HEMA books
English Swordmanship – £30.00 | |
 | English Swordsmanship is a comprehensive analysis of an historical system of swordsmanship from the end of the 16th century. In the late 16th century the English Gentleman, George Silver wrote two books, the first, Paradoxes of Defence, arguing that the English system was superior, and the second, Brief Instructions Upon My Paradoxes of Defence, outlining the principles of English swordsmanship. Because he was afraid that the principles of “The True Fight” would be lost, Silver’s books are unparalleled in their detailed explanation of Early Modern Combat theory. Silver’s preferred weapon was the basket hilted sword. His system was medieval in character, but altered to better suit the more modern weapon, with its excellent hand protection. Silver’s system is contemporary with the plays of William Shakespeare and is the style of swordsmanship described as being used by historical characters and by serving men (who preferred the traditional weapons and system over the upper class rapier). |
Fighting with the Quarterstaff – £15.00 | |
 | 6″ x 9″ paperback, 248pages with 250 photographs. In Europe, popular lore recounts how the staff was used by woodsmen, travellers and middle class as a cheap, reliable and effective form of self-defence. As schools of defence promulgated during the 15th – 17th centuries, the staff was included as a key part of the curricula by such masters as Joachim Meyer, George Silver, and Joseph Swetnam because it forms the basis for the whole family of polearms, including the halberd, poleaxe, glaive and bill. With the resurgence of interest in European martial arts, David Lindholm presents a synthesis of techniques preserved in the historical record, a useful guide for both novice and experienced combatant, including translations of the most important texts, analysis and photographic interpretation of each technique. |
Medieval Sword and Shield – £20.00 | |
 | The Combat System of Royal Armouries MS I.33. By Paul Wagner & Stephen Hand. Softcover, 8 1/2″ x 11″. The medieval art of sword and shield fighting has long been a source of speculation amongst military and fencing historians, re-enactors, and students’ of medieval history. Working from Dr. Forgeng’s translation, practicing swordsmen Wagner & Hand have reconstructed the techniques of Royal Armouries MS I.33 and demonstrated them into clearly illustrated instuctions. |
Arte of Defence – £16.00 | |
 | by William Wilson, Tattershall School of Defence. One of the most respected instructors for the Rapier, William Wilson encapsulates his long years of experience into a fine introduction to the study of the Italian rapier. |
Sword in two Hands – £33.00 | |
 | A Full Color Training Guide for the Medieval Longsword Based on Fiore dei Liberi’s Fior di Battaglia. By Brian R. Price. Brian R. Price, Principale for one of the largest Western Martial Arts / Historical Swordsmanship schools–the SCHOLA SAINT GEORGE–has recorded the first English-language training system for the medieval bastard sword based exclusively on the Fior di Battaglia, the prestigious fighting book written by Fiore dei Liberi after 1409. This book focuses on the key fundamentals needed for success with the sword in two hands, beginning from Fiore’s twelve poste or guards; covering footwork, stance and balance; blows and thrusts; and key aspects of defense as drawn from Fiore’s book. |
Duellists Companion – £20.00 | |
 | A Modern Training Manual for 17th Century Rapier. By Guy Windsor. Like its predecessor, the Swordsman’s Companion, Duellist’s Companion is a complete training system, bringing the student through an overview of the rapier, through footwork, fundamental attacks and defences’ based on Capo Ferro’s work and into free-sparring. This book promises to become a cornerstone work for historical or sport fencers, theatrical choreographers, Renaissance re-enactors, SCA fencers, or anyone interested in how the rapier should properly and effectively be wielded. |
Arte Gladitoria – £38.00 | |
 | The Art of the Sword consists only in crossing, putting both strikes and thrusts in the right place, and bringing war to those who oppose you.” – Filippo Vadi. For the first time, a color fascimile and translation will be available from this important 15th century master of late Italian Medieval swordsmanship. Master Fillipo Vadi’s work. Accompanying the exquisitely wrought text, finely translated by Luca Porzio, are 56 color plates showing many of the techniques explained in the chapters and by other historical masters, but in this case, with such a beautiful rendering that they are works of art unto themselves. Each of the plates has been rendered in full color, presented on a single page for close study. Facing pages present a complete translation of the accompanying text. |