5MB7 Book Angelo - School of Fencing

Product detailed description

Domenico Angelo

School of Fencing

Épée fencing in the 18th century

The first edition of Angel's book saw the light of day in London in 1763, and the text was in French. Domenico Angelo (1717—1802) was one of the most celebrated fencing masters of the eighteenth century. His book is one of the most famous fencing methodologies of all time.

The success of the École des Armes was such that a second edition was printed by S. Hooper as early as 1765; this time the French text was supplemented in parallel with the English text. A third edition followed in 1767.

Domenico's son, Henry “the Elder”, in an attempt to bring his father's work closer to his pupils, persuaded a friend, the painter Thomas Rowlandson, to translate the original work into English and, under the title The School of Arms, published it in quart format in 1787. Our translation is based on this text, but with the original 47 beautifully coloured engravings.

Angelo's School of Fencing is clearly based on French practices, often also from specific texts (compilations were then as common as they are today), but of course also from his own practice. It is an intelligibly written manual with such perfectly illustrative engravings that they complement the text in an absolutely congenial way. In addition, it is a comprehensive summary of the methodology of “modern” épée (foil) fencing and can still serve today as a practical textbook on classical fencing, but also as a guide on how to stage Rococo fencing with a duel weapon. Last but not least, it is an exclusive publication, printed on chalk paper, which will delight anyone interested in fencing and beautiful books.

Published by Elka Press

Translated by Leonid Křížek

Number of pages: 160

Binding: Hardback

Format: 235 x 165 mm

RRP: CZK 499

ISBN: 978-80-87057-34-6