Alerted by the success of Medieval Combat, Greenhill began to search out new potential projects in the subject are of period fencing and swordplay. The search paid off when we came into contact with Jared Kirby. The result of discussions with him is the spectacular Italian Rapier Combat. This book is by Capo Ferro, Italy’s greatest exponent of Renaissance swordplay, and it is the classic study of the use of the rapier, that most deadly of edged weapons. First published in 1610 as the Gran Simlacrum, Italian Rapier Combat is a translation of the master’s text and also reproduces the original plates. These illustrations present to the student the practical applications of Capo Ferro’s theory. They reveal his skill and expound his craft – and they also make for a dramatic pictorial record of how Renaissance masters revealed their expertise. Greenhill’s Italian Rapier Combat allows a student of fencing to study, practice and learn from one of history’s finest swordsmen. The text has been translated into clear, modern language, which retains the original accuracy and character. The plates are superb examples of Renaissance engraving and are brilliantly presented in an attractive landscape format. In his preface to the book, Jared Kirby reveals a little of the man behind the art. Capo Ferro was born in Cagli in 1558 and moved to Siena. His treatise was first published in that city in 1610 to considerable acclaim. Indeed, much of Capo Ferro’s subsequent fame and importance stemmed from his masterpiece. Italian Rapier Combat contains thirty-nine plates illustrating guards, footwork, offensive actions and striking. The use of the rapier in combination with other weapons is also disclosed: the rapier and dagger, the rapier and shield, and the rapier and cloak. Back to Greenhill Military Book News No. 126 Table of Contents Back to Greenhill Military Book News List of Issues Back to Master Magazine List © Copyright 2003 by Greenhill Books This article appears in MagWeb (Magazine Web) on the Internet World Wide Web. Other articles from military history and related magazines are available at http://www.magweb.com