Hagedorn/Walczak: Gladiatoria

The so-called "Gladiatoria-Fechtbuch" (New Haven MS U860.F46 1450) has experienced an eventful history.

Vol. 4 in the series "Bibliothek der historischen Kampfkünste" (Library of Historical Martial Arts) offers the complete reproduktion in colour of the earliest Fechtbuch in the so-called Gladiatoria group, an exquisite copy of highest artistic and historical value. The book covers armoured fencing with swords, daggers, and spears, and is independent from the so-called Liechtenauer tradition.

Renowned editors and authors Dierk Hagedorn and Bartlomiej Walczak have re-arranged the tables in their original order, transcribed the commentaries with great scrutiny, and translated them into both German and English.

Additionally, the volume contains essays (each in both English and German as well) on the history of the Gladiatoria group of fighting books, on the Fechtbuch genre in general, and about the arms and armours shown on the historical colour tables. This well-designed volume is a "must have" for HEMA practitioners, students of medieval arms and armour, reenactors, and everyone intersted in the military history of the medieval and Renaissance period.

Hardcover, 392 pp., 107 full-colour illustrations. Bi-lingual edition (German/English). Bibliothek der historischen Kampfkünste Band 4.