Lance, Spear, Sword, and Messer: A German Medieval Martial Arts Miscellany

Christian Tobler's book "Lance, Spear, Sword and Messer" explores the fighting traditions of the late 14th and early 15th centuries, particularly as recorded by Johannes Liechtenauer. It was a time of plague, the Hundred Years War, and the Peasants Revolt, but also a time when the origins of the European Renaissance were formed. Tobler's book is a rich collection of his work, containing extensive material on topics such as the two-handed sword, spear, poleaxe, wrestling, and the use of long shields, combined with thought-provoking analysis and historical commentary. The martial career of Emperor Maximilian I, often called "the Last Knight," also serves as a capstone of the collection.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 350 pages
Publication date: 15 February 2022
Publisher: FreeLance Academy Press

Christian Tobler delves into the martial traditions of the late 14th and early 15th centuries, particularly as documented by Johannes Liechtenauer (1300-1389). This period marked a time of plague, the Hundred Years War, the Peasants Revolt, and the emergence of the European Renaissance. Amidst this turmoil, a mysterious figure named Johannes Liechtenauer compiled teachings on swordsmanship, wrestling, armored and mounted combat. These teachings were recorded in cryptic, rhyming verses, and it was left to masters of the 15th and 16th centuries to expand and clarify the grandmasters' instructions in a vast body of fencing manuals. However, as the world of the knight faded into history, these texts, many of which were extensively illustrated, were forgotten by all but German-language antiquarians and fencing historians until the last decade of the 20th century. It was then that they were rediscovered by a new audience of martial artists and historians.

No author has done more to bring this lost world of German knightly martial arts to a modern audience than Christian Tobler. Lance, Spear, Sword, and Messer is a comprehensive collection of Tobler's work, encompassing extensive material on various topics such as the two-handed sword, spear, poleaxe, wrestling, and the use of long shields. Additionally, the martial career of Emperor Maximilian I, often referred to as "the Last Knight," who was himself a devoted student of the tradition, serves as a fitting capstone to this collection. Maximilian's literary output, including a planned but unwritten fight book, further adds to the richness of this collection.

Johannes Liechtenauer, a renowned German historian and fencing master, lived during a turbulent period in European history. The late 14th and early 15th centuries were marked by plagues, wars, and social upheaval, including the Peasants Revolt. Liechtenauer's teachings on martial arts were compiled in a series of rhyming verses, which were later recorded and expanded by subsequent masters. These manuals became the foundation for the development of European fencing and martial arts.

However, Liechtenauer's teachings were not widely known until the late 20th century, when they were rediscovered by martial artists and historians. Christian Tobler, in particular, has done much to bring this lost world of German knightly martial arts to a modern audience. Tobler's work includes extensive research on the subject, as well as analysis and commentary on the manuals and the martial traditions they document.

Lance, Spear, Sword, and Messer is a comprehensive collection of Tobler's work on medieval German martial arts. The book includes extensive material on various weapons and combat techniques, as well as thought-provoking analysis and historical commentary. Tobler's work challenges preconceptions about medieval martial arts and provides a deeper understanding of the culture and society of the time.

One of the key aspects of Liechtenauer's teachings is the emphasis on practical combat skills. He believed that martial arts were not just about physical strength and technique, but also about mental and spiritual preparation. Liechtenauer's teachings included meditation, breathing exercises, and mental visualization, all of which were designed to help the practitioner develop a strong sense of self-discipline and focus.

Another important aspect of Liechtenauer's teachings is the importance of honor and chivalry. He believed that martial arts were not just a means of self-defense, but also a way to uphold the values of honor, loyalty, and respect. Liechtenauer's teachings emphasized the importance of treating opponents with dignity and respect, even in the heat of battle.

Liechtenauer's teachings also included a range of combat techniques, from swordsmanship to wrestling and mounted combat. He believed that a well-rounded martial artist should be proficient in all forms of combat, and his manuals provide detailed instructions on how to practice and improve these skills.

One of the most interesting aspects of Liechtenauer's teachings is the way he documented his teachings. He wrote his manuals in rhyming verse, which was a common practice in medieval literature. This cryptic style made it difficult for his teachings to be widely disseminated, but it also added to the mystique and intrigue of the martial arts.

Over the centuries, Liechtenauer's teachings were passed down through generations of martial artists. However, as the world of the knight receded into history, his teachings were forgotten by many. It was not until the late 20th century that they were rediscovered and studied by a new generation of martial artists and historians.

Christian Tobler's work on medieval German martial arts has played a significant role in bringing this lost world to a modern audience. Tobler's extensive research and analysis have provided a deeper understanding of the martial traditions of the time, and his work has challenged preconceptions and provided new insights into the culture and society of the medieval period.

In conclusion, Christian Tobler's work on medieval German martial arts is a valuable contribution to the field. Lance, Spear, Sword, and Messer is a comprehensive collection of Tobler's work, encompassing extensive material on various weapons and combat techniques, as well as thought-provoking analysis and historical commentary. Tobler's work challenges preconceptions about medieval martial arts and provides a deeper understanding of the culture and society of the time. Liechtenauer's teachings on practical combat skills, mental and spiritual preparation, honor and chivalry, and a range of combat techniques are still relevant today, and his cryptic style adds to the intrigue and mystique of the martial arts.

Weight: 654g
Dimension: 250 x 178 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781937439637