Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #338154 in Books
• Published on: 1999-07
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 281 pages

From the Author
The best-kept secrets of the European fighting traditions
Few historians, let alone martial artists and modern fencers today are aware of the mysterious realm of lethally effective fighting arts that were taught and practised in Europe from classical antiquity until the 20th century. In The Secret History of the Sword, I do my best to introduce you to some long-forgotten techniques and obscure references from ancient manuscripts and sources that allow a clear picture to emerge of the sophisticated empty-hand and edged-weapons fighting skills of the West. Wherever I can, I try to apply a hands-on approach to sword fighting -- rooted in my own experience with some living fossils of European edged-weapons combat -- and combine it with detailed analysis of ancient and modern manuals. On my trip into the secrets of some of the most effective fighting arts ever conceived by man, you'll encounter * a heartstopping view at the bloodsports systems of the Greeks and Romans* a devastating critique of Patton's 1913 saber system* proof that "Renaissance" sword techniques were employed as early as AD150* a fighter's perspective on the use of cut and thrust weapons on foot and horseback from the 1600s to World War I* an exclusive look at an unknown Burgundian baton fighting system * drills and targets of the Highland broadsword* an account of a German student duel with sharp rapiers...from the fighter's point of view!...as well as dozens of first-hand accounts and references of encounters in the various ways Westers warriors of all eras used the sword in lethal and non-lethal combat.A word of warning, though. If you expect to get a bone-dry academic treatise on martiual arts sociology, I'm sure to disappoint you. Sure, I try to document my outrageous claims with the appropriate chapter and verse of my sources. And I drove my designer nuts by adding a 250+ title bibliography of the works and minds I had pilfered in the porcess of writing this book. But I believe that academia has the same effect on writing as formaldehyde has on living tissue. So unless you're willing to put up with my personal style of getting you into the middle of the fight, maybe something less jarring would be more easily digestible...

Customer Reviews

Outstanding
Quite simply, an utterly outstanding book about the history of european sword fighting. Liberally sprinkled with anecdotes from throughout the periods and situations described, it still manages to provide large numbers of supporting references for its description of the development of sword arts in Europe. Very readable, very imformative, well recommended.

From a writers point of view
I approached this book from a writers point of view. I am hoping to write a historical novel and wanted to research authentic sword fighting techniques and interesting facts that i could draw upon in any future story I would write.

This book is fascinating. It contains many unusual facts and anecdotes based on ancient swordfighting techniques. What I found most appealing was the inclusion of a real life account from people that had survived real-life duels or those that witnessed a duel to the death first hand at the beginning of every chapter. It also had many references to the the culture and thinking of a society that permitted two men to murder one another on the grounds of 'honour'

The book is literally crammed with interesting points from the past and present. For example did you know that swordsmen hoping to gain the title of master had to literally duel all day in fromt of huge crowds with anyone who wanted to take them on. That in Germany swordfighting with real blades is still permitted and that the only area you are allowed to aim for is the face??? (Even though you are wearing wire mesh goggles and have a protected neck). Also that a skilled quarter staff weilder would almost always win a duel with a swordsman regardless of their ability.

The only real downside for me in this book was the chapter on how modern fencing of today bears no real similarity to the tactics and techniques of a real life or death duel as obviously I was approaching the book trying to get facts from sword-fighting of old. However for any fencers out there I'm sure it would be interesting to hear the author's theories on why fencing really is a modern sport and is remarkably different to swordplay of the past.

Overall, if you are are interested in swordfighting, for whatever reason, I am convinced there is something in this book that will truely fascinate you. I intend to read parts of it time and time again.

One of the best works on the sword since Richard Burton!
Terse, witty, and chock-full with new, provocative (and often controversial) insights. Even if you don't happen to agree with the author on all points, you can't help but stand in awe of the sheer volume of material and sources that went into researching this book. Yet despite sources that range from the Odyssey over the medieval masters to the most recent archeological, historical, and sports science titles, Amberger actually produces a great read.

If you only buy one fencing or sword related book this summer... this should be it!