The Complete Renaissance Swordsman: Antonio Manciolino’s Opera Nova

by Tom Leoni

Dating from the 1520's, Bolognese swordsmaster's Antonio Manciolino's Opera Nova is the earliest surviving printed book on Italian martial arts. This seminal and eclectic Renaissance work contains clear and systematic instruction on the use of the sword and small buckler, sword and large buckler, sword and targa, sword and dagger, sword and cape, two swords, sword alone, and sword and rotella, plus a fascinating compendium on the use of polearms. Clearly and elegantly written, Manciolino's text is one of the best and clearest presentations of the martial skills required of the ideal Renaissance man. For the first time since its original publishing, this book has been translated into English by experienced historical fencing instructor Tom Leoni. Also included is a valuable and extensive technical introduction, complete with illustrations from both original sources and modern photographs, making it easy to follow Manciolino's instructions, sword-in-hand, even by beginners, while providing years of training for veteran martial artists.

Genres: Martial Arts, Nonfiction

146 pages, Paperback

First published July 1, 2010

Reviews

[Brett A Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wealth of information, but self-aware to inform the reader that the book is best used in conjunction with a teacher. My goal is to start practicing with YouTube videos, since I don't have a HEMA club around

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

Manciolino's text is straightforward and makes me want to pick up my sword and buckler to work through the plays, and Leoni's translation is fantastic, but my favorite part here are the wealth of contextual essays, including the importance of swordsmanship for a renaissance courtier, and the division of fencing at school (spada da gioco) and for real (spada da Filo)