Sigmund Ringeck's Knightly Art of the Longsword

Rating:
Summary: An amibitious project
Review: I started to study historical fencing manuals for three years ago and I'm very happy to see that more and more of these manuals are translated, transscripted and published. David Lindholm is the head of the historical fencing community in Malmö and his school of fencing is simple as well as brilliant. He teaches us that what works well according to the physics of Newton and the way our bodies work has to be the best way to perform the cuts, thrusts and all the various techniques. These teachings is now available in print. I do sincerly recommend this book to all who got a serious interest in the old, european way to fight, I think this is one of the best books written today on the topic.

Lindholm is very methodic in his writings, he first presents the original text in old-german, then the english translation and finally his own comments as well as drawings and instructions on footwork. This is the great strength of this work, with the original text as well as the translation side by side everyone is able to participate in the study of Ringeck's text and may find better translations or interpretations.

This book does not only contain the teaching of the longsword of Ringeck, Lindholm joins forces with the highly skilled swordsmith Peter Johnson (See Albion Armouries for more informations about Peter's work) to write a couple of articles about the swords used, about how to take good care of your blade as well as how to perform good test-cutting.

In all, this is a great tool for anyone that practise historical fencing.

Rating:
Summary: Excellent translation
Review: This work is absolutly essential for anyone interested in the medieval art of swordsmanship. The text includes in depth analysis that along with the illustrations make it easily accessible for anyone. An added bonus is that the authors have included the original german text,lacking in Toblers book Secrets of medieval german swordsmanship, which gives me the option to evaluate the interpretations. Both Ringecks comments and Lichtenauers verses are included in german and translated to english in a parralell text. The book is a perfect handbook for anyone interested in starting practice with the longsword,or for the advanced student who wants to go deeper into the meaning and sayings of the old masters. I highly recomend it.