knowledge base : manuscripts sources

The following links provide the historical fencer and martial artist opportunities to order, download or access historical treatises on the art. In some cases, the manuscripts are available in photocopy format, while others may be available in digital format on CD-ROM. In some cases, the links may also have in possession original copies of the treatises for sale. AEMMA does not endorse the links, but only provide them for interest to individuals in obtaining their own copies of these very important treatises.


Jared Kirby Rare Books , of the Art of Combat Stage Combat has created a website named Jared Kirby Rare Books. This site offers books on Longsword, Sidesword, Sword, Sword and Shield, Dusack, Messer, Rapier, Rapier and off hand weapons, Smallsword, Spadroon, Military Saber, Broadsword, Singlestick, Foil, Epee, Sabre, Polearms, Quarterstaff, Dagger, Unarmed, Pugilism and Wrestling. There are also treatises on dueling, fencing theory and much more.
British Federation for Historical Swordplay - Treatises The BHFS has numerous treatises and manuscripts which are available in the form of photocopies by contacting and make your request via email. Treatises available includes The Tower Fechtbuch (I.33), Flos Duellatorum, Talhoffer's Fechtbuch, etc.
Historic Fencing Manuals - Patri Pugliese Historic Fencing Manuals, created and maintained by Patri Pugliese in 1999 was one of the original sources of historical fencing manuscripts on the Internet. Most of the popular manuscripts are available in photocopy format, from Camillo Agrippa. Trattato di Scientia d’Arme (Rome:1553) to Talhoffer. Fechtbuch (1467) and Monsieur L'Abbat. The Art of Fencing, or, the Use of the Small Sword (Dublin:1734) and many more. There is no email contact, but there is a postal address. It would be adviseable to mail a letter first to confirm Patri's mailing address and if he still has copies available.
The Royal Armouries of London, UK Royal Armouries of London has a list of manuscripts available in photocopy format, in which prices do not include postage. Not all the manuscripts have been copied, so there may be a delay with some requests. It is adviseable to contact the Royal Armouries to confirm that the service still exists and that they will be able to produce copies for a fee. The listing is comprehensive, categorized into English, German, Italian and American and British military manuscripts.

Copyright © 1999  All Rights Reserved  Academy of European Medieval Martial Arts (AEMMA)
Released: November 12, 1999 / Last modified: November 29, 2009