The History and Art of Personal Combat (Dover Military History, Weapons, Armor) - Softcover

Wise, Arthur

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9780486492810: The History and Art of Personal Combat (Dover Military History, Weapons, Armor)

Synopsis

More men have gone to their deaths in personal combat with the sword than with all other weapons put together, according to the author of this comprehensive history of classical and historical swordsmanship. Arthur Wise examines the sword's many uses and varieties, including the broadsword, two-hander, and rapier as well as the dagger, bayonet, and halberd. Historic engravings, line art, photographs, and other illustrations complement nearly every page of this fascinating study.
Starting with the earliest extant accounts, this survey traces the development and theory of personal combat through the elaborate formality of the sword fight to the modern methods of commando raids and gang warfare, including the use of rifles and handguns. Despite the discussions of science and technique, this volume offers no coverage of sport fencing, focusing only on fights to the death. Readers interested in swordsmanship and weapons combat will find it a valuable source of information from dozens of historic manuals and period sources.

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Other Popular Editions of the Same Title

9780238789465: The history and art of personal combat

Featured Edition

ISBN 10:  0238789462 ISBN 13:  9780238789465
Publisher: Arma Press, 1971
Hardcover