Medieval Combat by Hans Talhoffer

Medieval Combat by Hans Talhoffer

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.

HANS TALHOFFER was a German fencing expert in the fifteenth century. He wrote at least five fencing manuals and made a fortune instructing and training individuals for combat trials. MARK RECTOR, the translator and editor, is a world-renowned historical swordsmanship practitioner.

SKU	Unavailable
ISBN 13	9781853675829
ISBN 10	1853675822
Title	Medieval Combat
Author	Hans Talhoffer
Series	Greenhill Military Paperback S
Condition	Unavailable
Binding Type	Paperback
Publisher	Greenhill Books
Year published	2004-02-15
Number of pages	320
Cover note	Book picture is for illustrative purposes only, actual binding, cover or edition may vary.