It might have been the famous fencing master Georgio Santelli who said: "Fencing is something you DO, not WRITE about!" Trying to encapsulate something as dynamic as fencing with the written word doesn't begin to capture the intricacies of a fast and intellectual sport. Never the less, there are a number of books I have read that have helped me in the process of learning to fence, compete, and teach. I thought it appropriate to share some of them here. Clicking on a link will bring you to an individual book review. There is a return link to the review page (this one) at the bottom, as well as a return link to the main menu.
"The Inner Game of Tennis" by W. Timothy Gallwey Gallwey's postulate in The Inner Game of Tennis is very simple: when trying to perform at our highest levels, our own mind is the biggest drag on our performance. We carry on an inner dialogue between our ego-driven mind and our intuitive mind about behavior and results on the court...
"Make the Cut" by John Chow There are few books written about saber, and even fewer saber books with this readable and friendly approach. Make the Cut may not necessarily teach you about saber (though there is more than a smattering of technical discussion about saber inside), however, it is probably the most interesting and engaging books about the weapon that I've ever read.
Épeé by Imre Vass Vass's thick and dense tome on épeé fencing sits on every coach's bookshelf, but I'd be surprised it any of those coaches have read it all the way through.
The Fantastic Four Method of Fencing Épeé by Clément Schrepfer Is this the book to be at the bedside of every epee fencer? I have questions.
More reviews to follow...
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