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Art of Combat (2022) by Joachim Meyer
Art of Combat (2022) by Joachim Meyer


 
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Art of Combat: A German Martial Arts Treatise of 1570
by Joachim Meyer
Translated by Jeffrey L. Forgeng
Paperback

First published in 1570, Joachim Meyer's The Art of Combat is among the most important texts in the rich corpus of German martial arts treatises of the Middle Ages and Renaissance.

Meyer is unique in offering full recommendations on how to train for various weapons forms. He divides his book into five parts by weapon types: longsword; dusack (a practice weapon analogous to a sabre); rapier; dagger; and staff weapons.

For each weapon, Meyer lays out the principles of its use and the vocabulary of techniques, and then describes a range of specific 'devices', attack combinations for use in combat. This rational approach, along with Meyer's famous and profuse woodcut illustrations, make this a crucial source for understanding the history and techniques of medieval and Renaissance martial arts.

In the first ever English translation of this important work, Jeffrey Forgeng has sought to improve accessibility of the text. His Introduction is the first substantial account to be published in English of the German Fechtbuch corpus, and the Glossary likewise is the first of its kind to be published in English.

Review
"A fascination, too little-known, and vividly illustrated volume, Meyer's Art of Combat is especially remarkable in its attention to fighting with halberds, pikes, and quarterstaffs. Military and cultural historians as well as those interested in stage combat will find it invaluable." - Professor James Shapiro

Features
  • First ever English translation of this classic 16th century combat treatise.
  • Includes a substantial introduction to the medieval German martial arts tradition and a glossary of technical terms.
  • With more than sixty beautiful woodcut illustrations.

Average Rating: Average Rating: 5 of 5 5 of 5 Total Reviews: 29 Write a review »

  0 of 0 people found the following review helpful:
 
5 of 5 Great book July 13, 2023
Reviewer: Ben from Logan, UT United States  
The book itself came new and crisp. The contents are fantastic. Meyer is easy and fun to read and the introduction really does help understand the context.

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5 of 5 June 16, 2023
Reviewer: Austan Skidmore from CHESTERFIELD, MO United States  


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5 of 5 Excellent book June 1, 2023
Reviewer: chris  
As a beginner in the realm of fencing, this book has been a great start. Not only does it provide historical context to Meyer's teachings, but also the techniqiues of medieval martial arts.

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  0 of 0 people found the following review helpful:
 
5 of 5 I love Meyer's Handbook May 31, 2023
Reviewer: Austin Johnson from Peoria, AZ United States  
I bought this book to learn Meyer at my school in Arizona. Me and the boys love doing flashy Meyer plays

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  0 of 0 people found the following review helpful:
 
5 of 5 So excited to have this book March 11, 2023
Reviewer: Max Boam from Holladay, UT United States  
Not much to say considering this is a resale product but the book came in good condition and it came quickly which what else can you ask for

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