The Duelist's Companion

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Dunn
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The Duelist's Companion

Post by Dunn »

The Duelist's Companion: A training manual for the 17th century Italian rapier; by Guy Windsor.

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On the back of the book it lists that
You can learn:
*How to choose your sword
*Basic footwork
*Solo training
*Basic attacks and defences
*Pair drills
*Rapier and dagger exercises
*Freeplay
This work is based off the Capo Ferro's Gran Simulacro. All in all Windsor's interpretation and implementation of the Capo Ferro's theories are pretty dead on and will give the reader what it promises. The book is very well illustrated with side and front view pictures as well as some illustrations from Ferro's work. While this gives the reader a good look at the stances for various defenses and attacks, the side and front views do not give a great look at the importance of proper foot placement. Some over head shots or diagrams would have been useful in elaborating on some of the foot positioning but it should be noted that the book is not hurt by the lack of them by any means.

One of the things that stands out is that Windsor offers an brief look at what he calls "preparation exercises". In this section he stresses the importance of being in shape enough to use a blade and offers up basic exercises to prepare a person for the work. These focus on basic leg and core work but are pretty spot on for what is needed for the average enthusiast, especially when most folks pick up a rapier and use nothing but wrist and forearm motions.

For your money it is a good addition to anyone interested in European martial arts. It makes a great Xmas gift. :happiness:

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Turdacious
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Re: The Duelist's Companion

Post by Turdacious »

Is that Pavel on the cover?
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Dunn
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Re: The Duelist's Companion

Post by Dunn »

LMAO. Yes.

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tough old man
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Re: The Duelist's Companion

Post by tough old man »

Follow that with this excelent work of fiction:
http://www.perez-reverte.com/FencingMas ... iption.asp
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vern
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Re: The Duelist's Companion

Post by vern »

tough old man wrote:Follow that with this excelent work of fiction:
http://www.perez-reverte.com/FencingMas ... iption.asp
And a Ridley Scott chaser...

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Shafpocalypse Now
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Re: The Duelist's Companion

Post by Shafpocalypse Now »

I just finished the Cavalier in the Yellow Doublet

His Captain Alatriste novels are a welcome diversion.


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Re: The Duelist's Companion

Post by The Ginger Beard Man »

I read Captain Alatriste earlier this year after Shaf recommended it here. Today I took Purity of Blood out of the library. Good stuff.
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Dunn
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Re: The Duelist's Companion

Post by Dunn »

These have been on my reading list for a while. When I get some money I will definitely be checking them out. Thanks for reminding me about these gems.

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Shafpocalypse Now
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Re: The Duelist's Companion

Post by Shafpocalypse Now »

Library, nyukkah, library.

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Turdacious
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Re: The Duelist's Companion

Post by Turdacious »

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Dueling + Classic IGx approved smartass FTW.
"Liberalism is arbitrarily selective in its choice of whose dignity to champion." Adrian Vermeule

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Re: The Duelist's Companion

Post by Dunn »

The wife and I were just talking about Cyrano yesterday. Great work that deserves a re-read.

Shaf, if only you saw the library here.

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Re: The Duelist's Companion

Post by Turdacious »

Dunn wrote:The wife and I were just talking about Cyrano yesterday. Great work that deserves a re-read.

Shaf, if only you saw the library here.
Jose Ferrer's Cyrano is brilliant FWIW. The other adaptations, not so much.
"Liberalism is arbitrarily selective in its choice of whose dignity to champion." Adrian Vermeule

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