Old Sword Play: Techniques of the Great Masters (Dover Military History, Weapons, Armor)

Consider this an early attempt at HEMA manuscript reviews by none other than the famous Hutton.

Bought this as a gift for my boyfriend, who is very interested in sword making and sword fighting. It turns out that this is a book he was considering downloading on his Kindle! He loves the illustrations of specific stances!

as an avid Case of Rapiers practitioner, I was only expecting to utilize a small portion of this text. But in no time at all I found myself looking into every chapter and using it to help my friends further their own studies. It breaks down the styles into fairly easy to follow terms (as much as any other manual I have seen) and is easy to learn from. I really have no complaints other than wishing it were a bit more in depth, but it is perfectly fine as it is.

I use this for reference for my writing when my character have a fight and I like it.

I am glad that I got this book. Beware that this book does not teach techniques congruent with standard competition European fencing. This book has a focus that one will not find in a traditional European Fencing class or club. The book contains many of the wood-cuts inspired by the "old-world" masters. I was pleased to find such topics as Two-hand sword; Rapier and dagger; Rapier and cloak; and particularly "the Case of Rapiers." This book is for the person with the experience to decypher the techniques stated, and put to use in a Renaissance combat situation. This book is not for stage-play; re-enactments; or a competition fencer. This book is a direct reprint of Alfred Hutton's 1892 work and requires swordsmandship experience to apply. I'm glad I got it, but would be hard pressed to recommend it to everyone.

Alfred Hutton's Old Sword Play, I would describe as a gloss of duelling styles as they changed over time with the change of the duelling weapon. While it's useful for quickly and efficiently ingraining the basics of the weapons and their play with spartan pragmatism compared to, say, Castle's Schools and Masters of Defence.

It confirmed my suspicions about the real use of a sword as opposed to the Hollywood version. If you have taken fencing lessons, you already know the basic moves and positions.

Great material from a historical perspective. Can't comment on practicalities but it seems like historically accurate instructions with some comments on practicalities of real combat compared to competitive sword moves. A good source for historical writing I think.

Very goo info and excellent presentation

An interesting books about classical fencing wich bring us to the atmosphere from the old Schools at Arms.

Très belles planches anciennes

Interesting illustrations and simple language', great for beginners or refreashing the basic moves for professionals. It is a very fast read, but with practice it can give you the basics to get started little reading lots of work.

Birthday gift the recipient really pleased with it. Interesting facts about the history of fencing. Delivery good, well packaged. Would recommend.