Arte of Defence: An Introduction to the Use of the Rapier [Paperback]

William E. Wilson (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 4, 2002

No sword and no historical style of swordsmanship is as romanticized as is the rapier of the Italian Renaissance. From the quarrels, brawls and duels of Shakespeare to the raucous abandon of the Three Muskateers, the rapier has long been associated with swashbuckling elegance and rugged excitement.Today, thousands of fencers, stage combatants, martial artists and reenactors are exploring the world of historical technique as recorded by the famous fencing masters of Italy. At Renaissance Faires all across the world tens of thousands carry a rapier at their hip, thuogh few have been able to explore its use. William Wilson, the renowned founder of the Tattershall Schoool of Defence beings the Italian rapier to vivid life with clear, easy-to-understand text and more than 200 photographs. He successfully dispels many common miconceptions about the weapon, discussing its history, purpose and fundamentals of use. For the first time techniques of the most famous Italian masters such as Capo Ferro, Salvatore Fabris, and Camillo Agrippa are distilled into lessons, drills and principles simple enough for a beginner to follow.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

William E. Wilson is a well respected and accomplished historical fencer and instructor, president of the Tattershall School of Defence, fencing coach for Northern Arizona University, a senior marshal in within the Society for Creative Anachronism, and is affiliated with the International Masters at Arms Federation. He has taught at numerous workshops throughout the world.

Product Details

• Paperback: 176 pages
• Publisher: Chivalry Bookshelf (November 4, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1891448188
• ISBN-13: 978-1891448188
• Product Dimensions: 11.2 x 8.5 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.5 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,413,608 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #92 in Books > Sports & Outdoors > Individual Sports > Fencing

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

16 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Great Place to Start, September 29, 2003

By 

Stephen Hand (Hobart, Australia) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Arte of Defence: An Introduction to the Use of the Rapier (Paperback)

OK, I'll start by saying that Bill Wilson is a friend of mine, but having said that, I probably wouldn't have become friends with him if he didn't do top quality research, teaching and fencing.

Bill's book isn't the final word on rapier fencing, but it is a pretty good place to start. It also isn't really a how-to guide. It explores the basic concepts and principles of all rapier fencing and shows a large number of sample actions in clear photographs. What this book will do more than anything is to help you to understand the rapier and to know where to go after you finish the book. It will certainly prevent you from making any of the common mistakes seen amongst rapier fencers. This is an extremely useful book for anyone interested in rapier fencing, particularly beginners. I commend Bill on a job well done and look forward to his planned work on the Bolognese sidesword (early rapier) school.

15 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars What's Vadi got to do with anything?, April 29, 2003

By A Customer

This review is from: Arte of Defence: An Introduction to the Use of the Rapier (Paperback)

I want to make a response to the reviewer who denounced this book on the basis that Vadi had nothing to do with the rapier. I couldn't understand why he even brought Vadi up, given that the said Maestro (who, admittedly, is pre-rapier) isn't mentioned in this book. After some digging around, I found that when Arte of Defence was first listed, Vadi's name was mistakenly included (probably it got mixed up with a forthcoming book on Vadi by the same publisher). When the mistake was found, reference to Vadi was removed from the online information. So, if you're considering purchasing this book, please rest assured that the author is not guilty of said historical error, and that (in my opinon) this book is worthy of your attention.

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Excellent basis on Italian Rapier, March 28, 2003

By 

Charles P Winckless (Albuquerque, NM United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Arte of Defence: An Introduction to the Use of the Rapier (Paperback)

I've spent a while now looking for a book covering the basics of thrust orientated Italian rapier. I've met William several times and worked with him, so was pre-disposed to buy the book anyway.

It is excellent, though not an advanced manual -- something the book admits, recommending that from here you obtain a translation and work for that. The basics include photographs, drills, terminology and description for developing the period style, as well as an introduction to the masters.

I'd recommend it to anyone interested in SCA style fencing or a more serious Western Martial Art.