The Art of Fencing; Or, The Use of the Small Sword

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Labat, maître d'armes

Contributor:

Mahon, Andrew

Standardized Title:

Questions sur l'art en fait d'armes. English

Language:

English

Physical Description:

1 online resource : multiple file formats

Place of Publication:

Salt Lake City, UT : Project Gutenberg,

Summary:

"The Art of Fencing; Or, The Use of the Small Sword" by maître d'armes Labat is a comprehensive instructional text on the practice and techniques of fencing, likely written in the early 18th century. The book serves as both a guide for experienced fencers and a foundational manual for beginners seeking to master the small sword, emphasizing the importance of technique and strategy over mere strength. At the start of the text, the translation by Andrew Mahon outlines the significance of selecting the right blade and its proper mounting, which sets the stage for effective fencing. Mahon discusses the attributes of a suitable sword, mentioning the balance of length, sturdiness, and design that suits the individual fencer. He stresses the necessity of understanding the guard positions and body movements to perform an effective thrust, explaining that proper form and positioning are crucial for both attack and defense. The opening portion emphasizes the importance of precise technique in fencing and serves as both a dedication to Mahon's mentor and a precursor to the detailed techniques that unfold in the subsequent chapters. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Credits:

Produced by Steve Schulze and PG Distributed Proofreaders. Produced from page images provided by the Digital & Multimedia Center, Michigan State University Libraries

Notes:

Reading ease score: 53.2 (10th to 12th grade). Somewhat difficult to read.

Release date is 2004-04-01