Book Review: I33 Fencing in the Style of the Walpurgis Manuscript 2nd edition By Andrew N. Kenner

Today, we will be reviewing Andrew N. Kenner’s book titled I33 Fencing in the Style of the Walpurgis Manuscript 2nd edition. This book covers their interpretation of the I.33 techniques and with the second edition being published in 2016 .
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I will primarily focus on the book’s value as an interpretation source for new fencers getting started with I.33. I will focus on three major areas: structure, presentation of techniques, and value. I will not comment on the interpretation itself. The validity of the interpretation is up to the reader to decide as they journey down their own research on I.33.

Structure

Kenner begins his book with a forward on the history of the manuscript and its system. He then goes on to discuss equipment for the system as well as foundational swordsmanship concepts like distance management. The I.33 technique starts by introducing the stance in I.33 and highlighting keeping the sword and buckler hands close while performing the binds in the system. The second chapter introduces the attacks and defenses of I.33 which captures the overall strategy of the manuscript. Next, the manuscript covers movement in the system followed by binding and some additional techniques. The later chapters of the book group the wrestling, grappling, and special techniques of I.33 into a single chapter. The book also includes a handful of exercises throughout to help the reader practice the techniques discussed in the section where the exercises are.
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The structure of the book does an excellent job slowly building up the techniques and organizing the techniques of I.33. The techniques are grouped logically to introduce a ward, then introduce the counters to it. The wards are also further decomposed into high wards and low wards which helps the reader build towards getting a complete picture of the techniques.

​Presentation of Techniques

​One of the best aspects of Kenner’s book is the bolding of key phrases such as “Vidilpoge” when they are discussed. This allows for techniques to quickly stand out while the reader flips through the pages and enables them to focus on the techniques from the source. The book also features a number of pictures to help the reader visualize what is being discussed. Furthermore, while the fencers in the pictures are wearing period clothing of I.33, they tuck their tunics similarly to what is shown in I.33. This allows the readers to get a better idea of what the fencer’s feet and leg posture are, which further enhances the ability for the reader to learn from the book.

Value

As of writing this blog, Kenner’s book is available for around $22. It is soft-covered and has durable pages that help when reading and practicing at the same time. This makes it one of the most affordable interpretation books available on I.33.

Who I Recommend it to

​This is an excellent book to start off with. I.33. The techniques discussed are straightforward, and the visuals provide further clarification to the reader. While the techniques are not in the order they are presented in I.33, the bolding of terminology and the images do a decent job of associating Kenner’s interpretation to the manuscript. When paired with a translation of I.33, this book can serve as an excellent guide when someone begins their journey into I.33.