Product Description

Often thought of as an activity just for actors or an elite few, fencing is actually an ideal sport for people of all ages. Fencing develops dexterity, endurance, flexibility, grace, and overall fitness, while also allowing participants the opportunity to hone the mind's problem-solving abilities. It is easily learned and practiced by both young and old, men and women, boys and girls. It has even been molded to fit the needs of the blind and individuals using wheelchairs. This is truly a sport for everyone. The Art and Science of Fencing covers everything from the history of the sport to the specifics of fencing technique, including the psychology of fencing, types of fencing weapons, biographies of great fencers, and information on selecting a fencing school and getting started in the sport. This book is a necessity for everyone who's ever seen an Errol Flynn movie and thought "Hey, that could be me!"

---

Product Details

Publisher	McGraw-Hill
ISBN	1570280754
Format	Paperback
Author	Nick Evangelista
EAN	9781570280757
Label	McGraw-Hill
Edition	1
Dewey Decimal Number	796.86
Studio	McGraw-Hill
Number Of Pages	296
Title	The Art and Science of Fencing
Publication Date	1999-01-11
Manufacturer	McGraw-Hill

---

Customer Reviews

Beyond Technique

Review by C. A. Kluftinger, 2008-10-29

Nick Evangelista proves that he is a true master on the subject of fencing. Not only does he know the techniques and "little tricks" which may make an ordinary fencer an extraordinary fencer (he even has advice for a "Southpaw", like myself), he understands to enrich his text with background stories from fencing history, and anecdotes from his own career which make the book very readable and a rounded resource for anyone's fencing library. I could not put it down, once started. As it is always difficult to describe physical movements in words without losing the reader in the process, this, too is sometimes difficult to understand in Evangelista's book, and some passages need to be re-read over and over to make sense, and to allow the reader to form a mental picture of these intricate movements. I even went so far as to have his book open, next to me as I executed some of his described moves against a pell. His descriptions are true to form and complete in the manner of execution. Evangelista is a self-confessed traditionalist of my own liking. As with my own schooling in my professional career, he advocates old-fashioned, thorough training, starting with the basics and progressing only to the next level once the lower tasks have been mastered. In our world of instant gratification we are all too soon pressured to partake in "exciting" sparring bouts, which fencing schools need to encourage to keep their students interested (and paying). Evangelista states categorically that this will lead only to the formation of bad habits and sloppy techniques. I couldn't agree more! This is a great book for the beginning and intermediate fencer.

---

A Thoughtful and Informative Guide to Fencing

Review by C. C. March, 2008-04-01

Nick Evanglista's The Art and Science of Fencing is thoughtful, informed view on the world of fencing. His book inspired me to try the French grip which I have used ever since. After reading it twice, I often randomly pick it up and just read through a few topics to keep my mind fresh. While I believe that some of Evanglista's views are a little harsh, his core principles ring true and I have learned many things from reading his book. I would recommend this book to any fencer with over a year of experience.

---

A good overview of classical fencing teqniques

Review by A. Stark, 2008-02-10

This book provides an excellent overview of classical fencing techniques.
The biggest flaw in this tome is the bias of the author to the "French" school of classical fencing...however, as this bias is clearly and repeatedly stated, there is no conflict.
As a beginner fencer myself, I found this book essential to developing practical skills as well as an understanding of the finer points of the sport.

---

Dull, not for advanced students

Review by Dixie, 2007-01-25

Not a technical book at all, but rather a poorly organized essay on the author's personal philosophy. For fencing history, try "By the Sword" by Richard Cohen. For technical instruction and better photos, try "Foil, Sabre, and Epee Fencing" by Garret, Kaidanov, and Pezza.

---

Best intro. fencing book I've read

Review by Daniel Platt, 2006-08-04

This book offered a detailed overview of a variety of fencing concepts. It was both informative and enjoyable to read. I definitely recommend this book for beginning fencers or those who might be interested in the pursuit.

---