uring the Renaissance, rapier-dueling and fencing evolved into one of the most deadly and effective of Western martial arts. Salvator Fabris (1544-1618), a Grand Master from Padua, Italy, became arguably the most Internationally-celebrated teacher of this style. The roster of his princely pupils included the Archbishop of Bremen and the King of Denmark, under whose patronage he published his exceptional rapier-fencing manual Lo Schermo, overo Scienza d’Arme (On fencing, or martial knowledge).

Fabris’ manual became an instant-bestseller around European fencing circles: it was re-printed continually from 1606 to 1713, translated into several languages, imitated and even plagiarized as Fabris’ style took the continent by storm.

Chivalry Bookshelf is proud to present Fabris’ manual in modern English, translated and edited by experienced rapierist and leading Fabris researcher Tom Leoni.

Western martial artists and fencing historians alike will delight in reading this great treatise that includes detailed instruction on:

• Fencing with the rapier (theory and practice) Fencing with the rapier and left-hand dagger (theory and practice)
• Fencing with the rapier and cloak (theory and practice)
• Advanced techniques on how to defeat the opponent without stopping in guard
• Disarms, cape-throws and fighting off a dagger-wielding attacker

No other Master is as thorough and systematic as Fabris in defining the tactics, the techniques and the mechanics of this martial system; furthermore, the language used by the author is amazingly “modern” in nature, resulting in a text that is very easy to read and understand. The book is graced with the original didactical illustration by court painter Ian Halbeeck and others, making it as valuable to the modern student as it was to the dueling gentleman of the 1600’s.

Our edition also includes a technical rapier glossary, a biographical sketch of Fabris within his cultural context and a valuable introduction by Classical fencing Master Sean Hayes. There is no modern interpretation that can come close to explaining rapier fencing as well as the words of Fabris, an author who is gaining more and more enthusiastic followers in today’s Western Martial Arts’ world. This is a testament to his style, which is dynamic, athletic, strikingly baroque, and is as effective as only a refined art can be.
 

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