The Art of the Two Handed Sword

The Art of the Two Handed Sword PDF Author: Ken Mondschein
Publisher: Ska Swordplay Books
ISBN: 9780978902285
Category : Fencing
Languages : en
Pages : 231

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Book Description
The Art of the Two-Handed Sword translates one of the last surviving works on the use of the two-handed sword, also called the great sword, a Renaissance descendant of the medieval knightly weapon that was equally at home on the battlefield, at tournaments, in the fencing academy, or on the street. The second half of the book provides a clear, practical, detailed guide to its use, as well as to the theory and practice of historical fencing. Francesco Alfieri's 1653 Lo Spadone (The Two-Handed Sword), translated here, provides a "missing link" between medieval and modern martial arts. It displays clear continuity with both medieval swordsmanship and the still living traditions of sabre and great stick. Beginning in the 14th Century, swords became more sharply pointed in order to pierce the heavy plate armor of the day, and the grip became longer to allow two-handed use for greater power. By the end of the 15th Century, the two-hander, as long as a man is tall, had become a fearsome infantry weapon used to break up pike formations and in honor guards defending the standard or banner. It was also used in tournaments, on the field of honor, and for civilian self-defense. This long two-hander was known in Italy as the spadone. Its basic methods have continued to the present day in great stick technique. The Art of the Two-Handed Sword is the first complete English translation of Alfieri's book, supplemented by related materials: the MS Riccardiano (c. 1550) and works by Camillo Agrippa (1553), Giacomo di Grassi (1570), and finally Guieseppe Colombani (1711), who provides our last textual reference to the weapon. Alfieri's work is supplemented by Ken Mondschein's painstaking reconstruction and adaptation of longsword practice for the present day. He draws on primary sources, martial arts traditions, classical and modern fencing theory, and extensive practical experience to create a practical and enjoyable method for learning and practicing the spadone under modern conditions. Numerous photographs illustrate the techniques that he describes.

The Art of the Two Handed Sword

The Art of the Two Handed Sword PDF Author: Ken Mondschein
Publisher: Ska Swordplay Books
ISBN: 9780978902285
Category : Fencing
Languages : en
Pages : 231

Get Book Here

Book Description
The Art of the Two-Handed Sword translates one of the last surviving works on the use of the two-handed sword, also called the great sword, a Renaissance descendant of the medieval knightly weapon that was equally at home on the battlefield, at tournaments, in the fencing academy, or on the street. The second half of the book provides a clear, practical, detailed guide to its use, as well as to the theory and practice of historical fencing. Francesco Alfieri's 1653 Lo Spadone (The Two-Handed Sword), translated here, provides a "missing link" between medieval and modern martial arts. It displays clear continuity with both medieval swordsmanship and the still living traditions of sabre and great stick. Beginning in the 14th Century, swords became more sharply pointed in order to pierce the heavy plate armor of the day, and the grip became longer to allow two-handed use for greater power. By the end of the 15th Century, the two-hander, as long as a man is tall, had become a fearsome infantry weapon used to break up pike formations and in honor guards defending the standard or banner. It was also used in tournaments, on the field of honor, and for civilian self-defense. This long two-hander was known in Italy as the spadone. Its basic methods have continued to the present day in great stick technique. The Art of the Two-Handed Sword is the first complete English translation of Alfieri's book, supplemented by related materials: the MS Riccardiano (c. 1550) and works by Camillo Agrippa (1553), Giacomo di Grassi (1570), and finally Guieseppe Colombani (1711), who provides our last textual reference to the weapon. Alfieri's work is supplemented by Ken Mondschein's painstaking reconstruction and adaptation of longsword practice for the present day. He draws on primary sources, martial arts traditions, classical and modern fencing theory, and extensive practical experience to create a practical and enjoyable method for learning and practicing the spadone under modern conditions. Numerous photographs illustrate the techniques that he describes.

Diaria de Bello Carolino

Diaria de Bello Carolino PDF Author: Alessandro Benedetti
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category : Italy
Languages : en
Pages : 276

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Book Description


The Art of Sword Combat

The Art of Sword Combat PDF Author: Joachim Meyer
Publisher: Casemate Publishers
ISBN: 147387677X
Category : History
Languages : en
Pages : 143

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Book Description
This sixteenth-century German guide to sword fighting and combat training is a crucial source for understanding medieval swordplay techniques. Following his translation of Joachim Meyer’s The Art of Combat, Jeffrey L. Forgeng was alerted to an earlier version of Meyer’s text, discovered in Lund University Library in Sweden. The manuscript, produced in Strasbourg around 1568, is illustrated with thirty watercolor images and seven ink diagrams. The text covers combat with the longsword (hand-and-a-half sword), dusack (a one-handed practice weapon comparable to a sabre), and rapier. The manuscript’s theoretical discussion of guards sheds significant light on this key feature of the historical practice, not just in relation to Meyer but in relation to medieval combat systems in general. The Art of Sword Combat also offers an extensive repertoire of training drills for both the dusack and the rapier, a feature largely lacking in treatises of the period and critical to modern reconstructions of the practice. Forgeng’s translation also includes a biography of Meyer, much of which has only recently come to light, as well as technical terminology and other essential information for understanding and contextualizing the work.

The Secret History of the Sword

The Secret History of the Sword PDF Author: J. Christoph Amberger
Publisher: Unique Publications
ISBN: 9781892515049
Category : Antiques & Collectibles
Languages : en
Pages : 300

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Book Description
This is the most complete work ever on European sword fighting. The author discusses the development of sword techniques through history, presents accounts of famous duels, and compares medieval sword fighting with modern sport fencing.

The Medieval Longsword

The Medieval Longsword PDF Author: Neil Grant
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing
ISBN: 1472821556
Category : Antiques & Collectibles
Languages : en
Pages : 81

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Book Description
The formidable European longsword – featuring a double-edged straight blade in excess of 40in, and capable of being used with one or both hands – remains one of the most impressive and distinctive edged weapons of the late medieval era. Also known as the 'bastard' sword and the 'hand-and-a-half' sword, the longsword evolved from the war swords and great swords of the 14th century, and emerged as a battlefield weapon in the early stages of the Hundred Years' War. It went on to become a key weapon on the battlefields of late medieval Europe, creating a new system of sword fighting. Drawing together period sources, modern technical analysis and his own experiences with the longsword, Neil Grant explores the origins, manufacture and evolving use of this iconic late-medieval edged weapon. Illustrated throughout with specially commissioned full-colour artwork and an array of period illustrations and close-up photographs, this is the enthralling story of one of late-medieval Europe's most distinctive and deadly close-combat weapons.

The Flower of Battle

The Flower of Battle PDF Author:
Publisher:
ISBN: 9780984771691
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 112

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Book Description
The Flower of Battle is Colin Hatcher's translation of Fiore dei Liberi's art of combat from the early 15th century. The work included high-resolution images and English text laid out in the manner of the original.

The Sword and the Centuries Or Old Sword Days and Old Sword Ways - Being a Description of the Various Swords Used in Civilized Europe During the Last Five Centuries, and Single Combats Which Have Been Fought with Them

The Sword and the Centuries Or Old Sword Days and Old Sword Ways - Being a Description of the Various Swords Used in Civilized Europe During the Last Five Centuries, and Single Combats Which Have Been Fought with Them PDF Author: Alfred Hutton
Publisher: READ BOOKS
ISBN: 9781446520833
Category : History
Languages : en
Pages : 412

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Book Description
Originally published in 1901. A well illustrated description of the various swords used in civilized Europe during the last five centuries, and of single combats which have been fought with them. Contents include: The Age of Chivalry - Period of the Rapier - Period of Transition - Prize Players and Prize Fighters - The Nineteenth Century etc. Many of the earliest military books, particularly those dating back to the 1900s and before, are now extremely scarce and increasingly expensive. We are republishing many of these classic works in affordable, high quality, modern editions, using the original text and artwork.

Sword in Hand

Sword in Hand PDF Author: Ewart Oakeshott
Publisher:
ISBN: 9780971437906
Category : History
Languages : en
Pages : 146

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Book Description


How to Be a Gurps GM

How to Be a Gurps GM PDF Author: Warren "Mook" Wilson
Publisher: Steve Jackson Games
ISBN: 9781556348082
Category : Games & Activities
Languages : en
Pages : 76

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Book Description
The Student's Guide to Ultimate Power GURPS! A game with infinite possibilities. Even those familiar with this award-winning system may not feel they've mastered the fundamentals . . . and those just starting with this game may feel lost amid the possibilities. You want help. You could use a guide. You need How to Be a GURPS GM. For the player, this supplement offers insight into how to create the perfect character to fit your vision, plus three examples of character creation and two new fantasy templates. The chapter dedicated to customizing combat and using various options can be particularly helpful for new and veteran players in making aggressive altercations even more exciting. For the Game Master, the supplement discusses everything needed to run a campaign: how to prepare the game setting, assist the players with the creation of their heroes, create challenging and engaging encounters, and design and run the first adventure. The included overview of the Fourth Edition line, plus recommended resource lists for eight popular genres, can help the GM decide which supplements will be most helpful to craft a new campaign. This supplement also provides canonical insight from Sean "Dr. Kromm" Punch, who draws on decades of experience answering questions and providing clarifications as the GURPS Line Editor. Throughout, it follows a group of example players new to GURPS, from when their GM first opens the Basic Set through the starting session of their inaugural adventure. How to Be a GURPS GM is an invaluable aid for getting started with GURPS, bridging the previously perilous step between reading the Basic Set and participating in your first game. Half of power is knowing how to use it. With How to Be a GURPS GM, you'll be on your way to unleashing the full potential of GURPS like never before!

Landsknecht Soldier 1486–1560

Landsknecht Soldier 1486–1560 PDF Author: John Richards
Publisher: Osprey Publishing
ISBN: 9781841762432
Category : History
Languages : en
Pages : 0

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Book Description
The Landsknecht (meaning 'servant of the country') flourished during a key period for military organisation and practice. In the late 15th century, the Holy Roman Emperor, Maximilian I, recruited thousands of mercenaries from Central and Northern Europe, with the aim of creating a reliable source of men for his armies – and the Landsknecht were born. This book reveals the true-life experiences of the Landsknecht soldier during conflicts such as those of the Italian Wars (1494-1559), using numerous first-hand accounts. It takes a close look at the recruitment, training, daily life and and careers of these formidable soldiers, and examines in detail their clothing, equipment and weaponry. Many fine, contemporary illustrations, some drawn by Landsknecht themselves, accompany the text.