Scottish Fencing: Five 18th Century Texts on the Use of the Small-sword, Broadsw

<p>The martial heritage of Scotland and its legendary swordsmen have captured the imagination of readers worldwide for centuries. Likewise, enthusiasts of swordsmanship have cherished classic Scottish fencing treatises by those such as William Hope and Donald McBane. However, up until now, a number of obscure Scottish treatises on the use of the sword have evaded the notice of authors, scholars and researchers. Presented here are five such texts, now published again for the first time in more than two centuries. They include: <br /> <br /> I. <em>Examination & Vindication of the Highlander's Manner of Attacking and Fighting the Enemy in a Day of Action.</em> -- Though not a fencing text, this is an unique early eighteenth century manuscript on battlefield techniques that has never before been published, and is now presented here with the permission of the Royal Library at Windsor Castle. Authored by an anonymous Highland veteran, it includes a spirited defense of the native manner of fighting, and provides new insight into the use of the targe during the period of the great Jacobite conflicts. <br /> <br /> II. <em>The Sword's-Man; Containing a Series of Observations on the Use of the Sword</em>. -- This treatise, authored in 1788 by Edinburgh fencing instructor John Ferdinand, contains instruction in the use of the most popular side-arms of the period: the broadsword, small-sword, and spadroon. <br /> <br /> III. <em>A Dictionary, Explaining the Terms, Guards, and Positions