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Arms & Armor The Swordsman's Companion: A Modern Training Manual for Medieval Longsword by Guy Windsor $21.95 / Chivalry Bookshelf / 2004 Coming to us from the frozen burg of Helsinki, Finland, is Guy Windsor's handbook for the modern swordsman. Keep in mind that this is not a translation of a period treatise, but rather a compilation of the author's 11 years of fencing experience, both from his student days in Edinburgh, Scotland and as a teacher of historical fencing in his school in Finland. Unfortunately, Windsor, a native Brit, is as intent on telling us his war stories as he is in imparting advice on methods of training with the medieval longsword. This book is Windsor's version of historical fencing, especially with the longsword (with technical help from such authorities as Bob Charron and Maestro Jeanette Acosta- Martinez). While Windsor's advice is usually pretty sound, readers must bear in mind that this book represents only Windsor's opinion, one that has been influenced by modern martial arts techniques such as Karate. For the would-be swordsman who has no choice but to practice alone or with inexperienced friends, this book will be useful. However, one should always remember that there are other teachers with other interpretations, many of whom have far more experience than Windsor and who disagree with his interpretations, or who prefer to teach with traditional techniques and pedagogy. Note well, also, that Windsor is always modifying and improving his teaching, and the second edition will no doubt contain many useful revisions. —Ken Mondschein

Click here to order:The Swordsman's Companion             To order Renaissance Magazine, click here. To order medieval tapestries and other period products, click here.