The most comprehensive book ever written on the art of fencing with the basket-hilted Highland broadsword, including every major technique and concept from broadsword and backsword masters Donald McBane (1728), Thomas Page (1746), Andrew Lonnergan (1771), Captain G. Sinclair (1790), Archibald MacGregor (1791), Henry Angelo (1799), John Taylor (1804), and Thomas Mathewson (1805). Includes: Fundamental Skills Plain Playing Timing Slipping the Leg Slipping the Body Double Attacks The Feint The Invitation Actions on the Blade Disarms Counter-Disarms Set Play Loose Play The Grounds of the Sword Traversing Footwork Double Weapons (sword and targe, sword and buckler, sword and dagger, etc.) The style of the stage gladiators The style of the Highland Regiments The training curriculum of the Cateran Society The history of broadsword and backsword fencing Nearly 500 separate training exercises

The basket-hilted Scottish broadsword or Claymore has long been a symbol for Scottish independence and the fierce regard in which Scots warriors are still held. While the rest of Europe emphasized the use of smaller, lighter swords or curved cavalry models, the Scottish weapon retained its medieval flavor. Veteren swordsmen and accomplished authors Paul Wagner and Mark Rector present five key treatises that offer a wealth of advice for fighting with both the basket-hilted broadsword and the single stick -- an ash or rattan stick mounted in a wicker or leather basket-hilt, used both for training and as a weapon in its own right. Included are complete transcriptions of: Anti-Pugilism by Sinclair, illustrated with copper plate engravings; MacGregor's Lectures on the Art of Defence; The Art of Defence on Foot with Broadsword and Saber by Taylor; Fencing Familiarized by Mathewson; and Henry Angelo's On the Use of the Broadsword, rendered in full color.These texts contain useful exercises for historical swordsmen of any background. In addition, Paul Wagner provides a full introduction

First published in 1956, The English Master of Arms presents a fascinating chapter of social history, not merely of fencing. It was the common custom of gentlemen to bear arms, and the background to this custom is an important aspect of history of manners and conduct. Changes in social condition made the weapon an accessory to dress rather than a protective equipment; but the enthusiasm for the cult of arms increased. Amply encouraged, the Master of Arms brought his art ever nearer to perfection; at the same time, he became a recognised arbiter of conduct, for he insisted upon the exact observance of a strict code of honour, of courtesy, and of self-restraint. Essentially unassuming, he relied for his social influence upon his own example, and he seemed to his contemporaries such an unchanging unit in the established order of life that it did not occur to them to hand down their impressions to succeeding generations. This book is an effort to remedy their omission by recording from widely scattered sources the simple annals of the English Master of Arms, of how he emerged, established his schools, and taught his art.