Product Description

The Codex Wallerstein is one of the best known of the late medieval fencing treatises still in existence. Though perhaps not as widely known as Talhoffer 1467 or Flos Duellatorum, it is just as important to students of the Western martial arts. Originally written in Middle High German during the late 14th and early 15th centuries, the Codex Wallerstein has long been available to scholars in microfilm format from Augusburg University. Now with the publication of this book, the text and drawings are available to scholars and martial artists in the original Middle High German, as well as in Modern German and English translations. The translations were provided by Grzegorz Zabinski, with assistance from Bartlomiej Walczak, two of the most esteemed interpreters of medieval combat in the world. The codex offers a series of fundamental counters to common attacks, using the longsword, falchion and dagger, as well as the complete system of wrestling techniques. In this work the reader will find a great deal of instruction on thrusting at or closing in against an opponent, expanding Master Johannes Liechtenauer's art of longsword combat. For martial artists, medievalists, historians or anyone with an interest in historical arms or self-defense, Codex Wallerstein is sure to become an invaluable reference.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #1172908 in Books
• Published on: 2002-07
• Format: Illustrated
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Hardcover
• 392 pages

Customer Reviews

Reference book for medieval fighters
The Codex Wallerstein is a facsimile of a 15th century German manual detailing many nifty ways of fighting, disarming and killing your opponent using weapons such as the sword, dagger, falcion and even shields with sharpened corners. I bought this book for a friend of mine who takes part in Medieval reenactments and he said it was his favourite gift for Christmas 2008! There is a very interesting section on unarmed combat which includes instructions on how to take down more that one opponent on your own! The original Medieval German text has been included with both modern German and English translations so there is the chance for those of you with language skills to read the original text. The book includes original illustrations which provide a great source of reference for male clothing and hairstyles from the period. Curiously all the illustrated characters look very pleased with themselves and are perfect models of fine, well shaped Medieval men dressed in fashionable fitted hose and doublets! Altogether a good primary reference source and will be useful for re-enactors and living history demonstrators, military historians, combat enthusiasts and anyone interested in medieval military life.