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7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
An illuminating look at the world of fencing., March 20, 1997
By A Customer
This review is from: The Living Sword: A Fencer's Autobiography (Paperback)
Aldo Nadi was a great fencer, an acknowledged giant among giants, a champion for whom winning became so commonplace his peers gave up challenging him in disgust. He was also a man for whom success was eternally colored by a fencing rivalry with his older brother Nedo, under whose broad shadow he often labored. Nedo was the beloved of fencing; Aldo, always the bad boy. And, for all his victories on the fencing strip, Aldo never managed to resolve his mixed feelings toward his sibling. While his vast competitive energies helped him overcome every major fencing star in pre-World War II Europe, they never quelled the image of Nedo as the main luminary of the Nadi family. It is obvious that his desire to prove himself superior to his brother played an important role in his success, yet this in no way diminishes the value of his achievements. After all, he had the talent as well as the desire to be a champion. In some respects, Nadi resembles Rostand's Cyrano de Bergerac, a character possessed of continually conflicting emotions and motivations. At times brash and opinionated enough to put off even the stoutest supporter, Aldo nevertheless possessed what it took to back up his words with impressive deeds. He never backed down to anyone, and he lived by a code that demanded he never give anything but his best effort. For that he should be admired. During his sixty odd years, Aldo Nadi was an amateur fencing champion, an Olympian, a duellist, a professional fencer, a fencing master, a movie coach, an actor, and, by his own graphic confessions, a lover of many women. THE LIVING SWORD, Nadi's autobiography, does justice to his varied existence, illuminating not only the man, but also painting a colorful picture of the unique time in which he lived. His descriptions of the European fencing world of the 1920s and 30s, when fencing matches, both professional and amateur, were as popular with the general public as tennis is today, are particularly interesting. You don't even have to be a fencer to enjoy his narrative -- but it doesn't hurt. As a fencing master of some years, I can truly say that Aldo Nadi was someone I would have enjoyed knowing, not only for his expertise in fencing, but also simply for himself. Lacking that experience, reading his book is the next best thing
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5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
The Living Sword: A Must Read For The Fencing Enthusiast!, August 25, 2004
This review is from: The Living Sword: A Fencer's Autobiography (Paperback)
This is the autobiography of, ostensibly, "the greatest swordsman who ever lived." For those who have knowledge of the sport of fencing, nothing else needs to be said as Nadi is a legend. For those who are curious or newly initiated into the sport, read on!
Nadi's self-styled autobiography is very easy to read and understand. This does not detract, however, from the smooth storyline and rich detail from the mouth of the Master himself. While I was reading this book it seemed as if I could hear Nadi speaking the words in narrative fashion, and I quickly became lost in his amazing story.
Nadi's story is about growing up the son of a fencing master in Italy. How he rose to become almost a prodigy in fencing. He provides many details of his youthful chasings of wine, women, and song, and his fencing challenges in Europe. An interesting chapter is included on his becoming a French actor. Nadi describes his coming to America, teaching fencing, becoming a respected Citizen, and fencing advisor to the Hollywood "stars."
Nadi provides the in-depth detail of his loves, his passion for sport, and of course the infamous European "duel," that makes great reading, and as a book, is well worth reading. The reader will truly be moved, I believe, by the accounts of Nadi's own feelings and sensations he experienced during his exploits. For fencers this book is a must have! This book deserves a place in every enthusiast's library. Unparalleled. Five stars.
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3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Interesting indeed., January 18, 2000
This review is from: The Living Sword: A Fencer's Autobiography (Paperback)
Despite Mr. Aldo Nadi's uncontrolled ego which frequently surged here and there, was nonetheless truly, a fascinating individual of Bauhaus Europe. His latin charm laced with impeccable dress, uniquely graced his fervent persona - indicative of elegance, discipline and aesthetic order. Ironically, some of his life experiences (being a mature, expert fencer and celebrity), were quite disorderly and his behaviour at times, severely infantile. His book is an insightful read of the more beautiful culture and populace of our recent Western past.
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