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. Unabridged republication of Schools and Masters of Fence: From the Middle Ages to the Eighteenth Century, George Bell and Sons, London, 1884.
Here's a sample of other books in this Dover category
Old Sword Play: Techniques of the Great Masters by Alfred Hutton Diagrams and detailed instruction in the use of the two-hand sword, rapier and dagger, broadsword and buckler, rapier and cloak, and dagger and cloak. For sword-play enthusiasts and anyone interested in self-defense.
The Book of the Sword: With 293 Illustrations by Sir Richard F. Burton Eloquent, erudite history of the sword from prehistory to early Roman Empire. Evolution and development of early swords, variations — sabre, broadsword, cutlass, scimitar, much more.
The Duelling Handbook, 1829 by Joseph Hamilton This 1829 manual offered advice on everything from withdrawal of challenges to weapons. Dramatic anecdotes recount duels arising from disagreements over religion, women, gambling, and other volatile subjects.
Cold Steel: The Art of Fencing with the Sabre by Alfred Hutton, Ramon Martinez This 1889 classic by a pioneer of modern fencing offers both technical and historical views of the art of the sabre. Topics include a variety of different strokes and parries, and associated weapons. 55 illustrations.
Nadi on Fencing by Aldo Nadi, Paul Gallico In this comprehensive guide to foil technique, a fencing master and Olympic gold medalist offers an unsurpassed wealth of technical and tactical advice. overs every facet of the game, from attack, defense, and deceit.
