Northern Ohio
On Target Fencing Team
Library
Fencing Books for loan to ON TARGET Team Members
- The Art of the Foil, by Luigi Barbasetti, 1932, 276 pages, hardcover. A dated but still useful text on foil fencing. It is very technical, readable by an experienced foilist. The last chapter “A Short History of Fencing” is must reading for all serious fencers.
- Zorro by Isabel Allende, 2005, 390 pages, hard cover. A fun, easy to read novel that explains Zorro’s origins, in Alta California. Zorro’s parents, upbringing and his relationship with Bernardo is revealed.
- Basic Foil Fencing by Charles Simonian, 2002, 114 pages, soft cover A good, easy to read, basic fencing foil book. This book features questions at the end of each chapter for self study.
- Sword of a Champion, The Story of Sharon Monplaisir. A child’s fencing book meant for young girls. This book features the career of a highly rated women’s foilist from the 1970’s. The struggles she overcame and her motivation to succeed are highlighted.
- Magnum Libre D'Escrime Big Book of Fencing by Rudy Volkman, 1997, 271 pages, soft cover. Well written and easy to understand.
- Methods and Practice of Elizabethan Swordplay by Craig Turner and Tony Soper, 1990, 139 pages, Hardcover. A historical account of fencing, very scholarly.
- Renaissance Swordsmanship The Illustrated Use of Rapiers and Cut and Thrust Swords, John Clements, 1997, 143 pages, Softcover. Good reference books on rapiers. How To Use Rapiers and Cut and Thrust Swords, Useful for Fight Directors.
- Glossary of Fencing Terms United States Fencing Coaches Association. 1995. 10 pages, pamphlet. 185 Fencing Terms. A standard of correct definitions and usage.
- The Living Sword Autobiograpy of Aldo Nadi. 1995. 412 pages, softcover. Very interesting and readable autobiography. Nadi retired because everyone gave up trying to beat him.
- On Fencing Aldo Nadi. 1943, 300 pages, softcover. Secrets of the World's Greatest Fencer of the 20's, 30's and 40's. A classic of it's time, but somewhat outdated now. Challenging to read.
- Foil, Epee and Sabre Fencing Garrett, Kaidanov and Pezza. 1994, 227 pages, hardcover. A college textbook on fencing used at Cleveland State University. Comprehensive and modern. It has "Learning Experiences" (Drills) and "Highlights" (Test Questions) in every chapter.
- Harnessing Anger Peter Westbrook. 1997, 191 pages. Hardcover. Autobiography of one of America's Best Fencers ever. Easy to read.
- Complete Fencing Albert Manley. 1979. 311 pages. Hardcover. Fencing instruction from an English Fencing Master. Solid Fencing book, a little out of date and it has a decidedly British Flavor.
- Taking Foil Groups to the Competitive Level Bradford and Williams. 1994, 82 pages, Softcover Manual. A handbook for teaching introductory foil to groups. Contains many drills to be used.
- The Legend of Zorro Bill Yenne, 1991, 160 pages, hardcover. A complete history of the Zorro legend. Includes; comic books, trading cards, movies, tv programs, Movies Posters, Board Games and Plastic Zorro swords. If you are a Zorro freak, this is as good as it gets.
- Fencer's Start-Up Doug Werner, 1997, 192 pages, softcover. An easy to read and understand book for beginners or parents of beginners. It is written from a beginners point of view.
- Electrical Fencing Equipment Rudy Volkmann, 1996, 47 pages, softcover. A beginner technicians manual on how electrical foils, epees and sabres work, what goes wrong, and how to fix problems. A must for every electrical fencer. Very easy to read and understand.
- Foil Around and Stay Fit Camille Lownds, 1977, 192 pages, softcover. Exercise secrets of a fencer. This books combines exercise with fencing. One chapter may not be appropriate for younger fencers. Slanted to a woman's perspective.
- Swords and Hilt Weapons Michael D. Coe and others, 1989. 239 pages. Hardcover. History of swords from 6000 bc to present. Scholarly with many illustrations and pictures.
- 1999 USFA Fencing Rule Book Updated Fencing Rule Book Translated from the 1998 FIE French Edition.
- The Fencing Master Arturo Perez Reverte, 1988. 245 pages, Hardcover. Novel about an old time fencing master caught up in pre-revolutionary spain in 1866. Interesting, has a number of fencing lessons and duels.
- Fencing and the Master Laszlo Szabo 1977. 300 Pages. Hardcover. According to the United States Fencing Coaches Association, this book is the best and most important Fencing Book. It is a must read for all coaches.
- The History of Fencing William Gaugler 1998. 493 Pages. Softcover. A well ordered documentation of the evolution of fencing techniques from early 16th century through the 20th century. Gaugler not only identifies the key authors whose treatises have influenced practice, but also describes many of their lessons. This work allows students to try the different approaches of the French and Italian schools for over the past 200 years. Recommended for someone who is well versed in fencing terminology.
- Secrets of the Sword Baron Cesar de Bazancourt 1998 246 pages Softcover. This book is a series of evening conversations between French Gentlemen of the late 19th century. It is a discussion of fencing from 3 different points of view; fencing as graceful athletic exercise, fencing as an exact science, and fencing as practical self defense (dueling). Interesting reading for a fencer who has combat experience and is interested in the preparations made by duelists before the duel.
- Fencing Nancy L Curry 1969 79 pages Softcover. A somewhat dated introduction to foil fencing. It is part of the Goodyear Physical Activities Series. Short and easy to read for the beginner.
- The Woman Fencer Anita and Nick Evangelista 2001 211 pages. Aimed exclusively at the woman who is considering fencing as something new to do. Chapters explain fencing’s advantages to a woman and typical women’s problems in fencing. A beginners book with up to date information on the current fencing scene, that is electrical foil, epee and sabre for women. The last chapter has biographies of some of the greatest women fencers of all time. An enjoyable book that can be read by anyone.
Fencing Videos for loan to ON TARGET Team Members
- 1996 National Fencing Team on ESPN
- 1996 Atlanta Olympics Fencing Video Men s and Women s Foil
- 1998 NCAA Fencing Championships Video Men s foil, epee and sabre, featuring Cleveland State Fencers.
- Deadly Duels History of Dueling. A&E produced program. Great Fun.
- Wheelchair Fencing 1996 USFA Championships
- Vienna World Cup – Once Upon A Time - Sergei Golubitsky – World Foil Championships bouts
- World Championships bouts of Sergei Golubitsky from 1997, 1998, 1999
- Kingdom of Heaven – Crusader Movie starring Orlando Bloom, Liam Neeson and Jeremy Irons. Rated R for strong violence and epic warfare
- The Legend of Zorro – movie starring Antonio Banderas and Catherine Zeta Jones, sequel to Mask of Zorro. Rated PG
- Troy – Movie of the Trojan wars with the Trojan Horse, starring Brad Pitt, Eric Bana and Orlando Bloom. Rated R with graphic violence and some sexuality/nudity.
- Swordfighting in the Renaissance Style A detailed study on various Renaissance Swordfighting moves.
- Sunshine An adult movie (R Rated) that portrays the lives of 3 generations of Hungarians beginning in the early 1900’s. The middle generation story is of a Hungarian sabre fencer right before the outbreak of World War II. The movies shows how he trained in Budapest and the problems and achievements that he had. The fencing scenes are fun to watch. This movie will be loaned to adults only.
- By The Sword A modern fencing movie, pretty good plot. Based in a fencing club in New York City. Starring F. Murray Abraham and Eric Roberts.
- Scaramouche A fun to watch 17th century swashbuckling story. Stewart Granger stars.
- The Three Musketeers 1940's version. Starring Lana Turner, Gene Kelly and Van Heflin.
- The Three Musketeers Modern version of the classic story. Starring Keifer Sutherland, Charlie Sheen, Tim Curry and Rebecca DeMornay
- Black Swan Pirates and Swordfighting, fun to watch, starring Tyrone Power and Maureen O Hara.
- Sign of Zorro Great fun, Guy Williams stars.
- Zorro, the Gay Blade Silly story line, but pretty good fencing. Adult humor but not dirty. Starring George Hamilton, Lauren Hutton and Brenda Vaccaro.
- Mark of Zorro Tyrone Power, Linda Darnell and Basil Rathbone star in this 1940 classic.
- Zorro the Avenger Great Fun, Guy Williams stars.
- Rob Roy 17th Century Scottish Hero, Liam Neeson stars, two good swordfights.
- The Princess Bride Excellent swordfighting with a good story, funny characters.
- Zorro All 78 Disney episodes on 6 videotapes.
- Mask of Zorro 1998 version starring Antonio Banderas and Anthony Hopkins. A must see for any fencer.
- David Tyshler s Fencing School FOIL Technical and Tactical Training. 2 volume set produced in Russia with English narration. Intended for advanced competive foil fencers who can decipher the narration. Good for intermediates to see to get new ideas.
- David Tyshler s Fencing School EPEE Technical and Tactical Training. 2 volume set produced in Russia with English narration. Intended for advanced competive epee fencers who can decipher the narration. Good for intermediates to see to get new ideas.
- 2000 Women s Foil World Cup Rochester, NY 6 women s foil bouts featuring some of the World s best women s foil fencers.
- The Duellists 1977 Starring Keith Carradine and Harvey Keitel. This film is about two officers in Napoleon s Army who violently confront each other in a series of savage sword and pistol duels. It explores the themes of obsession, honor and violence.
- Basic ReWiring, Repair and Troubleshooting Video on how to fix and maintain electrical foils, epees, body cords and reels. Also troubleshooting problems on the strip.
- NCAA Fencing Instructional Video on the very basics of Foil, Epee and Sabre Fencing. Good for parents or brand new beginners to see what fencing‘s all about. Produced in 1986, it is somewhat dated now due to the electrification of sabre fencing and the reversal of lights now showing touches scored.
- CNN - Peter Westbrook, hosted by Jane Fonda. One hour showcasing The Peter Westbrook Foundation of New York City, highlighting the fencing of sabrist Aki Spencer-El and epeeist Kamira James.
- The Many Faces of Zorro - DVD, A fun and interesting history of Zorro. Starting with the novel, then silent movies, radio shows, comic books, all the different version of Zorro are covered. A extra feature are the interviews with sword masters and whip masters.