I have read a lot of Japanese and Chinese "do it yourself" text and have generally been left disappointed at the inability of the prose and imagery to work in concert to provide the reader anything worthwhile whatsoever. This is not true with Mr. Hand's treatise. He is careful to call out that as a re-constructed, resurrected European Martial school some things are just best "figured out by doing". But in the meantime readers have placed themselves in the capable hands of the author. This text covers basic stances, foot work, simple drills involving two people. It covers grips, sword positions, and works through a number of other "advanced" topics.

The price at least for me seemed very high, but the book binding and the quality of the content puts this one first on my recommended list of reading for anyone interested in Backsword martial arts. Many treatises involving the works of Mr George Silver often provide the original without any translation to deepen the reader's understanding. Mr. Hand has careful translated with modern language what Mr. Silver expresses, indicates at which points he has made a very educated deduction, and even provides some insight in how he has interpreted one way, only to have experience dictate a different translation.

I am not able to find a school to teach this style in my area whose meetings work for me. But in the meantime, I pour over this text and apply my past experiences in other martial arts to decipher and learn. A great reference whether like me you are forced to learn it on your own, in a compatible martial school, or just like reading about sword fighting.

—Updated Oct 9, 2008 :: 2 of 2 members found this review helpful

Yet another great training guide!

—Updated Feb 15, 2008

Overall, this is a very good systematic look at Silver's fighting methods using the sword. Focusing on an interpretation of Silver's writings on the sword, it is copiously illustrated and the descriptions of guards, etc., are painstakingly accomplished. This is everything that one would expect from a book of this sort. No matter what your swordsmanship level, or style of sword that you might practice, I feel confident saying that you will pick up a few points from an examination of this book.

—Updated Jan 28, 2008