How to Fight and Defend with Arms of Every Kind, by Antonio Manciolino (Hardcover)

Antonio Manciolino’s "Opera Nova, dove li sono tutti…" (1531) is the oldest known published text of an Italian martial art, and is one of the core texts of the Renaissance style of fencing and combat now known as “Bolognese swordsmanship”. Manciolino begins with general advice on combat and then proceeds to provide extensive specific instruction in the use of the single-handed double-edged sword, either with a variety of companion devices (bucklers, shield, cape, dagger, etc.) or alone, as well as several types of pole arms. This wholly newly prepared translation includes the entirety of Manciolino’s text. In addition, the translator has provided an extensive introduction covering technical and theoretical elements, a glossary, a gallery of guards, and an historical vignette recounting an armed brawl in 16th century Bologna.