Scotland has a long and proud tradition of swordsmanship, something that is abundantly documented in its medieval literature. This publication reproduces two classic manuals of swordsmansip, both written in the early 18th century. The Expert Sword-Man's Companion' written by Donald McBane and New Methods of Fencing' written by Sir William Hope in 1707, both contain advice on the theory of swordplay, as well as technical and ethical issues and the realities of fighting. In this book Rector adds the necessary background material and the California Players re-enact many of the techniques discussed.
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
The lessons in Highland Broadsword are designed to help you learn the fundamentals of broadsword fighting, with an emphasis on developing practical skills, not on exploring the esoteric details of broadsword fencing theory. In the first part of the book, Christopher Thompson—who is the author of Highland Knife Fighting and Highland Martial Culture , and runs the Cateran Society Broadsword Academy in Portland, Maine—instructs you in the essentials of Highland swordsmanship, including stances, grips, footwork, and blade actions. After you've mastered these skills, you can test what you've learned with the free fencing and bouting exercises found in part two before moving on to the disarm maneuvers and advanced fighting techniques in part three. Highland Broadsword can be used as a self-study guide by groups or by individuals with a training partner. While designed for the broadsword, the techniques in this manual also work with the backsword and singlestick. This is a must-read for anyone interested in the historical use of Highland weapons or in the Western martial arts in general.
Gripping historical romance in the Scottish Highlands from USA Today bestselling author Kathryn Le Veque Victory. Honor. Redemption. Magnus Stewart, aka "The Eagle" is the bastard son of a duke, and his royal blood has never been anything but a curse. Among the mystique and riches of the legendary fight club Ludus Caledonia, Magnus battles his way to the top. Lady Diantha de Mora in desperation seeks his help. When Magnus reluctantly comes to her aid, his fate is changed forever in one night. With enemies at every turn, it'll take muscle and a miracle for them to make it to the Highlands alive. There Magnus can reclaim his destiny, as Diantha reclaims his heart. Full of passion and heart, Highland Legend is perfect for readers of: Gabaldon's Outlander and Le Veque's USA Today bestselling de Wolfe series Strong-willed women and brave, brawny Highlanders High heat and fiery chemistry Thrilling adventure and action An expertly crafted world to get lost in "Kathryn Le Veque is a force of nature."—TANYA ANNE CROSBY, New York Times bestselling author
The revival of interest in historical Western martial arts has focused a great deal of attention on the weapons of Scotland, especially of the Highlanders. Yet, despite all this enthusiasm for the martial arts of the Highland, few of those practicing have experienced genuine Gaelic culture - and without a cultural context, no practice of martial arts can be considered complete. Highland Martial Culture examines the nature of the Gaelic warrior class and its martial training; the Gaelic duel and how it differed from the duel in continental Europe; the phenomenon of wandering swordsmen in Highland society; the Highland conception of honor; internal aspects of martial arts practice such as mental tricks, traditional charms and spells used in warfare; unusual skills such as the fast draw; and health practices associated with the warrior class. This is your chance to find out more about the rich cultural heritage associated with the practice of Highland weapons.
A sweeping Highland romance full of adventure, passion, and sexy Scots. When forced to choose between duty and honor, this Highland laird will find a way to have both. Laird Darach MacKenzie promised never again to let a woman near his heart after his betrothed betrayed him. It sparked an intense feud between his clan and the Frasers. With all-out war on the wind, Darach can't be distracted—not even by a sweet and charming lass who desperately needs his help. When Darach rescued Caitlin MacInnes from the clutches of vile Laird Fraser, she vowed to never let men or misery rule her life again. With Darach and the MacKenzie clan, Caitlin finally feels safe. But when Laird Fraser shows up to claim what's rightfully his, or go to war, Darach will have to use all his brawn and brains to protect Caitlin—even if it means losing his heart. What People Are Saying about Highland Promise: "Suffused with witty banter, adventure, and passion, Highland Promise is a thrilling debut novel Scottish romance readers will fall in love with!"—ELIZA KNIGHT, USA Today bestselling author of the MacDougall Legacy series "Alyson McLayne heats up the Highlands in Highland Promise."—AMANDA FORESTER, acclaimed author of My Highland Rebel "Heartwarming and tender beyond measure, Highland Promise will brighten your spirit."—MARY WINE, acclaimed author of Highland Hellion
Late Medieval and Early Modern Fight Books offers insights into the cultural and historical transmission and practices of martial arts, based on the corpus of the Fight Books (Fechtbücher) in 14th- to 17th-century Europe. The first part of the book deals with methodological and specific issues for the studies of this emerging interdisciplinary field of research. The second section offers an overview of the corpus based on geographical areas. The final part offers some relevant case studies. This is the first book proposing a comprehensive state of research and an overview of Historical European Martial Arts Studies. One of its major strengths lies in its association of interdisciplinary scholars with practitioners of martial arts. Contributors are Sydney Anglo, Matthias Johannes Bauer, Eric Burkart, Marco Cavina, Franck Cinato, John Clements, Timothy Dawson, Olivier Dupuis, Bert Gevaert, Dierk Hagedorn, Daniel Jaquet, Rachel E. Kellet, Jens Peter Kleinau, Ken Mondschein, Reinier van Noort, B. Ann Tlusty, Manuel Valle Ortiz, Karin Verelst, and Paul Wagner.
Knives and Swords is a highly visual gift book for anyone with an interest in the history of swords and other edged weapons. Split into five main chapters arranged by type, the book showcases more than 300 different weapons including swords, knives, daggers, bayonets, axes, and staff weapons in a catalog-style format. But the book offers far more than this. To help place the weapons in their historical context, the book includes special features on key warriors, from crusader knights to US Marines, and their signature weapons. Spotlight spreads provide an in-depth analysis of a selection of the most historically significant bladed weapons, such as the Renaissance stiletto or the Native American tomahawk. And in addition to chapters covering conventional weapons of war, there are also sections devoted to ceremonial weapons, from sacrificial knives to presentation daggers, and blades developed for specialist roles, such as hunting knives and firearm combination blades.
In this entertaining and informative look at the Highland dirk, author Christopher Thompson examines a number of Scottish historical and oral sources to document the role of the knife in Gaelic society. Although worn by all classes of society, the dirk was the primary weapon of the common clansmen, and since it was worn indoors as well as outdoors, it was the favored weapon for acts of revenge and self-defense. Highland Knife Fighting traces the historical roots of the dirk, which is believed to be descended from the medieval ballock dagger, and provides step-by-step instructions and photos in how the Highlanders used the knife. Lessons include holding, carrying and using the dirk with a sword and targe; choosing the proper guards; responding to sudden attacks from in and out of distance; using the dirk for the seven principal "bone-breakings"; and executing the throw from Highland wrestling. Also included are exercises and drills, including the advanced quickdraw drill, and combative techniques of the Scottish dirk dance positions.
