Lessons of the English Longsword

Written before 1500, Additional Manuscript 39564, Cottonian Titus A XXV, and Harleian MS 3542 on the art and lore of the longsword together represent the entire known surviving martial arts texts of medieval England. Here they are transcribed, translated, and boldly interpreted for the modern student of the medieval combat arts. Authors Heslop and Bradak combine dedicated scholarship with years of rigorous physical training to provide the most complete look yet at the little-known English tradition of the noble longsword. Included are insights into training methods in medieval England; a useful lexicon of terms; a convincing case for a pan-European art of the longsword, linking the techniques and training of the English tradition with the better-known German and Italian traditions; set training forms and the facing of multiple opponents and a separate chapter on the cryptic poem Man Yt Wol, unlocking the mysteries of the"Leichtenauer's verses" of medieval England. This is the deadly art of knights born and made, battle-hardened squires and hired champions fighting to the death in trials by combat, masters of defence, men-at-arms, and mercenaries, robber barons, outlaws, murderous brigands and the private yeoman defending his lifeblood, family, and property. Learn their secrets of steel in Lessons on the English Longsword. About the Authors A life-long martial artist, Ben Bradak has been focusing on the martial arts of medieval/ Renaissance Europe for about 10 years. Brandon Heslop has been dabbling in the martial arts for the last couple of decades but has solely focused on the Renaissance martial arts since he discovered them eight years ago.