The Duellist’s Companion, 2nd Edition


Book Description

The Duellist's Companion is a must-read exploration of 17th century Italian rapier fencing and a thorough interpretation of the style of legendary swordsman Ridolfo Capoferro, author of the most famous fencing book in history, Il Gran Simulacro, published in 1610. Through detailed illustrations and clear explanations, Guy Windsor, a leading expert in historical martial arts, takes you through preparation exercises before teaching you the guard positions, footwork, blade actions, and techniques of Capoferro's style. From foundational footwork to advanced rapier and dagger play, this book covers everything you need to know to become skilled in the use of the rapier alone, and with the dagger. This new edition has been updated with more than 400 photos, further cementing its place as a classic in the field of historical fencing. Whether you're an experienced historical fencer looking to expand your knowledge or a beginner looking to learn a new skill, The Duellist's Companion is an essential resource.




From Medieval Manuscript to Modern Practice


Book Description

In From Medieval Manuscript to Modern Practice, renowned historical swordsman Guy Windsor demystifies one of the greatest martial arts books of all time, Fiore dei Liberi's Il Fior di Battaglia (The Flower of Battle). In the late 14th century dei Liberi, an Italian knightly combat master, wrote Il Fior di Battaglia (The Flower of Battle). This magnificent, illustrated manuscript described how to fight on foot and on horseback, in armour and without, with sword, spear, pollax, dagger, or with no weapon at all. Windsor spent the last twenty years studying Fiore's work and creating a modern practice of historical swordsmanship from it. In this book, Windsor takes you through all of Fiore's longsword techniques on foot without armour. Each technique (or “play”) is shown with the drawing from the treatise, Windsor's transcription and translation of the text, his commentary on how it fits into the system and works in practice, and a link to a video of the technique in action. The book also contains a detailed introduction describing Fiore's life and times, and extensive discussion of the contexts in which Fiore's art belongs. From Medieval Manuscript to Modern Practice is essential reading for all martial artists and historians of the medieval and early Renaissance.










The Oxford Companion to English Literature


Book Description

Written by a team of more than 150 contributors working under the direction of Dinah Birch, and ranging in influence from Homer to the Mahabharata, this guide provides the reader with a comprehensive coverage of all aspects of English literature.







Swordfighting, for Writers, Game Designers and Martial Artists


Book Description

“Useful, helpful, absorbing, entertaining. Whether you are interested in weaponry or, like me, researching details for a novel, this is the book for you.” - Helen Hollick Your search for a book that will feed your passion for and deepen your knowledge of swordsmanship ends here. Guy Windsor’s Swordfighting offers insight into this magnificent historical European martial art: you will find answers to your burning questions about swordsmanship, its theory and practice. This carefully crafted book provides essential information on diverse topics with piercing clarity. “Whether you are a writer or game-maker seeking the kind of information I sought while writing The Baroque Cycle, or just a general reader with an interest in the arts to which Guy Windsor has dedicated his career, you should find much that is rewarding in these pages.” - Neal Stephenson, New York Times bestselling and multi-award-winning author Made up of a selection of Guy’s essays and articles, with a great deal of brand new material, this engaging and revealing book makes this complex subject accessible, enabling you to deep-dive into — - Benefits of training - Types of weapons - Sword fighting principles - Historical accuracy If you are an actor, writer or games designer creating or writing fight scenes, this book provides cutting-edge research on our European martial arts heritage. You will also discover the dos and don’ts of producing a stunningly realistic sword fight. Swordfighting is not a training manual. For technical instruction on specific swordsmanship styles, pick up The Medieval Longsword and The Duellist's Companion.




The Oxford Companion to German Literature


Book Description

Offers, in alphabetical sequence, a series of concise biographies, critical surveys of writers, and synopses of literary works.




The Strand Magazine


Book Description




The Strand Magazine


Book Description