Spada: An Anthology of Swordsmanship in Memory of Ewart Oakeshott [Paperback]

Members of Swordplay Symposium International (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 1, 2003

The project of the Swordplay Symposium International (SSI), this long-anticipated anthology of articles captures not only the "cutting edge" of scholarship relating to study of historical fighting trea-tises and techniques, but also stands as a paean to one of the sword communities greatest lights, Ewart Oakeshott. Over a lifetime, Ewart Oakeshott not only earned unparalleled resepct for his knowledge of medieval swords, but also earned renown by his openess and enthusiasm, chivalric qualities that set an example for others to follow. The author of the most important books on sword history, including "The Archaeology of Weapons" and "Records of the Medieval Sword" are timeless standard reference works. Containing Ewart's last article, "Studying Arms within the Circumference of History," SPADA is sure to become an instant resouce. Alongside Ewart, notable luminaries in the historical swordsmanship community record the current state of scholarship relating to the fantastic yet cryptic historical treatises.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

This anthology is authored by some of the best-known names of the historical swordsmanship community: John Clements, Stephen Hand, Stephen Hick, Gregory Mele, Russell Mitchell, Ewart Oakeshott, Paul Wagner, and William E. Wilson.

Product Details

• Paperback: 200 pages
• Publisher: Chivalry Bookshelf (March 1, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1891448374
• ISBN-13: 978-1891448379
• Product Dimensions: 10.9 x 8.4 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,113,166 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

20 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars SPADA - Anthology of Swordsmanship, March 20, 2003

By 

Matthew Partridge (Canberra, ACT Australia) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Spada: An Anthology of Swordsmanship in Memory of Ewart Oakeshott (Paperback)

SPADA is a journal that contains some of most current ideas on historical swordsmanship by a number of the field's leading researchers. As a student of historical swordsmanship myself, I think it is an excellent step in the right direction for the progression of this school of study.

As far as the contents of the book are concerned, my hat goes off to the editor, Stephen Hand, for distilling such a diverse, and yet interesting range of papers from the vast array of excellent treatises available.

The book also features some interesting reports on some of the most recent activities undertaken in the WMA community. This provides the reader with a very good 'big picture' perspective into what advances are being made in what fields, and an appreciation for the vast range of people who are now interested in historical swordsmanship.

With regards to it's practicality, the book caters for many different tastes - whether you are interested in the finesse of renaissance fencing, or simply a medieval re-enactor using the trusty 'sword and shield' method. SPADA provides useful insights and a greater understanding of historical methods of fighting.

I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in gaining a greater appreciation of historical swordsmanship, and anyone who is curious to know what the swordmanship community out there is doing. I rate it as a 'must have' item, and I look forward to more SPADA releases in the future.

cheers

Matt Partridge
Secretary
Order of the White Stag

4.0 out of 5 stars Too Expensive, December 19, 2010

By 

C. Cottrell (Portland, OR) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Spada: An Anthology of Swordsmanship in Memory of Ewart Oakeshott (Paperback)

This book is worth having for anyone interested in Western Martial Arts. Some interpretations have changed since its printing, but it remains a solid text. However, Spada, while technically out-of-print, is still available at the publisher's website (Chivalry Bookshelf) for $24.95 until they run out. The prices being charged by sellers on Amazon are ridiculously inflated.