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This book is an examination of the use of the sword in the middle ages. The author, John Clements, states that the purpose of the book is an introduction and reference for learning about medieval swordsmanship and to dispel common misconceptions. The information in

this book is based on Clements' training and experimenting with the actual weapons and research from historical documents and manuals. Overall, he does what he claims. This book will not teach you to use a sword but it can get you started. I found that this book can be a source for ideas useful in roleplaying games either to clarify the capabilities of swords and shields or to add flavor to combat.

The book is divided into eleven chapters and several appendixes. Here's the breakdown:

Chapter 1:The Medieval Combat Environment

2: Medieval Fighting Manuals

3: Medieval Swords

4: The making of Medieval Swords

5: Swords Against Plate Armor

6: The Fate of the Medieval Sword

7: Forms of the Medieval Sword

8: Medieval Shields

9: Sword and Shields

10: The Long-Sword

11:Practice and Sparring

Chapters 9 and 10 illustrate and discuss basic stances and techniques. This is the meat of the book. These two chapters are heavily illustrated, clearly showing the moves and techniques. This is enough to get you started on learning to use a sword and gives a lot of considerations and advice. The eleven chapters do a lot to clear up many misconceptions about swords and shields but Clements doesn't stop there. There are Appendixes A through I.

Appendix A: On Obtaining a Real Sword

B: The Problem of Stage Combat

C: Methods of Weapon Sparring

D: Blunt Steel and Plate Armor

E: Medieval Fantasy and "Boffer" Sparring Methods

F: The Importance of the Full Leg Target in Weapon Sparring

G: Kneeling Down in Weapon Sparring Rules

H: Weapon Sparring in Martial Arts

I: Understanding Swords and Martial Arts in America

In these, Clements attacks and criticizes ideas made popular in movies and television about sword fighting. He also goes on to criticize methods and rules used by historical reenactors, live action roleplayers and martial artists. He states that he understands the context of these methods and rules but points out their lack of value for learning about how swords were relay used. Clements' aim is to increase awareness and interest in medieval swordsmanship as a living martial art and sees these groups as working against his aim through the spread of misinformation. Judging from the attitude of some of his statements, he doesn't look like he may be making very many friends though.

Style:

The book is well laid out and illustrated. Most of the illustrations are by the author and the others are taken from historical sources. Illustrations showing moves and stances are clear and understandable and serve their purpose. The book is uncluttered and neat.

Substance:

This book is packed with useful information! The main problem is that it only scratches the surface. The other problem is that the author tends to go off on rants and be a bit inflammatory. I also disagree on some of his ideas but I don't hold it against him.

Style: 3 (Average)
Substance: 4 (Meaty)

Medieval Swordsmaship: Illustrated Methods and Techniques
Author: John Clements Category: historical/martial arts Company/Publisher: Paladin Press Line: none Cost: $40.00 Page count: 324 ISBN: 1-58160-004-6 Capsule Review by Garry Gross on 10/10/99. Genre tags: Historical Live-action	This book is an examination of the use of the sword in the middle ages. The author, John Clements, states that the purpose of the book is an introduction and reference for learning about medieval swordsmanship and to dispel common misconceptions. The information in this book is based on Clements' training and experimenting with the actual weapons and research from historical documents and manuals. Overall, he does what he claims. This book will not teach you to use a sword but it can get you started. I found that this book can be a source for ideas useful in roleplaying games either to clarify the capabilities of swords and shields or to add flavor to combat. The book is divided into eleven chapters and several appendixes. Here's the breakdown: Chapter 1:The Medieval Combat Environment 2: Medieval Fighting Manuals 3: Medieval Swords 4: The making of Medieval Swords 5: Swords Against Plate Armor 6: The Fate of the Medieval Sword 7: Forms of the Medieval Sword 8: Medieval Shields 9: Sword and Shields 10: The Long-Sword 11:Practice and Sparring Chapters 9 and 10 illustrate and discuss basic stances and techniques. This is the meat of the book. These two chapters are heavily illustrated, clearly showing the moves and techniques. This is enough to get you started on learning to use a sword and gives a lot of considerations and advice. The eleven chapters do a lot to clear up many misconceptions about swords and shields but Clements doesn't stop there. There are Appendixes A through I. Appendix A: On Obtaining a Real Sword B: The Problem of Stage Combat C: Methods of Weapon Sparring D: Blunt Steel and Plate Armor E: Medieval Fantasy and "Boffer" Sparring Methods F: The Importance of the Full Leg Target in Weapon Sparring G: Kneeling Down in Weapon Sparring Rules H: Weapon Sparring in Martial Arts I: Understanding Swords and Martial Arts in America In these, Clements attacks and criticizes ideas made popular in movies and television about sword fighting. He also goes on to criticize methods and rules used by historical reenactors, live action roleplayers and martial artists. He states that he understands the context of these methods and rules but points out their lack of value for learning about how swords were relay used. Clements' aim is to increase awareness and interest in medieval swordsmanship as a living martial art and sees these groups as working against his aim through the spread of misinformation. Judging from the attitude of some of his statements, he doesn't look like he may be making very many friends though. Style: The book is well laid out and illustrated. Most of the illustrations are by the author and the others are taken from historical sources. Illustrations showing moves and stances are clear and understandable and serve their purpose. The book is uncluttered and neat. Substance: This book is packed with useful information! The main problem is that it only scratches the surface. The other problem is that the author tends to go off on rants and be a bit inflammatory. I also disagree on some of his ideas but I don't hold it against him. Style: 3 (Average) Substance: 4 (Meaty)

Medieval Swordsmaship: Illustrated Methods and Techniques