Secrets of German Medieval Swordsmanship

by Johannes Liechtenauer

Medieval Fighting with the German MastersChristian Henry Tobler presents a beautifully interpreted study of fighting techniques recorded in the mnemonic verse of the legendary German swordmaster, Johannes Liechtenauer. Johannes Liechtenauer was a 14th century German fencing master born in the mid 1300s. Some of Liechtenauer's teachings were preserved in rhyming couplets, possibly done so to prevent the uninitiated from learning the techniques he presented. Christian presents his interpretation in a style that is readable, translating the original and then providing a practical interpretation of each technique. At once bold and martially efficient, these classic techniques of swordsmanship have proven their enduring allure. In this second reissue of a classic work, Chivalry Bookshelf offers students of martial arts, of martial culture during the middle ages, fencing historians, reenactors and students of medieval history.

Genres: History, War, Martial Arts, Nonfiction

400 pages, Hardcover

First published March 15, 2002

Reviews

[Jon Nakapalau · Rating 5 out of 5]

The reality of swordsmanship and what we see in movies has never been so well researched and presented. Christian Henry Tobler is to be commended for rescuing this book from obscurity and presenting it to the general reading public. Profusely illustrated with expert commentary on all aspects of training and tactics.

[Jenn · Rating 4 out of 5]

An excellent work on German medieval swordsmanship. My only regret is that there wasn't more time before publishing to adequately prepare and shoot the mounted section. Also, I'm more of a proponent of the Italian school. Sorry Christian. ;)

[Andrew Volpe]

I feel honored to know Mr. Tobler personally, having done workshops with him on this book at Higgins Armory Museum in 2002.

[Ben · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was the first HWMA book I found after reading John Clements' Medieval Swordsmanship, and is still, in my opinion, the benchmark by which other HWMA books should be judged in terms of presentation and format. I have had occasion to learn from Mr. Tobler in person a few times, and have as much respect for him as a person as I do as a researcher in this field.
As an introduction to the Liechtenauer school of martial arts, a better book would be Mr. Tobler's later "Fighting with the German Longsword." However, this is better as an interpretive text for the original manuscript.