Broadsword and Singlestick: With Chapters on Quarter-staff, Bayonet, Cudgel, Shillalah, Walking-stick, Umbrella, and Other Weapons of Self-defense

by R.G. Allanson-Winn

Published in England in 1890, this fascinating book may be one of the earliest ever to discuss the use of everyday items as weapons of self-defense for, in the words of the authors, athose atight placesa where men care nothing for rules, but only want to make the most out of that weapon which the chance of the moment has put into their hands.a It contains many useful insights into effective training in armed combat and how such training relates to real-world self-defense. A must-read for anyone interested in the arts of stick work, swordplay or the no-holds-barred use of any convenient weapon, awhether he has in his hand a single stick, a cutlass, or the leg of an old chair.a

Genres: Nonfiction, Martial Arts, History

122 pages, Paperback

First published July 1, 2006

Reviews

[Charles van Buren · Rating 4 out of 5]

 A general but useful booklet

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This review is from: Broad-Sword and Single-Stick With Chapters on Quarter-Staff, Bayonet, Cudgel, Shillalah, Walking-Stick, Umbrella and Other Weapons of Self-Defence (Kindle Edition)

First of all, by broad-sword, the authors are not referring to the medieval weapon but to most varieties of cut and thrust swords with blades curved to some degree. However at the time of publication in 1911, some countries were already turning to straight bladed cavalry sabers. Apparently these are included in the authors' definition of broad-sword. The instructions in the use of the various weapons are very general and poorly illustrated. However the little book provides an excellent overview of the weapons and styles of fighting covered. To my mind the most valuable portions of the book concern the philosophy of self defense and the proper awareness of the world around you.

So far as the weapons are concerned, the different sticks, including the umbrella, are of the most use in the modern world. I have always been an advocate of carrying a good stick appropriate to circumstances. When traveling to places with very restrictive laws concerning firearms even if carrying a badge from another state, my wife and I have always carried walking sticks. On more than one occasion we have deterred trouble by merely presenting the sticks as weapons. Because of these experiences, I frequently carry a walking stick in addition to a legal firearm. I would far rather deter trouble than shoot. Carrying a stick and pepper spray gives you a non-lethal alternative to using your firearm when feasible and can save you from unpleasant legal problems. This review is from the free Kindle e-book released February 16, 2010.

[Charles van Buren · Rating 4 out of 5]

 A general but useful booklet

Verified Purchase(What's this?)

This review is from: Broad-Sword and Single-Stick With Chapters on Quarter-Staff, Bayonet, Cudgel, Shillalah, Walking-Stick, Umbrella and Other Weapons of Self-Defence (Kindle Edition)

First of all, by broad-sword, the authors are not referring to the medieval weapon but to most varieties of cut and thrust swords with blades curved to some degree. However at the time of publication in 1911, some countries were already turning to straight bladed cavalry sabers & apparently these are included in the authors' definition of broad-sword. The instructions in the use of the various weapons are very general and poorly illustrated. However the little book provides an excellent overview of the weapons and styles of fighting covered. To my mind the most valuable portions of the book concern the philosophy of self defense and the proper awareness of the world around you.

So far as the weapons are concerned, the different sticks, including the umbrella, are of the most use in the modern world. I have always been an advocate of carrying a good stick appropriate to circumstances. When traveling to places with very restrictive laws concerning firearms even if carrying a badge from another state, my wife and I have always carried walking sticks. On more than one occasion we have deterred trouble by merely presenting the sticks as weapons. Because of these experiences, I frequently carry a walking stick in addition to a legal firearm. I would far rather deter trouble than shoot. Carrying a stick and pepper spray gives you a non-lethal alternative to using your firearm when feasible and can save you from unpleasant legal problems. This review is from the free Kindle e-book released February 16, 2010.

[Malquiviades · Rating 4 out of 5]

Concise, to the point and, most of all, amusing.

This short review on how to use in the most effective way some of the classical (and unusual) hand-to-hand weapons is easy to read and you will really enjoy it most if familiar with fencing. However, it is not now a mere school book of fencing but a really precise, truthful and colorful description of how a British gentleman should behave. Then, keeping in mind that this is not fiction, but real gentleman giving advice and telling their experiences, you have in your hands a historical support of those British characters you read of in fiction.

A sample: "The umbrella. As a weapon of modern warfare this implement has not been given a fair place". Does not this wish you to read this book?

[Psychophant · Rating 4 out of 5]

This short sweet book, written in 1890, is a delightful read, both in its subject which is a little review of basic advice on how to handle several "weapons of self-defense", but also, and what amused me more, even if the basic advice on weapon handling is sensible and based on actual experience, the views and background of a certain class of British gentry, the kind that populates many books I love, from Sherlock Holmes to Allan Quatermain, from Verne to Conrad. A good insight on the people that consider a friendly bout of stick fighting "a jolly good exercise" and the fact that you may have to receive a cavalry charge with your bayonet, "the Empire's due".

It also made me get out a sword and refresh guards and attacks, and compare it with the advice and what I learnt in fencing.

[Steve Scott · Rating 4 out of 5]

Given it's few illustrations you'd think this short piece would be a poor instruction manual. It isn't. The author's command of English is superb, and he instructs with his prose quite well through detailed description.

The work is more than a hundred years old, but still has relevance.

I enjoyed it, and recommend it to martial artists who are also history nerds.

It's free digitally through Project Gutenberg and elsewhere.

[Michael · Rating 4 out of 5]

Creating a game based on the ideas in this book. It's a treasure trove.