First published under the title Ritterliche Waffenspiele in interwar Germany, Knightly Weaponry Play is a youth-accessible instructional manual for the basic wielding of longswords, single sticks, bow and arrows, and crossbows. Written by patriotic forester, naturalist, and scouting leader Herr-Doktor Wilhelm Fabricius, this book was intended to inspire activity and strength in young boys participating in environmental-survival fellowships. Illustrated and described within are swordplay techniques that clearly interpret moves of the Kunst des Fechtens - the art of fencing - as illustrated centuries earlier by venerable Fechtmeisters circa 1450-1600. Highly popular when it was originally released, this book was used as a play and practice aid by interwar German brotherhoods such as the Adler und Falken, Deutsches Jungvolk, and Pfadfinders. Antelope Hill is proud to present Herr-Doktor Wihelm Fabricius's Knightly Weaponry Play, translated into English for the first time ever by Jeffrey Hull. This unique work is sure to develop martial prowess in a new generation of young men as well as historical curiosity in a wholesome and fun way!

Describes in text and pictures weapons used through the ages, from the stones of prehistoric man to the bombs of modern times.

"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."--

This definitive guide covers the entire history of weapons, from the earliest, most primitive instruments up to remarkable advances in modern defense and warfare, including:Riot-control devicesElectrified nightsticksInfantry weaponsMultiple-launch rocketsFiber-optic misslesWire-guided torpedoes"Stealth" technology

From fantasy novels and cosplay to Renaissance festivals and roleplaying games, the love for medieval weapons runs deep. But how were they actually used? In The Use of Medieval Weaponry, historical fencing instructor and competitive fighter, Eric Lowe brings together the words of over a dozen medieval masters, as well as the practical experience of contemporary historical European martial artists, to answer this deceptively simple question. For the first time, learn to see weapons from the perspective, not of ancient generals or modern museum curators, but the people holding the sword. Compare weapons in combat, consider the pros and cons of different types and styles, and discover how medieval warriors adapted their art to their favorite tools. Whether you are an armchair enthusiast or a fighter ready to step up your game, Lowe takes you inside the world of medieval martial arts as no one else can.