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UCFC Book Reviews By the Sword: A History of Gladiators, Musketeers, Samurai, Swashbucklers, and Olympic Champions by Richard Cohen Review by N. Bell (03 05 30) ISBN O-375-50417-6, published 2002 Of all the various fencing history books I’ve read this must be my favorite. I think this is because Cohen’s book, while highly educational, puts the story back in history. It certainly isn’t a technical history; if you’re looking to learn ancient fighting systems, look elsewhere. That said, it includes enough information to give one a sense of the technique and combative philosophy of the times addressed. What really makes this book are the stories of the lives of the masters and great fencers. Tales of combative encounters, death and glory in the field, notorious cheats, and secret thrusts. Romantic notions are regularly tempered by the inevitable politics surrounding the sword, and graphic details of gruesome deaths (I will never fence without a plastron again!). It is an honest, blunt, but reverent, survey of our history. It is also the only fencing book I’ve encountered that includes history up to the present day. Most historians seem to stop at about WWII, or at best, include half a page to cover the remainder of the 20th century. The book is also loaded with memorable fencing quotations (at least eight of which we have stolen for our web site!) ranging in source from film to ancient philosophy. Cohen could be accused of taking a Franco-centric view of the sport. He essentially states that the Italian contribution to the development of fencing ended with the rapier, not to re-emerge until the 20th century. He is even more dismissive of the Spanish rapier school, arguing that its reliance on moral and religious philosophy, and base in advanced geometry, rendered it completely useless (I expect the Martinez Academy of Arms has declared Cohen persona non grata as a result). Cohen is also unapologetic in his attacks on those he believes have warped or abused the sport to suit there own ends; even those who personally assisted him in his research. Any other negative points aside, I thoroughly enjoyed the book, and have added it to our recommended reading list for beginners. By the Sword is intelligently written, and excruciatingly researched, with enough sudden dry wit to embarrass you should you read it in public. Webmaster's note: Chapters.ca retails this book for $44.95 Cdn. Back to Book Reviews Home  |  About Us   |  About Fencing   |  Links  |  Photo Gallery Image Bank  |  Reviews   |  Fencing Fun  |  Contact Us