New for August!
By Tom Leoni.
Originally published in the 1520’s and reprinted in 1531, Bolognese swordmaster’s Antonio Manciolino’s Opera Nova is the earliest surviving printed book on Italian martial arts. This seminal and eclectic Renaissance work contains clear and systematic instruction on the use of the sword and small buckler, sword and large buckler, sword and targa, sword and dagger, sword and cape, two swords, sword alone, and sword and round shield, plus a fascinating compendium on the use of polearms. Clearly and elegantly written, Manciolino’s text is one of the best presentations of the martial skills required of the ideal Renaissance man.
For the first time since its original publication, this book has been translated into English, by experienced historical fencing instructor Tom Leoni. The translation is prefaced by an extensive technical introduction, complete with illustrations from original sources and modern photographs, making it easy for anyone to follow Manciolino’s instructions, sword in hand. Also included is an extensive historical background of the Bolognese school in the context of Renaissance Italy, as well as the profile of one of the most fascinating figures who fenced in this style - the flamboyant condottiero Giovanni de’ Medici (1498-1526).
Price: $32.95. Available now!
Come meet our authors and the Freelance team at Pennsic War 2010!
Freelance Academy Press Book Signing and Wine and Cheese Social
Join us for this special opportunity to have your books and DVDs signed by the authors, and meet and socialize with the Freelance Academy Press team. Bring your comments and suggestions to share, and get the inside scoop on more of our exciting forthcoming releases. Books and DVDs will be available for purchase--including our brand-new titles!
When and where: Tuesday, August 10, 7:30 PM, Revival Clothing Booth (merchant booth 102, Street of Gold).
Classes on Our Books and DVD Topics, Taught by the Authors
Antonio Manciolino sword and rotella, from the new book The Complete Renaissance Swordsman. Class by Tom Leoni - Monday August 9th, 12:00 pm, WMA in SCA Camp.
Antonio Manciolino, two swords, from the new book The Complete Renaissance Swordsman. Class by Tom Leoni - Tuesday August 10th, 12:00 pm, WMA in SCA Camp.
German poleaxe, from the DVD German Medieval Martial Arts, Volume One. Class by Christian Henry Tobler - Tuesday August 10th, 2:00 pm, WMA in SCA Camp.
Coming This Fall!
Swordplay in the Age of Shakespeare By Stephen Hand
Shakespeare’s plays contain a vast amount of swordfighting scenes, which have delighted audiences for centuries. But do we have a way of knowing how these scenes would have been choreographed in Elizabethan England, for a contemporary audience? To answer this question, experienced researcher Stephen Hand compares and contrasts the styles of four prominent masters who were widely known in Shakespeare’s time. The fencing instruction of Giacomo di Grassi, Vincentio Saviolo, George Silver and Joseph Swetnam are analyzed with a special eye to their outward appearance: each has its own distinct personality which wonderfully dovetails the characters and qualities of many of Shakespeare’s immortal personae.
In the spirit of visual impact and ease of use, this book is meticulously illustrated with original photographs, making it easy to follow by actors, choreographers, martial artists and students of the sword of all experience levels. Besides the technical sketches of each master’s fencing style, Mr. Hand provides advice to which type of Shakespearean character it would be most suited for. The book also includes a historical panorama of fencing in Elizabethan England, complete with a rich and superbly-researched account of the Masters of Defence system, making it a must-read for historians, theater professionals and Western martial artists alike.
Price: TBD
Ancient Swordplay By Tony Wolf
This book details the revival of “ancient,” especially Elizabethan, swordplay during the late 19th century, focusing upon the work of two Englishmen, Egerton Castle and Alfred Hutton, who were jointly responsible for much of that revival. Their efforts presaged those of the modern Historical European martial arts movement, whose more immediate origins are usually traced to the 1970s. During the late Victorian era, revived ancient swordplay found practical expression in a wide variety of formats, including classes, educational exhibitions, theatrical fight choreography, formal lectures, and the publication of books and essays, examples of which are all duly noted.
This book takes you into the smoke-filled halls of private clubs, as well as the well-attended fencing salles of turn-of-the-century Europe. There, some of the keenest fencing minds of the time devoted their passion and their extensive education to the reconstruction of ancient swordplay. An accomplished martial artist, swordsman and professional fighting choreographer himself, Tony Wolf includes a few important "firsts" in this book, including the first seriously-researched account (in English) of the reconstruction of the escrime ancienne (ancient fencing) and Roman gladiatorial combat in France. Also, read a touching explanation of why these men’s pioneering efforts are a shining example of historical research, as well as a memento to the passion that the sword and its use has exercised on the human mind since the beginning of time.
Price: TBD
Freelance
Academy Press: Interact with History