VIGGIANI Angelo Lo Schermo.

Vigeant, 130.

First edition. 

Although already written in 1561, the manuscript remained unpublished until the author’s death and was only then published by his brother Battista in 1575. This important fencing manual comprises the so called ‘Dardi techniques’, developed in Bologna and named after their most famous teacher, Lippo Bartolomeo Dardi whose name was first mentioned in 1413.

“Early fencing books were filled with verbose philosophies and poorly defined actions. Favorite attacks were often tricks. But as time went on and more thoughtful individuals found their way into fencing, books began appearing that reflected creative and scientific approaches to swordplay. The best of these include Angelo Viggiani’s Lo Schermo” (Nick Evangelista, in: The Encyclopedia of the Sword).

 The plates depict the author, 2 plates listing the exact terminologies, and 7 fencing positions. 

Title reinserted.