D.A.Kinsley's new edition, Swordsmen of the British Empire, with an introductory essay by Matt Easton of Schola Gladiatoria (me) - http://www.fioredeiliberi.org/swordsmen-of-the-british-empire/

The sources contained in this book range in date from c.1600-c.1900 and it is the most complete compendium of original sources describing actual hand-to-hand combat from this period. The matters discussed are often valid to ALL historical hand-to-hand combat and cover a wide range of nationalities, not only British.

The sources cover a massive geographical range, discussing weapons and close combat in Europe, India, China, Nepal, the Middle East, various parts of Africa and beyond. There are in depth period descriptions of both the weapons and the fighting styles of a variety of cultures which came into contact with or were part of the British Empire.

Please support this endeavour - this is the best compendium of English language historical hand-to-hand combat sources you will find anywhere in print. I wrote the introduction for it and am publicising it because I am very passionate about getting these sources and D.A.Kinsley's excellent work out there.

Matt

I just downloaded the e-book and I am reading it on my Nook. Your introductory essay is quite good, Matt. Quite good indeed! Those of us who focus on collecting rather than swordsmanship, or whose studies/interests focus on other periods/cultures will find a greater understanding of, and perhaps a new appreciation for more "modern" swordsmanship, swords, and the men who once wielded them in battle. I am looking forward to reading through the rest of the book!

Matt,
Thanks for the heads up ... Just purchased the hard copy version.
I look forward to it !
Best
Tim

Please note that the link has now changed at Lulu:
http://www.lulu.com/shop/search.ep?contributorId=1214845

Thanks,
Matt

Looks like excellent reading. Thanks for the heads up!