Treatise on the Art of Arms

M. La Boëssière'e "Treatise on the Art of Arms" bridges the gap between combative Smallsword and Classical Foil. It retains the very analytic principles-based approach of prior Smallsword methods and applies it to what has become in the Post-Napoleonic Era an increasingly recreational practice of swordsmanship. His method is contained in over fifty lessons complete with interactive exercises for the master and student. These are not in the archaic dialogue form. Instead they are scripted demonstrations the fine points of technique. Often the lessons contain detailed analysis of the rationale for the principles behind each action. Phillip Crawley's translation to which are added all the original plates restored by Victor Markland make this a welcome addition to any smallsworder's fencing library.