Fencing or the Science of Arms

Salvator Fabris was one of the greatest fencing masters of all time. In 1606, while in service to Christianus Ⅳ, King of Denmark, he published a massive treatise on the rapier titled De lo Schermo, overo Scienza d’Arme (“On Defense, or the Science of Arms”) or Sienza e Pratica d’Arme (“Science and Practice of Arms”); this work included title pages and portraits engraved by Nicolaus Andrea of Flensburg, heraldry and illustrations by Christian’s court artist Jan van Halbeeck, and additional illustrations by Francesco Valesio. It was reprinted many times into the 18th century, including being translated to French, German, and Latin, and was the basis of the teachings of many other masters for the next two centuries.

This book contains a representation of A. F. Johnson’s English translation from the early 20th century, which has never been published before but is preserved in several typescripts, including one owned by the Howard de Walden Library and housed in the Wallace Collection. This copy was photographed by Guy Windsor, and the photos were carefully transcribed by Michael Chidester and then formatted to resemble the original as closely as modern technology allows. No attempt has been made to correct spelling, grammar, or formatting errors present in the original.

This is the illustrated edition, containing reproductions of Fabris’ artwork on the blank verso pages, as might have been intended for the original. There is also an unillustrated edition, exactly matching the typescript.