First published in 1763, this new carefully edited edition contains many illustrations. Essential reading for all historical swordfighters and students of martial arts and military history, much recommended. Read the full review [link=http://reviews.firetrench.com/the-school-of-fencing-with-a-general-explanation-of-the-principal-attitudes-and-positions-peculiar-to-the-art/#more-4122]here.[/link]
Firetrench

This very interesting contemporary renaissance martial arts book shows a step in the development of medieval fighting arts to fighting for sport. Only the section on the (cut and thrust) rapier is intended for 'serious' fighting. The longsword, dussack and halberd, knife and pike sections are for 'sparring for sport'. As such it is a very interesting book which demonstrates George Silver's statement that fight school masters teach no thrust and rapier school masters teach no cut. As modern Western Martial Arts enthusiasts fight for sport and not in a life and death situation it may be thought that this style of fighting would suit them well. On the other hand they may feel that the lack of thrusting in the longsword section (the main section) leaves a gap which is better filled by the medieval manuals which exist. I am not aware of any other contemporary manuals that deal with the dussack and this section is especially valuable for that reason. On the whole a very interesting book which.. Read more
M. Matthys, Amazon Reviewer

This is a book that has seriously stood the test of time as it was first copyrighted by the author back in 1955, just four years before Lt. Col. Burne passed away. Burne served with the Royal Artillery during the First World War and served again in the second, assisting with cadet training. With the passing of time this important historical piece of work has been re-published several times, this example by Greenhill Books in 1990 followed again in 2016 by Frontline Books. For anyone studying the Hundred Years War, this book is a must. The following battles and campaigns are covered within this substantial paperback:- The 1339 and 1340 Campaigns; Brittany to The Battle of Morlaix, 1341-42; Brittany, 1342-47; The War in Gascony, 1345-47; The Crecy Campaign, 1346; The Battle of Crecy; The Siege of Calais; Between Crecy and Poitiers; The Black Prince’s ‘Grande Chevauchee’; Lancaster’s ‘Chevauchee’ in Normandy; Poitiers and Edward’s Last Campaign. While we associate Northern France.. Read more
Military Modelling

If you’re interested in how people actually fought in the Early Modern Age, or just want to be able to visualize the duel between Romeo and Tybalt, The Art of Sword Combat is a book that will tell you everything you need to know. Read the full review [link=http://www.medievalists.net/2016/08/31/fighting-to-win-the-art-of-sword-combat-in-the-early-modern-period/]here![/link]
Medievalists.net

Mercenaries are, of course, still prevalent in some of the modern-day conflicts we hear about on the news, but William Urban focuses on their deployment and employment during the middle years of the second millennium.
Books Monthly, May 2016 - Paul Norman