HOPE, William. A New, Short, and Easy Method of Fencing: Or, the Art

HOPE, William. A New, Short, and Easy Method of Fencing: Or, the Art of the Broad and Small-Sword Rectified and Compendiz’d. Edinburgh: James Watson, 1707. First edition, 4to (200 x 152mm.) Title, errata leaf, folding ‘Scheme of Laws (According to the Author’s Sentiment)’, and folding engraved ‘New Scheme of Fencing’, 17pp. ‘Table’ and 3pp. ‘Postscript’ to rear. (Browning, small marginal paper repairs to title and first leaf, ‘New Scheme of Fencing’ repaired and laid-down, and ‘Scheme of Laws’ with repair and small, marginal tears.) 18th century calf (upper cover detached, spine panel loosely inserted). Note: William Hope published several books on fencing. His work showed a gradual but definite move away from the standard French short-sword fencing (he felt that it didn’t provide enough defence against blows) towards the English back-sword method.

Estimate:£200

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