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His descriptions are true to form and complete in the manner of execution. This is a great book for the beginning and intermediate fencer. As with my own schooling in my professional career, he advocates old-fashioned, thorough training, starting with the basics and progressing only to the next level once the lower tasks have been mastered. I could not put it down, once started. Evangelista states categorically that this will lead only to the formation of bad habits and sloppy techniques.
Not only does he know the techniques and "little tricks" which may make an ordinary fencer an extraordinary fencer (he even has advice for a "Southpaw", like myself), he understands to enrich his text with background stories from fencing history, and anecdotes from his own career which make the book very readable and a rounded resource for anyone's fencing library. I even went so far as to have his book open, next to me as I executed some of his described moves against a pell. Evangelista is a self-confessed traditionalist of my own liking. I couldn't agree more. Nick Evangelista proves that he is a true master on the subject of fencing.
As it is always difficult to describe physical movements in words without losing the reader in the process, this, too is sometimes difficult to understand in Evangelista's book, and some passages need to be re-read over and over to make sense, and to allow the reader to form a mental picture of these intricate movements. In our world of instant gratification we are all too soon pressured to partake in "exciting" sparring bouts, which fencing schools need to encourage to keep their students interested (and paying).
I would recommend this book to any fencer with over a year of experience. After reading it twice, I often randomly pick it up and just read through a few topics to keep my mind fresh. Nick Evanglista's The Art and Science of Fencing is thoughtful, informed view on the world of fencing. His book inspired me to try the French grip which I have used ever since. While I believe that some of Evanglista's views are a little harsh, his core principles ring true and I have learned many things from reading his book.
This book provides an excellent overview of classical fencing techniques.The biggest flaw in this tome is the bias of the author to the "French" school of classical fencing.however, as this bias is clearly and repeatedly stated, there is no conflict. As a beginner fencer myself, I found this book essential to developing practical skills as well as an understanding of the finer points of the sport.
For fencing history, try "By the Sword" by Richard Cohen. Not a technical book at all, but rather a poorly organized essay on the author's personal philosophy. For technical instruction and better photos, try "Foil, Sabre, and Epee Fencing" by Garret, Kaidanov, and Pezza.
It was both informative and enjoyable to read. This book offered a detailed overview of a variety of fencing concepts. I definitely recommend this book for beginning fencers or those who might be interested in the pursuit.
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