Customer Reviews

A Dictionary of Universally Used Fencing Terminology

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William Gaugler is both a scholar and fencer. And this fact shows in everything he writes. His book, DICTIONARY OF UNIVERSALLY USED FENCING TERMINOLOGY, is a useful guide to understanding how fencing defines itself. It is written in a clear, concise, orderly manner. A must for every fencing student who wishes to have a working grasp of the language of fencing. Also, a plus for researchers. I recommend this book highly

To be truthful, there is little to be said about Maestro William Gaugler's Dictionary of Fencing Terminology since it's just that - a dictionary that no one should expect any more or less from. Though some will complain that Gaugler does not elaborate enough on certain terms, I find this book helpful to look up a quick term whenever I don't have time to skim the pages of fencing literature. It's very quick and easy to look through, and I'm also pleased that Gaugler takes the time to explain both French and Italian terms on a lot of the entries. The book is indeed small but it's sold at a cheap price and the cost should be of no concern to even the stingiest of fencers. I find this book particularly recommendable for those new to fencing who consistently worry that they've forgotten fencing terms.

This is not a how to of fencing, but literally a small pamphlet on fencing that deal with only the terminology. Very well done, and would be a great access for writers dealing with sword play scenes. It is approved by the Joint Board on Accreditation of THe US Fencing Association Coaches and the San Jose State University Fencing Master Program, so you know it is vetted completely.

I find it very valuable for writers reference and highly recommend this concise dictionary of fencing terms.

Some fencers approach fencing only from a physical level, but there are others among us who believe that thinking is the most important fencing skill you will ever develop. Anyone can learn to lunge, to parry, to perform a disengage. But thinking on the fencing strip is a hard-won ability, exercized by relatively few fencers today. The "anything-for-a-touch" school of fencing, which hangs its consciousness proudly on the tip of its foil, will poo-poo the necessity for the academic approach, but it is a fact that the real game of fencing goes on between your brain and your sword hand. Fencing is a highly abstract activity, and having workable, understandable definitions is a vital part of mastering the real process. This is what has made fencing a readily teachable activity for the past four hundred years. Maestro William Gaugler gives us a volume that provides many answers to the questions of "what is what" in fencing. Every fencing student should read this book. As the author of "THE ART AND SCIENCE OF FENCING" and "THE INNER GAME OF FENCING," and the editor/publisher of "FENCERS QUARTERLY MAGAZINE," I recommend this book highly.

In my experience most discussions in fencing end up in disagreements about terminology. This book clears up all confusion and should be considered required reading for all referees and coaches to ensure uniformity of terminology.

The word "dictionary" brings to mind an image of a weighty tome filled with definitive facts and indispensible information... This "book" is actually a pamphlet listing some of the terms used in fencing and is by no means a complete listing as its title suggests. I find the terms and definitions therein to be of little help interpreting fencing actions and of no value in dissecting the movements associated with this sport.

As a fencer I would advise any other fencer or person interested in the sport to look elsewhere for information ... This leaflet would be best suited as a handout rather than something to be pruchased.

Gaugler's Dictionary is considered to be one of the best accumulations of fencing terminology currently in print. It is an exceptionally good source of information on many of the terms used by fencers, referees and coaches, and is very straight forward and easy to digest. Anyone who's attempted a reading of the USFA's fencing rulebook will find this to be an invaluable source and helpful in explaining some of the terms.

The layout of the book is very straight forward. After the introduction, the book immediately begins presenting all of the terms present in fencing. Gaugler also presents it from several different angles. Specifically, the origin of the term in each of the major fencing styles (whether it be French or Italian, German or Russian) and whether or not the meaning is slightly different. This helps illustrate some of the historical meaning to the terms, as what constitutes a certain action in the French system is not the same as the German system.

Is the book short? Certainly, because it has definitions specific to fencing and nothing more. As such, it is exactly the right length and is very practical and straight forward. Thus making it a good reference book (e.g., a dictionary). Contrary to some reviews, this does not take away from its use as a resource. It simply means that if you go in expecting some kind of treatise on fencing tactics and technique, you won't find it. It is just a dictionary, and since there aren't a huge number of fencing terms (I would say approximately a couple of hundred) it is long enough to address that. Afterall, how many ways do you need a parry to be defined?

Gaugler has an excellent pedigree in fencing, and is considered one of the best historians when it comes to the history of fencing itself. As an expert in the field, his knowledge is very well founded and his books can be considered an excellent source. Admitedly, his focus is primarily on historical fencing, so modern fencers be wary of this. But, unlike other writers, I still find his writing to be very accessible.

Overall, this book is excellent for what it does and the information it provides. It's not an exhaustive source on fencing history or tactics or training technique, it is simply a dictionary of those terms common to fencing.

Better than the Science of Fencing this dictionary can at least be useful.