"The pollaxe is a fearsome weapon, the chivalric weapon par excellence of the late Middle Ages. It provided the knight with a powerful armour-breaching weapon, delivering tremendous force with its blade or hammerhead, while doubling as a short spear with its sharpened ends. Wielded on foot in both friendly tournaments and lethal duels, it was also used on the battlefield. Not surprisingly, such an important weapon figures prominently in surviving medieval martial arts manuscripts from Germany and Italy, and was written about as late as the 1630s, well after the armoured knight's apogee. Written in the mid-15th century for the Burgundian court -- at the time the most extravagant in medieval Europe, but also trapped between France and England in the bloody, final phase of the Hundred Years War -- the manuscript Le Jeu de la Hache ('Axe-Play') is both the most complete study of this deadly weapon, and the oldest known martial arts text in the French language. In this new translation and interpretive guide, Francophone and martial artist Jason Smith presents a complete translation of Le Jeu, detailed, photographic reconstructions of its many techniques, and a short primer on the basics of axe-combat, creating a complete curriculum for actually training in this unique, medieval martial art. Combined with an historical overview of the manuscript's origins, authorship and patron, and a detailed biography of Jacques de Lalain, a famed Burgundian axe-fighter and contemporary member of the same knightly order for whom the work was commissioned, Burgundian Poleaxe: The Noble Art of Chivalric Axe Combat is a modern training manual, but also a window into knightly culture at the waning of the Middle Ages."--

On the great influence of a valiant lord: "The companions, who see that good warriors are honored by the great lords for their prowess, become more determined to attain this level of prowess." On the lady who sees her knight honored: "All of this makes the noble lady rejoice greatly within herself at the fact that she has set her mind and heart on loving and helping to make such a good knight or good man-at-arms." On the worthiest amusements: "The best pastime of all is to be often in good company, far from unworthy men and from unworthy activities from which no good can come." Enter the real world of knights and their code of ethics and behavior. Read how an aspiring knight of the fourteenth century would conduct himself and learn what he would have needed to know when traveling, fighting, appearing in court, and engaging fellow knights. Composed at the height of the Hundred Years War by Geoffroi de Charny, one of the most respected knights of his age, A Knight's Own Book of Chivalry was designed as a guide for members of the Company of the Star, an order created by Jean II of France in 1352 to rival the English Order of the Garter. This is the most authentic and complete manual on the day-to-day life of the knight that has survived the centuries, and this edition contains a specially commissioned introduction from historian Richard W. Kaeuper that gives the history of both the book and its author, who, among his other achievements, was the original owner of the Shroud of Turin.

Within the pages of "The Polearm Martial Arts" immerse yourself in the vibrant tapestry of Renaissance martial arts, where the polearm emerges as a symbol of both elegance and battlefield prowess. This meticulously curated work delves into the timeless techniques elucidated by masters such as Fiore dei Liberi, Philippo di Vadi, Anonimo Bolognese, Antonio Manciolino, Achille Marozzo, and Giacomo Di Grassi luminaries whose treatises offer profound insights into the art of polearm combat. From the spear and partisan, both alone and with shield, to the roncona and poleaxe, discover the intricate artistry of thrusting, reaping, and grappling that defined combat in late medieval and Renaissance Europe. This book transcends mere historical narrative; it serves as a portal into a tradition where ancient wisdom meets contemporary practice. Comprehensive yet accessible, "The Polearm Martial Arts" offers both novice and seasoned practitioners of Historical European Martial Arts (HEMA) an indispensable guide. Explore a curated selection of drills and advanced techniques designed to enrich your repertoire and deepen your understanding of polearm combat. As you embark on this journey through centuries, forge a connection with the spirits of those who once mastered these weapons. "The Polearm Martial Arts" invites you to integrate the enduring teachings of Renaissance masters into your modern practice, ensuring their legacy thrives in the ongoing story of HEMA. Whether you seek to refine your skills or uncover the nuances of historical combat, this book promises to inspire, instruct, and elevate your martial journey. Welcome to a world where history resonates through every technique, where the art of war becomes a symphony of steel in capable hands. Discover the artistry, discipline, and tactical brilliance of Renaissance polearm combat, your gateway to mastering the legacy of these timeless martial arts.

English translation of one of the most significant medieval texts on fighting with swords.

Late Medieval and Early Modern Fight Books offers insights into the cultural and historical transmission and practices of martial arts, based on the corpus of the Fight Books (Fechtbücher) in 14th- to 17th-century Europe. The first part of the book deals with methodological and specific issues for the studies of this emerging interdisciplinary field of research. The second section offers an overview of the corpus based on geographical areas. The final part offers some relevant case studies. This is the first book proposing a comprehensive state of research and an overview of Historical European Martial Arts Studies. One of its major strengths lies in its association of interdisciplinary scholars with practitioners of martial arts. Contributors are Sydney Anglo, Matthias Johannes Bauer, Eric Burkart, Marco Cavina, Franck Cinato, John Clements, Timothy Dawson, Olivier Dupuis, Bert Gevaert, Dierk Hagedorn, Daniel Jaquet, Rachel E. Kellet, Jens Peter Kleinau, Ken Mondschein, Reinier van Noort, B. Ann Tlusty, Manuel Valle Ortiz, Karin Verelst, and Paul Wagner.