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The Complete Renaissance Swordsman
The Complete Renaissance Swordsman


 
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The Complete Renaissance Swordsman: A Guide to Use of All Manner of Weapons
Antonio Manciolino's Opera Nova (1531)
Translated and with a new illustrated introduction by Tom Leoni
Paperback

Dating from the 1520’s, Bolognese swordsmaster’s Antonio Manciolino’s Opera Nova is the earliest surviving printed book on Italian martial arts. This seminal and eclectic Renaissance work contains clear and systematic instruction on the use of the sword and small buckler, sword and large buckler, sword and targa, sword and dagger, sword and cape, two swords, sword alone, and sword and rotella, plus a fascinating compendium on the use of polearms. Clearly and elegantly written, Manciolino’s text is one of the best and clearest presentations of the martial skills required of the ideal Renaissance man.

For the first time since its original publishing, this book has been translated into English by experienced historical fencing instructor Tom Leoni. Also included is a valuable and extensive technical introduction, complete with illustrations from both original sources and modern photographs, making it easy to follow Manciolino’s instructions, sword-in-hand, even by beginners, while providing years of training for veteran martial artists.

Average Rating: Average Rating: 4 of 5 4 of 5 Total Reviews: 1 Write a review »

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4 of 5 Wonderful Resource August 28, 2018
Reviewer: Cauzza family from Idaho, United States  
We bought this for our teenage son who has been studying swordsmanship and related history through you-tube videos and articles on-line.  He is thrilled with it and comes out with interesting details to share with us regularly.  I like that there is a blend of the original drawings/block-prints together with modern photographs to illustrate the information in the text.  Also, he finds the  introduction to be extremely helpful. Really, I should have had him write this review, but to quote him, "The book is a detailed, explanatory manual for the use  of various renaissance weapons. The primer seems to focus more upon the use of the sword and buckler rather than the other weapons of the time. I do like it and am getting a lot out of it."

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