHIP, JOUSTING & KNIGHTLY COMBAT : King Dom Duarte of Portugal's 1438 Bem Cavalgar [Antonio Franco Preto (translator)] Written by the King of Portugal -- a renowned master horseman, hunter and jouster -- and dedicated to his queen -- this amazing book examines the knightly art of horsemanship, is a unique glimpse into the world of medieval equitation, hunting and knightly combat with the lance and sword. No where else in literature are details of historical jousting technique offered. Interwoven with this advice the Portuguese king reveals a keen sense of character as he examines the knight's soul during the frightening moments on unruly mounts and under the crushing impact of a of a heavy lance during the joust, when knights thundered against one another to earn renown and prestige. At this moment, he says, there is no hiding from one's self, and in this and other tests is a knight's mettle truly tested. Bem Cavalgar an important work on techniques surrounding the equestrian arts of the 15th century, and is a critically important work of chivalric literature, a knightly handbook that must stand with Geoffrey de Charny's Book of Chivalry or Ramon Lull's Book of Knighthood and Chivalry. { 148pp, 155x235mm, January 2006; HB, £19.99, 189144834X:9781891448348 , Midpoint Trade Books (Chivalry Bookshelf) } |
| SPADA : An Anthology of Swordsmanship in Memory of Ewart Oakeshott [Stephen Hand (ed)] The project of the Swordplay Symposium International (SSI), this long-anticipated anthology of articles captures not only the 'cutting edge' of scholarship relating to study of historical fighting trea-tises and techniques, but also stands as a paean to one of the sword communities greatest lights, Ewart Oakeshott. Over a lifetime, Ewart Oakeshott not only earned unparalleled resepct for his knowledge of medieval swords, but also earned renown by his openess and enthusiasm, chivalric qualities that set an example for others to follow. The author of the most important books on sword history, including 'The Archaeology of Weapons' and 'Records of the Medieval Sword' are timeless standard reference works. Containing Ewart's last article, 'Studying Arms within the Circumference of History,' SPADA is sure to become an instant resouce. Alongside Ewart, notable luminaries in the historical swordsmanship community record the current state of scholarship relating to the fantastic yet cryptic historical treatises. { 178pp, 215x210mm, February 2003; PB, £15.50, 1891448374:9781891448379 , Midpoint Trade Books (Chivalry Bookshelf) } |
| SPADA 2 : Anthology of Swordsmanship [Stephen Hand (ed)] An exciting anthology of articles on the history of swordsmanship. It includes works from some of the most important names in the field, as well as some 'new faces'. The articles cover a wide range of topics, from ancient and medieval sword and shield combat to Italian and Spanish rapier fencing. Articles include: Medical Reality of Historical Wounds; Dispelling Myths About the Early History of Rapier Fencing in England; Finding the Sword or Stringere; Further Thoughts on the Mechanics of Combat with Large Shields; The Circle and the Sword:A Focus on Carranza and Pacheco de Narváez in Renaissance Spain; Italian Circle Theory: A Study of Applied Geometry of the Italian Renaissance; Re-Interpretation of some aspects of Sword and Buckler System in RA MS I. 33; The Words 'Claymore' and 'Broadsword', 'The Forgotten Weapon: The Partisan in Italy in the Sixteenth & Seventeenth Centuries'. { 136pp, 215x280mm, December 2005; PB, £15.50, 1891448358:9781891448355 , Midpoint Trade Books (Chivalry Bookshelf) } |
| SWORDMAN'S COMPANION : A Modern Training Manual for the Medieval Longsword [Guy Windsor] How was the medieval sword used? Although many books have been released detailing techniques of the medieval swordmasters, none of them can really be termed easily interpreted manuals of technique. For the beginner, they are hard to decipher and interpret. The well-respected founder of the prestigious Helsinki School of European Swordsmanship, Mr Windsor has offered a nuts-and-bolts approach to teaching Italian historical swordsmanship through drills, exercises. Based on the systems of Fiore dei Liberi, Fillipo Vadi, and others, this work should be one of the first books acquired by anyone wishing to explore swordsmanship as a practical art. { 222pp, 155x230mm, May 2004; PB, £13.50, 1891448412:9781891448416 , Midpoint Trade Books (Chivalry Bookshelf) } |
| TEACHING & INTERPRETING HISTORICAL SWORDSMANSHIP [Brian R Price (ed)] Brian R Price, the founder of the Schola Saint George and activist in the development of the historical swordsmanship community, has collected a series of essays by the key instructors leading the study of European martial arts. Each of the 22 included instructors writes on some aspect of interpreting and teaching from the historical styles of swordsmanship that have seen a resurgence over the last ten years. This book will whet the appetite of newcomers to the Historical Swordsmanship community and offers insights for those already teaching. { 190pp, 155x230mm, November 2005; PB, £13.50, 1891448463:9781891448461 , Midpoint Trade Books (Chivalry Bookshelf) } |