Old Sword-Play The Systems Of The Fence (Paperback)

~ (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

The history of sword-play and fencing from the 16th to the 18th century. with 57 plates.

Product Details

• Paperback: 116 pages
• Publisher: Naval and Military Press (February 13, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1843428385
• ISBN-13: 978-1843428381
• Product Dimensions: 11.4 x 8 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,894,063 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

22 of 25 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An Interesting Volume, June 26, 2002

By	Anita Evangelista (Springfield, MO USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This review is from: Old Sword Play: Techniques of the Great Masters (Paperback)

Reading Hutton is always interesting, as he is such a pivital individual in fencing's transition from the nineteenth to the twentieth century. "Old Sword-Play" gives us a look at fencing's early stages of develpment. For the fencer, it is good to know one's origins. 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.

5.0 out of 5 stars REAL old school fighting, January 13, 2009

By	E. M. Van Court "Van, emvc (at) lycos.com" (Honolulu, Hawai'i, USA) - See all my reviews (TOP 1000 REVIEWER)

This review is from: Old Sword Play: Techniques of the Great Masters (Paperback)

Here are sword techniques of the sixteenth, seventeenth, and eighteenth
centuries for everyone. Hutton addresses the common techniques of these periods clearly and in enough detail that someone with even a basic knowledge of fencing can follow him. The two-handed sword, rapier and dagger, broadsword and buckler, rapier and cloak, dagger and cloak, the case of rapiers, and a variety of techniques for disarming a swordsman are described in detail.

I'm somewhat interested in the two-handed sword, the pairs of weapons, and the blade and shield arrangements, but the disarms are very interesting. They could be better illustrated, but the text is clear enough to follow the movements.

A note for kendoka; the section on two-handed sword techniques might be familiar to you. I find it very interesting how closely the European techniques mirror the Japanese techniques.

Unlike Hutton's earlier work Cold Steel: The Art of Fencing with the Sabre (Dover Books on History, Political and Social Science) this book would have little if any benefit for modern fencers. But any one interested in older sword technique, or someone who is looking to broaden their horizons in combative disciplines could enjoy it.

A great piece of history, and potentially some fun in the salle d'armes or dojo.

E. M. Van Court

6 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Buy this book!, February 21, 2002

By A Customer

This review is from: Old Sword Play: Techniques of the Great Masters (Paperback)

It is absolutely essential that you buy this book. Maestro Martinez' introduction alone merits it, but to be able to drink in Hutton's wisdom on historical fencing... hoo boy!