Medieval Combat
A Fifteenth-century Manual of Swordfighting and Close-quarter Combat
Hans Talhoffer(Author)
Mark Rector(Editor)
Greenhill Books (Publisher)
Published on 15. February 2004
Book
Paperback/Softback
320 pages
978-1-85367-582-9 (ISBN)
Description
This brilliant and attractive book makes one of the most influential and lavishly-drawn fencing manuals of the Middle Ages available in English for the first time. The authentic fifteenth-century techniques of master of arms Hans Talhoffer are illustrated in detail, presenting not only a unique historic record but also a visual guide for modern practitioners. Talhoffer's professional fencing manual of 1467 illustrates the intricacies of the medieval art of fighting, covering both the 'judicial duel' (an officially sanctioned fight to resolve a legal dispute) and personal combat. Combatants in the Middle Ages used footwork, avoidance, and the ability to judge and manipulate timing and distance to exploit and enhance the sword's inherent cutting and thrusting capabilities. These skills were supplemented with techniques for grappling, wrestling, kicking and throwing the opponent, as well as disarming him by seizing his weapon. Every attack contained a defence and every defence a counter-attack. Talhoffer reveals the techniques for wrestling, unarmoured fighting with the long sword, pole-axe, dagger, sword and buckler, and mounted combat.
This unparalleled guide to medieval combat, illustrated with 268 contemporary images, provides a glimpse of real people fighting with skill, sophistication and ruthlessness.
This unparalleled guide to medieval combat, illustrated with 268 contemporary images, provides a glimpse of real people fighting with skill, sophistication and ruthlessness.
More details
Series
Edition
New edition
Language
English
German
Place of publication
London
United Kingdom
Target group
Professional and scholarly
College/higher education
Edition type
New edition
Illustrations
illustrations
Dimensions
Height: 155 mm
Width: 232 mm
Thickness: 25 mm
Weight
499 gr
ISBN-13
978-1-85367-582-9 (9781853675829)
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Schweitzer Classification