Marozzo Book 1

Publishing in 1536, Achille Marozzo is one of the most important Italian fencing authors of the Renaissance, as well as a towering figure in what we call the “Bolognese style.” His book Opera Nova was reprinted in the course of the 16th century and at the beginning of the next, as evidence of the popularity of his instruction. Experienced Renaissance swordsmanship instructor and professional translator Tom Leoni has tackled this complex project to offer the modern historical European martial artist (and historian) Marozzo’s text in fluent, readable English. Because of the complexity of the work, it will be offered one book at a time (total of five books). This first volume deals with the “queen” of Bolognese weapon-combinations, the sword and small buckler. Other volumes—sword and other companion weapons, two-handed sword, polearms, and advice on dueling (plus dagger grapples) are forthcoming.