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Western Swordsmanship Technique & Research |
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Introductory article on Johannes Liechtenauer
The list of references and web sites below is neither complete nor comprehensive. It indexes materials we have used extensively and recommend for study. Other items will be added as members of WSTR obtain, study, and apply information from additional sources. Note: These books make great additions to a wish list.
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Books of Primary Source Material (Translated)
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Tobler, Christian. Secrets of German Medieval Swordsmanship: Sigmund Rinkeck’s Commentaries on Johannes Liechtenauer’s Verse. California: Chivalry Bookshelf, 2001.
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Well organized book with translation of Liechtenauer's verse with Rinkgeck's commentaries beside them. Tobler gives interpretations with extensive photographs.
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| Lindholm, David and Peter Svard. Sigmund Ringeck's Knightly Art of the Longsword Colorado: Paladin Press, 2003.
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Another translation of Ringeck's commentaries. Lighter on interpretation than Tobler's book and illustrated, rather than photographed. However, it contains a transcription of the German alongside the translation.
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Talhoffer, Hans. Translated by Mark Rector. Medieval Combat: A 15th Century Manual of Swordfighting and Close-Quarter Combat. Greenhill Books, 2000
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Difficult source to interpret. Rector gives translation of the text which accompanied each illustration, but no interpretation. Original Swabian text included in book.
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Zabinski, Grzegorz, Walczak, Bartlomiej. Codex Wallerstein: A Medieval Fighting Book from the 15th Century on the Longswords, Falshion, Dagger and Wrestling. Colorado: Paladin Press, 2002.
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Interesting read as original German is included along with translation, offering chance to learn some German. Presentation of technique follows "If...then..." scenarios. It is difficult to follow as illustrations do not seem to help with interpretation, but we have spent little time examining this one and may just have missed something.
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Forgeng, Dr. Jeffrey. Joachim Meyer’s Art of Combat California: Greenhill Books, 2006.
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Translation of one of the most complete German treatises from the 16th century. Meyer is quite detailed in his descriptions and the woodcuts are highly developed, making this one of the most useful pieces to be made available to the public at large.
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Secondary Source Material
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Anglo, Sydney. The Martial Arts of Renaissance Europe. London: Yale University Press, 2000.
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Perhaps the most comprehensive look at European martial history. Indepth chapters on masters and instructors, social factors influencing fighting techniques, and a variety of weapon techniques. A thorough study of this book will form a solid background for the serious student of European Martial Arts.
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Clements, John. Medieval Swordsmanship: Illustrated Methods and Techniques. Colorado: Paladin Press, 1998
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An excellent start for someone just beginning to study medieval swordsmanship. Discusses the basics of sword-and-shield and longsword. Illustrations by the author are helpful.
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Online Sources and Resources
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Purpleheart Armoury - practice weapons supplier. The Raymond J. Lord Collection -A collection of Historical Combat Manuscripts - full, original texts digitized in PDF format. Association for Renaissance and Medieval Swordsmanship -researchers and practitioners based at the Massachusetts Center for Renaissance Studies Shielhau.org -Mike Rasmussen's Manuscript Translations - some transcripts with translations Higgins Armory Sword Guild - Worcester, MA based researchers and practitioners. Ethnographic Edged Weapons Resource Site - everything you need to know about the sword. AEMMA - Academy of European Medieval Martial Arts - Toronto, based researchers and practitioners. ARMA - the Association for Renaissance Martial Arts - Houston based researchers and practitioners. Chicago Swordplay Guild - Chicago based researchers and practitioners.
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