Siebenhaar's instructions in the art of fencing

In the mid-19th century, not long after the Belgian war of independence, an experiment was taking place in fencing in the Netherlands. The main proponent of this experiment was Christiaan Siebenhaar (1824-1885), fencing master in the Dutch army. In his own words, the purpose of this experiment was to "introduce the Dutch language in the art of fencing" so that "soon nobody is found in the Netherlands anymore who teaches this art in a foreign language". However, the real purpose of this experiment appears to have been more ambitious than that: to create a Dutch School of Fencing - to be known as de Hollandsche Methode. This book presents English translations of Siebenhaar's two works about fencing and its instruction. The first is his main treatise, Manual for the instruction in the art of fencing. This is followed by his Leads and directions for the instructor in the art of fencing. Combined, they present an interesting view into the development of fencing in the Netherlands in the 19th century.