Sword in Two Hands Book

The potent art of Fiore dei Liberi has fascinated medievalists and Western martial artists for nearly a decade. Encapsulated in three works known variously as the Fior di Battaglia and the Flos Duellatorum, Fiore's art includes grappling (abrazzare), fighting with and against a dagger (daga), using the sword in one and two hands (spada), spear (lanza), and poleaxe (azza), on foot and on horseback, in and out of armour. Brian R. Price has studied this art since 1999, and founding the Schola Saint George, has created a modern training regimen into Fiore's art based on use of the sword in two hands, also known as the "bastard" or "hand and a half" sword. Author of the prestigious Techniques of Medieval Armour Reproduction, Mr. Price has brought the same quality of work to this project, a study of Fiore's longsword material. This book, sumptuously illustrated with more than 700 color photographs and plates from Fiore's work, surveys what is known about Fiore's life and introduces the art of medieval swordsmanship with detailed chapters on the poste or guards, footwork, strikes and power generation, striking to cover, and defensive plays. Additional chapters offer tips on training and insight into how the Schola Saint George trains its students. Included are practical drills, games, and common errors designed to communicate the key principles that underly the art. Hardbound with a textbook-style binding for durability, this book is sure to become an important text for anyone interested in medieval swordsmanship. 314 pages.