A wild new title has appeared ....
The Independent Master of Arms
In The Independent Master of Arms, published in 1653 in Brittany, Charles Besnard steps through a complete fencing system for later rapier and early smallsword. The system is laid out clearly, outlining not only the strikes, parries and counters of the day, but Besnard also presents a concise framework for understanding any fencing situation.
The text includes Besnard's long and completely unhinged diatribe against duelling with pistols, a practice invented by the Devil himself to destroy the moral strength of France.
This text merits greater recognition than it historically received. All practitioners of historical fencing with rapier and smallsword will find this book a useful addition to their library.
