The rapier has been immortalized over the centuries and no more-so than today on stage and in film. Princess Bride, the Three Musketeers, and other films have brought this sword to life. Today, stage combatants, fencers, and re-enactors study the world of the rapier. William E. Wilson the founder of the Tattershall School of Defence brings the history and use of the rapier to life in this manual. He dispels many misconceptions about the weapon, discusses its history, and also its purpose and use. The theory and practice of many of the historical masters such as Capoferro, Fabris, Marozzo and...

Prior to the era of the musketeers. Even prior to the time of Shakespeare. The sword was the side piece and status symbol of the gentleman, throughout Europe. During the 15th and 16th centuries, a famous school of fence was established in Bologna, Italy.The father of this tradition was a Professor of mathematics at the University and was given license to establish a school of fencing. This school lasted for two centuries, culminating in the work of Giovanni dall'Agocchie who influenced the later master Ridolfo Capoferro. In Victorian times, this style of combat was resurrected by Sir Alfred...