Fiction in which fencing plays a prominent role. There's not much fencing fiction, so even mediocre work is welcome on the list, so long as it is ranked appropriately.

Fiction only, please.

Please don't add novels—especially fantasy—in which swordplay is not the main focus of the story (e.g. R.A. Salvatore).
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156 books · 222 voters · list created July 2nd, 2008 by Michael (votes) .
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Comments Showing 1-21 of 21 (21 new)

dateUp arrow    newest »

message 1: by Xenophon (last edited Dec 06, 2010 10:36AM) (new)

Xenophon Hendrix Do you want this restricted to light swords or are books with any kind of sword training and swordplay OK?


message 2: by Michael (new)

Michael Yes, rapiers, modern fencing, etc. are great.

Conan is right out, as are most fantasy novels in which swordplay is part of the genre but not prominent part of the story.

Thanks for asking!


message 3: by Xenophon (new)

Xenophon Hendrix OK. I've removed three, but the rest of the Dave Duncan fantasies that I added have swordsmanship with light swords heavily featured in the story.


message 4: by Michael (new)

Michael Thanks!


Susanna - Censored by GoodReads We taking plays?


message 6: by [deleted user] (last edited Dec 17, 2010 11:10AM) (new)

Hamlet is dying to make an appearance! I see Cyrano is already present.


message 7: by Michael (new)

Michael Plays work, sure.


Themis-Athena (Lioness at Large) Enter stage right, the Prince of Denmark.

P.S. I take it the likes of Macbeth and Coriolanus are not eligible, though, being more about heavy swordplay?


message 9: by Michael (new)

Michael Ya, let's pass on the claymores, etc., please.


message 10: by Cyrus (new)

Cyrus INTERESTING


message 11: by Dana (new)

Dana Drosdick I just wanted to say that reading books like these is what interested me in starting fencing lessons! My first lesson is in September so I'm excited. Thanks for the recommendations :)


message 12: by Michael (new)

Michael Excellent, Dana! Hope you enjoy your lessons.


Themis-Athena (Lioness at Large) Where is there fencing -- especially: as a core focus of the book! -- in The Little Prince (currently No. 23)?!


message 15: by Michael (new)

Michael Missed that one in the purge last night. Thanks.


Themis-Athena (Lioness at Large) You're welcome ...


message 17: by Richard (new)

Richard A Sundial in a Grave: 1610 by Mary Gentle has a HUGE amount of fencing in it, good description of technique too (I've done a fair bit of Capo Fero) :)


Themis-Athena (Lioness at Large) Everybody can add books to GR lists, Richard; there's a tab up top next to "all votes."


message 19: by Michael (new)

Michael Dana wrote: "I just wanted to say that reading books like these is what interested me in starting fencing lessons! My first lesson is in September so I'm excited. Thanks for the recommendations :)"

Fantastic! Hope you've been enjoying your lessons.


message 20: by Joe (new)

Joe Lunievicz Open Wounds, by Joseph Lunievicz.


message 21: by Russell (new)

Russell John Great list!


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