Medieval Combat in Colour: A Fifteenth-Century Manual of Swordfighting and Close-Quarter Combat

Hans Talhoffer's 1467 fencing manual illustrates medieval combat techniques, including footwork, avoidance, grappling, wrestling, kicking, and throwing, with 268 contemporary images. It is a popular and influential guide to medieval combat.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 320 pages
Publication date: 01 July 2018
Publisher: Greenhill Books

The professional fencing manual by Hans Talhoffer, dating back to 1467, offers a comprehensive exploration into the intricacies of medieval combat. It delves into both the judicial duel, an officially sanctioned fight to resolve legal disputes, and personal combat. During the Middle Ages, combatants employed a range of strategies to maximize the sword's cutting and thrusting capabilities. Footwork, avoidance, and the ability to judge and manipulate timing and distance were crucial elements in their arsenal. These skills were complemented by techniques for grappling, wrestling, kicking, and throwing opponents, as well as disarming them by seizing their weapon. Every attack was met with a defense, and every defense was followed by a counter-attack. Talhoffer's manual reveals a wide array of combat techniques, including wrestling, unarmoured fighting with various weapons such as the long sword, pole-axe, dagger, sword, and buckler, and mounted combat. Illustrated with 268 contemporary images, the manual provides a vivid glimpse into the skilled, sophisticated, and ruthless nature of medieval warfare. It stands as one of the most popular and influential manuals of its kind, offering valuable insights into the art of medieval combat.

Weight: 788g
Dimension: 230 x 157 x 19 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781784382858