Colonial Lake Books - Fighting Skills Books

	Fighting Skills Books
	The Armoured Rose - $20.00 Tobi Beck (aka Duchess Elina of Beckenham). This book on fighting in the Society For Creative Anachronism is for women who want to fight but procrastinate, or who fight and want to get better, for men who want to train women, or who dread training women because they always seem to drop out, or those who fight women. It describes how women differ from men in their physical, chemical and psychological make up and what effect this has on their fighting style. There are training photo sequences on particular moves which can help greatly. A thoroughly fascinating book. 241pp. Pb.
Arte Gladiatoria: 15th Century Swordsmanship of Master Filippo Vadi - $50.00 Luca Porzio & Gregory Mele. For the first time, a color fascimile and translation from this important 15th century master of late Italian Medieval swordsmanship. Master Fillipo Vadi’s work, previously overlooked and underestimated by fencing scholars, presents the student of historical swordsmanship or of miltiary history a fresh, stunningly beautiful look into the mind of an Italian fencing master. The core of the book is the Prologue and the Chapters that accompany it, explaining in detail not only who should be taught the art of swordsmanship -- and how -- but detailed explanations that cover almost every aspect of swordsmanship. Closely following the works of the late 14th century master Fiore dei Liberi, Vadi fills in many puzzling blanks left by the old Master and offers his own innovations. 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. The authors have also included a penetrating new analysis of the Vadi material, debunking common myths about Vadi and challenging the conventional view concerning his place in the history of fencing. Especially interesting is the section by Gregory Mele carefully comparing techniques in Vadi with the different editions of Fiore dei Liberi. An absolute must for the bookshelf of anyone interested in the history of fencing or late medieval warfare, this rich volume will also appeal to collectors of illuminated manuscripts, reeactors, and literary traditions of 15th century Italy. 203pp. Hb.
	Arte of Defence: An Introduction to the Use of the Rapier - $16.00 William E. Wilson. This renowned founder of the Tattershall School of Defence brings the Italian rapier to vivid life with clear, easy to understand text and more than 200 photographs. He successfully dispels many common misconceptions about the weapon, discussing its history, use, purpose and fundamentals of use. The techniques of the famous Italian masters are distilled into lessons, drills and principles simple enough even for a beginner to follow. Starting with a background on the sidesword -- the spada da lato -- this lays the foundations upon which the masters should be studied, covering stance, grip, footwork, the four hand positions, guards, defenses and attacks. It presents drills for the development of all the basic skills. While the work focuses on the single rapier technique of Ridolfo Capo Ferro and Salvatore Fabris, it also presents a chapter on "fighting double," the use of rapier & dagger, rapier & cloak, rapier & buckler and the "case of swords," two rapiers! These techniques will provide a useful tactical edge for competitive fencers as well as reenactors, as nothing seems to work so well in combat as techniques proven through four hundred years of testing. For intermediate and advanced fencers, there are also hundreds of subtle tricks that will enhance the joy of the fence or the competitive edge. William discusses mental preparation, techniques of instruction, and even offers a complete syllabus for introducing new students to the art. Regardless of your level of experience, this book promises to become a classic primer and reference. 180pp. Pb.
The Book of the Medieval Knight - $33.00 Stephen Turnbull. This is the story of the knight in fourteenth and fifteenth centuries - from the great victories of Edward III and the Black Prince to the fall of Richard III on Bosworth field. How the armour changed as the new technology of the longbow developed. 192pp. Hb.
Book of the Tournament - $20.00 Brian R Rice. Among medieval re-enactors, this book is considered a classic. First published in 1991, it instructs the modern tournament fighter in decorum on the field of honor, the ideals of knighthood, and how to appear in the armor and costume appropriate to medieval tournaments. This revised edition adds new material relating to the growing Western Martial Arts (WMA) movement, bringing the medieval tournament and its ideals to a whole new group of students of the sword. The author has 20 years of tournament fighting experience, and is a noted teacher of the ideals of chivalry, as well as the science of swordsmanship. 116pp. Hb.
British Battles - $27.00 Amazing Views from www.getmapping.com. British Battles combines Getmapping's unique aerial photography of battlefields today with battle diagrams to create a startling new perspective on Britain's wars. From the Roman invasion to the English Civil War, the Jacobite rebellions, and on to the Blitz, this is a comprehensive look at Britain's battlefields. 128pp. Hb.
Crusader: By Horse to Jerusalem - $30.00 Tim Severin. Nearly 900 years after Duke Godfrey de Bouillon set out on the First Crusade, Tim Severin set out with one woman and two horses to retrace his steps. Starting out from Chateau Bouillon in Belgium with the same breed of Ardennes Heavy Horse used by Duke Godfrey, Severin followed the historic trail for eight and a half months, and more than 2,500 miles to Jerusalem. In the synthesis of adventure, practical history and exploration, Severin assesses just how far Duke Godfrey could have travelled each day; which routes the Crusaders would have taken, and how they would have cared for themselves and their horses. 338pp. Pb.
	Daggers and Fighting Knives of the Western World - $20.00 Harold L Peterson. Beginning with flint and stone knives of the prehistoric period, this survey covers and enormous array of weapons: bronze daggers of 1000BC, eared daggers of the mid-16th century, stilettos of the late 17th century, plug bayonets, bowies and the American rifleman's knife of the 18th century, 19th century British and American naval dirks, and more. 90pp. Pb.
The English Castle: An Account of its Development as a Military Structure - $25.00 A. Hamilton Thompson. A seat of government and the private residence of its owner, a castle was also a military base and stronghold for the surrounding region. The development of these fortifications during England's medieval period is examined in this profusely illustrated book. Early chapters deal with earthworks, the Roman station, and beginnings of the stone castle after the Norman conquest, while additional sections consider fortified towns and Edwardian castles of the later Middle Ages. Unabridged republication of Military Architecture in England During the Middle Ages, originally published by Oxford University Press, London, 1912. 416pp. Pb.
	English Swordsmanship: The True Fight of George Silver - $60.00 Stephen Hand. This is a comprehensive analysis of an historical system of English swordsmanship by George Silver in the late 16th century. His fear that the traditional English system of swordsmanship would be replaced by Italian rapier fencing encouraged him to write outlining the principles of English swordsmanship. Because he was afraid that the principles of “The True Fight” would be lost, Silver’s books are unparallelled in their detailed explanation of Early Modern combat theory. Silver’s preferred weapon was the basket hilted sword. 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). Many of Shakespeare’s references to swordsmanship can be traced to incidents in the ongoing quarrels (sometimes fatal) between traditional English Masters of Defence and the teachers of Italian rapier fencing. With nearly a thousand photographs, detailed descriptions of each principle and action and dozens of suggested drills and excercises, English Swordsmanship is an unparallelled reference for anyone looking to recreate Elizabethan Swordplay, whether it be for re-enactment, for stage, or as a martial art in its own right. 248pp. Hb.
Fighting With The German Longsword - $35.00 Christian Henry Tobler. Fighting With the German Longsword is a brilliant book, distilling the foundational concepts that underly the German system and presenting them in a logical order complete with drills and photographic support. Now, the students of German swordsmanship can build their skills in a well-organized and sensible progression of skills. As such, the book will prove useful to anyone interested in historical swordsmanship. Fighting draws from the corpus of German manuscripts, including those of Hanko Döbringer, Sigmund Ringeck, Hans Talhoffer, Paulus Kals, the von Danzig fechtbuch, Jud Lew, Hans von Speyer, and Joachim Meyer. Most of the work is based on Tobler's original translations, tempered by his experience with the system as a whole. 248pp. Pb.
	Highland Broadsword: Techniques of the Scottish Regiments - $39.00 (One slightly damaged copy $29.00) Paul Wagner & Mark Rector. Five manuals of Scottish Swordsmanship from the 17th - 19th centuries. 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 emphasized the use of smaller, lighter swords or curved cavalry models, the Scottish weapon retained its medieval flavor. Veteran 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. Included are complete transcriptions of: "Anti-Pugilism" by Sinclair, illustrated with copper plate engravings; MacGregor’s "Lectures on the Art of Defence;" "The Art of Defence on Foot with Broadsword and Saber" by Taylor; "Fencing Familiarized" by Mathewson; and Henry Angelo’s "On the Use of the Broadsword," rendered in full color. These texts contain useful exercises for historical swordsmen of any background. In addition, Paul Wagner provides a full introduction and overview on the fascinating basket-hilted broadsword itself with a survey of surviving examples. 248pp. Pb.
Highland Swordsmanship: Techniques of the Scottish Sword Masters - $15.00 (Ed) Mark Rector. Here presented are two classic manuals of Scottish swordsmanship from the days of Culloden. From the upper-class “Anglicized,” Sir William Hope, who had a long career as author and fencing master, his philosophy was to focus upon the subject of using any form of single hand sword available to defend one's life from ruffians or trained swordsman. The result was his "New Method," a unique manual of swordplay. Donald MacBane, the self-described soldier, gambler and brothel-owner acquired his skills as a swordsman through the rough-and-tumble soldier's life of bloodthirsty combat, duels, drinking, whoring and outright robbery. His techniques were proven in the blood of his angry opponents. His own account of his life as a soldier in Marlborough’s army, preserved and included at the beginning of his manual, reads like an action-adventure from the pages of Defoe. His story alone is worth the price of the book, and you will howl with laughter at his black exploits. 208pp. Pb.
	Historical Swordsmanship: Teaching and Interpreting - $30.00 (Ed) Brian R Rice. In this volume many leaders of the historical swordsmanship community from around the world have come together to offer valuable insights to new generations of students and instructors. The reader will find both practical hints on how to teach and philosophical approaches to guide the development of their own drills and practice exercises. In this book the reader will find treasured advice from teachers both modern and ancient. The International contributors include Brian R. Price (USA), Stephen Hand (Australia), Christian H. Tobler (USA), Hans Heim (Germany), Milo Thurston (UK), Sean Hayes (USA), Colin Richards (Germany), William E. Wilson (USA), Guy Windsor (Finland), Matthew Galas (Belgium), Gary Chalek (USA), and Luca Porzio (Italy). 208pp. Pb.
The History of Chivalry and Armour - $32.00 Dr. F Kottenkamp. A visual and literary feast, Kottenkamp's highly respected work is an incomparable study of the origins, codes, practices, and weaponry of knighthood. The engravings — detailing an astounding array of pikes, crossbows, swords, daggers, siege towers, projecting engines, gilded armor, jousts, and more — have been painstakingly reproduced from a rare 19th-century masterpiece. Reprint of the Portland House, New York, 1988 edition. 128pp. Pb.
Imperial Austria: Treasures of Art, Arms & Armour from the State of Styria - $30.00 Peter Krenn & Walter Karcheski Jnr. This book was published in conjunction with the exhibition in Australia in 1998-9. It brings together the rich heritage achieved by Austrian artisans of the 15th to 17th centuries. 133pp. Pb.
	Indian and Oriental Arms and Armour - $32.00 Lord Egerton of Tatton. Originally created in the late 19th century to catalog Indian and Oriental arms and armor for a British museum, this volume has long since become a sourcebook of vital information on the military history of India. Enhanced with excellent illustrations, it remains one of the few books available on the subject, providing factual accounts of events ranging from the earliest invasions of the subcontinent in 200 BC. to the decline of the Mogul Empire (early 18th century) and the First Burmese War in 1824. In addition to information on military history, succeeding chapters describe Indian swords, helmets, knives, shields, daggers, spears, javelins, blowpipes, sabers, and a host of other weapons, including arms used for athletic and sacrificial purposes. Descriptive notes, grouped according to geographical areas, comment on styles of decoration, manufacturing processes, and ethnological characteristics. A shorter section of the book includes detailed information on Arab and Persian arms (maces, battle axes, matchlock guns, bows and arrows, etc.) and Japanese armor. Students of Far Eastern arms and armor as well as enthusiasts of military history will welcome this comprehensive reference. Unabridged republication of Indian and Oriental Armour, originally published 1968. 224pp. Pb.
Knives & Scabbards: Medieval Finds from Excavations in London - $76.00 J Cowgill, M de Neergaard, N Griffiths. Reprinted from the Museum of London’s original publication. This catalog details over 500 items found in the archeological excavation of 12th century London middens. 25 b/w illustrations, much highly technical material. For the serious recreationist or craftsman: a classic work of scholarship. 184pp. Hb.
Medieval Costume, Armour & Weapons - $60.00 Eduard Wagner, Zoroslav Drobna & Jan Durdik. Accompanied by a scrupulously researched and well-documented text, over 400 copyright-free illustrations trace the evolution of clothing styles, armor, and weapons during the medieval period in Central Europe - from simple tunics and robes of peasants to the battle equipment and armor of warriors and the fur-lined cloaks and brocaded garments of the aristocracy. An accurate source of reference material for artists, historians, and general readers. Pb.
	The Medieval Tournament - $23.00 R Coltman Clephan. Complete, detailed history of English and European tournaments, based on rare manuscripts and original sources. Topics include Arthurian and other round tables, body armor, chain mail, plate armor, royal jousts, introduction of firearms in the 14th century, the tilt, effigies, trial by combat, duels and many other aspects. 24 illustrations enhance this scholarly survey of one of the great medieval traditions. 240pp. Pb.
Meyrick's Medieval Knights and Armour - $29.00 Samuel Rush Meyrick. Highlights from a magnificent three-volume survey of 9th- to 15th-century arms and armor feature 71 full-color and 7 black-and-white engravings. From Richard the Lionheart in full battle regalia to the equipage of anonymous knights, this volume presents a splendid panorama of medieval paladins and their weapons. Includes brief captions. This is a Dover original selection from A Critical Inquiry into Antient Armour, Henry G. Bohn, London, 1842. 144pp. Pb.
	Schools & Masters of Fencing - $30.00 Egerton Castle. The standard reference on historical swordsmanship since its 1885 publication, this volume is still widely considered the definitive work on fencing history and the art of European swordsmanship. The author traces fencing from its roots in the unschooled brawling of the Middle Ages to its latter-day precision and refinement; he focuses particularly on the sixteenth-century development of the rapier and the weapon's popularity in Renaissance Italy, where Italian masters founded the modern art of swordsmanship. Abundantly illustrated, this legendary work, long out-of-print, will be of great interest to scholars as well as fencing and sword enthusiasts. Unabridged republication of the classic 1885 edition. 150 black-and-white illustrations. 336pp. Pb.
The Secrets of German Medieval Swordsmanship - $60.00 Sigmund Ringeck's Commentaries on Liechtenauer's Verse. Translated and Interpreted by Christian Henry Tobler. Johannes Liechtenauer spent his youth traveling through Central and Eastern Europe, studying with masters from locales as far-off as Krakow and Prague. Through these wanderings, he developed his own unique and deadly form of martial art, that fully integrated sword, spear, dagger and grappling, for use in and out of armour; on foot and horseback. Gathering a select circle of students around him, Liechtenauer transmitted his teachings into cryptic, mnemonic verses and swore his students to secrecy. These students, in turn, became masters-at-arms to the greatest noble-houses of the Empire. In the 15th century, Sigmund Ringeck, master-at-arms to Albrecht, Count Palatine of the Rhine and Duke of Bavaria, and one of the descendants of the “Liechtenauer school,” broke the secrecy, and sought to explain the mysterious verses. Working through the verses line-by-line, he added explanatory commentary on the tactical and mechanical principles of the system. Ringeck’s commentaries reveal a sophisticated system of fighting, based on natural, underlying bio-mechanics, and a fighting philosophy built around maintaining control of initiative. Christian Henry Tobler has rendered this key text into English for the first time, and provides photographic interpretation and commentary for each technique of this “secret” martial art. The result is a must for serious Western martial artists, students of medieval history, hoplologists, and medieval reenactors. 416pp. Hb.
	Spada: An Anthology of Swordsmanship in Memory of Ewart Oakeshott - $35.00 The project of the Swordplay Symposium International (SSI), this anthology of articles captures not only the “cutting edge” of scholarship relating to study of historical fighting treatises and techniques, but also stands as a paean to one of the sword communities greatest lights, Ewart Oakeshott. Containing Ewart’s last article, “Studying Arms within the Circumference of History,” as well as notable luminaries in the historical swordsmanship community record the current state of scholarship relating to the fantastic yet cryptic historical treatises. This volume is sure to appeal to historical and modern fencers, Medieval and Renaissance reenactors, stage combatants, military historians and arms & armor historians.
Spada II: An Anthology of Swordsmanship - $39.00 (Ed) Stephen Hand. The relatively young field of historical swordsmanship relies on research into the great historical fencing masters and the many fencing treatises they left behind for posterity. The first edition of SPADA, published in 2003 showcased the very best research by some of the best people in the field. SPADA II continues this, with articles on a wide range of different swordsmanship topics from some of the best known writers and teachers as well as some exciting new authors. The articles in SPADA II cover a wide range of topics, with something for everyone interested in the theory or practice of historical swordsmanship. Whether you are interested in rapier fencing, sword and shield, the Highland Broadsword or just want to know what a sword can do if it hits you, you won't want to miss out on the latest cutting edge research from some of the finest researchers in historical swordsmanship. 180pp. Pb.
	The Sword Through the Centuries - $27.00 Alfred Hutton. Engrossing, carefully researched and illustrated survey spanning five centuries covers the development of the sword from its earliest forms, beginning with the Age of Chivalry. Lively contemporary accounts provide details on swordplay between knightly opponents and later combatants who used such weapons as the two-hand sword, the rapier and its auxiliaries, dagger and small sword, broadsword, duelling sword and sabre. A fascinating book for anyone interested in the evolution of hand-held fighting weapons. 48 black-and-white illustrations. Historically accurate samples of weapons discussed: the great axes used in battle by a French knight and an English squire; combat between the Sieur de Jarnac and the Lord of Chastaigneraïe, both using the sword and buckler; two tailors fighting to the death with shield and cudgel (a short, thick club). 400pp. Pb.
Warriors of Christendom - $27.00 John Mathews & Bob Stewart. This books describes that stories of the four great warriors of Christondom, Charlemagne, El Cid, Barbarossa and Richard the Lionheart. 192pp. Hb.
Weapons & Armour - $26.00 Harold M Hart. A pictorial arsenal of war-making instruments offers over 1400 copyright-free illustrations of battle-axes, bows & arrows, cannons, catapults, clubs, daggers, handguns, tanks, suits of armor, helmets, much more culled from old archives and publications. Sources listed. 192pp. Pb.