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| Arms & armour |
| Companion to Medieval Arms and Armour David Nicolle (Editor) The primary focus of this book is on the arms and armour of Europe, but it also includes neighbouring cultures where these had a direct influence on developments and changes within Europe, from late Roman cavalry armour, Byzantium and the East, to the influence of the Golden Horde. Specialists cover issues ranging from the migrations to the first firearms, divided into three sections: "From the First Fall of Rome to the Eleventh Century"; "Emergence of a European Tradition in the High Middle Ages"; and "New Influences and New Challenges of the Late Middle Ages". Throughout, there is a particular emphasis on the social and technological aspects of medieval military affairs |
| Medieval Combat Hans Talhoffer A literal tranlation of the works of Master Talhoffer, circa 1467, this book provides valuable insight into the nature of germanic combat. My only (even vague) criticism of this book would be that it does not cover the initial positions, guards, and gripping of the sword in any great depth, preferring to move straight to the techniques. Nothing wrong with this, but if you are a beginning fighter, it would be my recommendation to start with something like Medieval Swordsmanship by John Clements, which covers the basics far more efficiently. That said, if you are already capable of the basics, and need a kick start to your training, this book will more than provide it. The illustrations (a good 80% of the book) are sharp and clear, with a good definition of what is going, how it is getting there, and what it will do when it gets there, in my experience, a thing that is missing in altogether too many books these days |
| Medieval Swordsmanship Illustrated Methods and Techniques
John Clements The book covers in detail the history, design, and most importantly the use of the sword and shield and the long sword against a whole host of European weapons including pole arms, axes, spears, flails, swords and shields. Over 300 pages contain more than 200 hundred pages of illustrations including a nice collection of historical drawings. But be warned, there are no blows held back concerning myths, misconceptions, and other negative influences on the reconstruction of historical European swordsmanship today. If you are ready for a challenge to your current ideas and methodology for the study of medieval arms then consider this book as a definite addition to your collection. Its packed with an incredible range of information from historical fighting manuals |
| Renaissance Swordsmanship : The Illustrated Use of Rapiers and Cut-And-Thrust Swords John Clements This is the most thorough work ever about historical swordsmanship. It is both a general reference and an instructional guide for advanced and beginning sword enthusiasts, students of military history and martial artists. Includes rare historical info and 100 original drawings |
| Secrets of German Medieval Swordsmanship Christian Henry Tobler (Editor), Jorg Bellinghausen In the late 14th century, Master Johannes Liechtenauer developed a deadly form of martial art that fully integrated sword, spear, dagger and grappling, in and out of armour, on foot and on horseback. Founding a school of swordsmanship that would dominate Germany for centuries, he recorded his teachings into cryptic mnemonic verses and swore his students to secrecy. In the 15th century, Sigmund Ringeck, a master of the "Liechtenauer school", broke the secrecy and explained the verses in detailed instructions. Christian Henry Tobler has rendered this key text into English for the first time, and provides photographic interpretations of each technique of this "secret" martial art. |
| Techniques of Medieval Armour Reproduction: The 14th Century Brian Price This text offers a complete course in the tools and techniques of the modern armourer’s art. Through more than 1,000 photos and textual instruction, the author presents a working handbook for those wanting to develop or sharpen their skills in the production of 14th century medieval armour. |