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 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.
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.
One of the most important teachers of historical swordsmanship, Stephen Hand has delivered what may well be his Magnum Opus, a detailed study in text and photographs of his best form, the swordsmanship of the 16th century English swordmaster, George Silver. In nearly 800 photographs, Mr. Hand explores the depth of Silver's technique, presenting for the student a clear and concise path to fighting with the single-handed sword. These techniques are from the same period as William Shakespeare, and it is even supposed that Silver had something to do with the staging of swordsmanship in Shakespeare's plays. So these techniques should have special interest to those involved in swordplay on the stage. Students of fencing history, members of the SCA, LARPS, or students of Renaissance history will also find this first-ever exploration of Silver's amazingly effective techniques surpremely valuable.
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
This book contains five Scottish texts from the eighteenth century, which have not been published in centuries, treating of the martial use of the broadsword, small-sword, spadroon, targe, and battlefield tactics.
This book tells the story of eighteenth century Ireland's most renowned duelists, gladiators, swordsmen, and fencing masters. It also contains a rare fencing treatise, now published again for the first time in more than 230 years, that is the only known original Irish treatment of swordsmanship published in Ireland during the eighteenth century.
RITA Finalist for Historical Romance Scotland’s King Robert the Bruce is retaking his kingdom from the invading English. To win, he’ll need all the grit and courage of his elite band of warriors, the Highland Guard, men who fight without fear and love without limits. Fiery, aggressive, and bold, Kenneth Sutherland is a true champion—skilled with any weapon and driven to win. Now Kenneth is ready for his greatest challenge: joining Robert the Bruce’s secret army to fight among the elite. Kenneth’s best chance to attain that honor is by winning the Highland Games. Focused and prepared for victory, he is caught off guard by a lovely wisp of a woman—and a stolen moment of wicked seduction. Her innocent arousal and her shameless hunger fire his blood. He will win his place in the guard—and in Mary of Mar’s bed. The ruggedly handsome hero-in-the-making stirs a heart that should know better. Mary vows that her surrender will be sport only—no promises, no heartbreak, just one night of incredible passion. Nothing, she swears, will persuade her to give up her hard-wrought independence and put her fate in the hands of another powerful man. But with every gentle touch and heart-pounding kiss, Kenneth makes her want more. Now Mary wants his heart. But is this determined champion willing to surrender everything for love?
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.
