Jean Jamain de Beaupré’s Very easy method for instruction in the Art of the Sword

In 1721, Jean Jamain de Beaupré published his Very easy method for instruction in the Art of the Sword, a bilingual fencing treatise, in French and German. At this time, Beaupré was fencing master of the university in Ingolstadt, a position to which he had been appointed in 1716 by Maximilian II Emanuel, Prince-elector of Bavaria. In his Very easy method, Beaupré outlines a fencing system with the single sword, that is based on the four main thrusts and strongly emphasises the parry-riposte as “the best principle in the art”. He does so in a straightforward, concise manner, that is easy to follow. To support his descriptions, Beaupré includes 25 clear engravings by an unknown artist. In this book, you will find an English translation of Beaupré’s Very easy method, including all 25, digitally cleaned plates. In addition, you will find a discussion of Beaupré’s work, comparing it to other fencing treatises of its time, as well as a biography focused on Beaupré’s time in Ingolstadt.