Book Review: Sword Fighting 2: An Introduction to the Single-Handed Sword and Buckler by Herbert Schmidt

Today we will be reviewing book titled Sword Fighting 2: An Introduction to the Single-Handed Sword and Buckler by Herbert Schmidt. This book covers Schmidt’s interpretation of a number of sword and buckler systems including I.33. The book was originally published in 2015.
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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

Schmidt begins his book with an introduction to the history of sword and buckler and general characteristics of the weapons. He also takes this time to introduce the main sword and buckler sources he will focus on, namely Andre Lignitzer, I.33, Talhoffer, and Paulus Kal. Next, the book covers general principles such as how to hold the sword and the bucker, the poster the fencer should use, binding actions, distance management, and footwork. The fifth chapter of the book includes the terminology and definitions for actions included in I.33. The following chapter includes the attacks and binding actions I.33 uses to strike the opponent safely. Next, each play in I.33 is shown and grouped by the ward they utilize. 
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The later chapters of the book use a similar structure for teaching Talhoffer, Paulus Kal, and Lignitzer. The chapters start with terminology then expand into the plays for those systems.

​Presentation of Techniques

The book includes images, text, and blocks of notes to add emphasis for specific details to the reader. The pictures are in black and white (which is common for interpretation books), and the fencers are wearing gambesons that do not mask the body mechanics they are using. The pictures were also clearly taken in a photo room, allowing all of the image detail to be on the fencers without a distracting background.
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The book's layout is excellent for introducing the techniques and sources Schmidt is interpreting. At all times, it is clear to the reader what source they are learning about and how it relates to the original sources. As a bonus, Schmidt includes an appendix that summarizes the wards and what they are countered by to help the reader quickly remember specific techniques.

Value

At the time of writing this blog, Sword Fighting 2: An Introduction to the Single-Handed Sword and Buckler can be purchased for around $40. While pricier than other interpretation books currently on the market, Schmidt’s book is also hardcover with durable pages which makes the book itself also aesthetically pleasing.

​Who I Recommend It To

​This is one of the most helpful books I have found on sword and buckler combat and it was foundational to me starting my journey into I.33. While the book is not explicitly a I.33 interpretation book, the book does an excellent job clearly explaining techniques. This is an easy book to recommend, not just to I.33 fencers, but to fencers interested in learning about the wider world of medieval sword and buckler systems