Non-fiction
Foil, by Charles Selberg. Revised edition published 1993 by
Spotted Dog Press. $23.95. Available from American Fencers
Supply. Available locally from Salem
Classical Fencing.
A superb treatise on modern foil fencing. Maestro Selberg (who is now retired
near Ashland) is one of the best minds in fencing today and is one of only a
handful of Americans ever to have won a gold medal in an international
championship (the 1970 World Masters Team Foil Championship). Note that
Maestros Ciaramitaro (Willamette University, Salem, Oregon) and Carnighan
(Studio of American Fencing, Portland, Oregon) both studied under Selberg.
On Fencing, by Aldo Nadi.
Originally published 1943. Reprint published 1994 by Laureate Press. ISBN
1-884528-04-X. $19.95. Available locally from Jackson’s
Books.
Aldo Nadi was one of the greatest competitive fencers of all time. This classic
text on foil fencing was recently republished. Perhaps the best part of this
work is Nadi's account of an actual duel he fought. A "must read" for
fencers -- especially those using an Italian grip.
The Art and Science of Fencing, by Nick Evangelista. Published
1999 by McGraw-Hill. ISBN 1570280754. $16.95 (paperback). Available locally from Jackson’s
Books.
Evangelista presents a series of short essays on the techniques of fencing. I strongly recommend it to
all fencers, especially intermediates.
Evangelista heavily emphasizes the classical roots of fencing and the
"whys" of fencing, including the history behind today's game. He lays
out specialized topics (such as lefties) as well as general ones in a clear,
logical manner.
The Inner Game of Fencing: Excellence in
Form, Technique, Strategy, and Spirit, by Nick Evangelista. Published 2000
by McGraw-Hill. ISBN 1570282307. $16.95 (paperback). Available locally from Jackson’s
Books.
Evangelista presents a series of short essays, mostly only a page or so long, on
various topics. This is not a book of fencing technique as it is a book of
fencing thought. I strongly recommend it to intermediate and advanced fencers.
Evangelista heavily emphasizes the classical roots of fencing and the
"whys" of fencing.
|
