The Art and Science of Fencing

This is an enthusiastic intro to fencing that maintains a beginner's interest while covering all of the basics from social history and weapons through the equipment, language and technique to the "fire" necessary to stay on the road to fencing mastery. Also, one is introduced to some of the fencing masters, both male and female, and provided with miscellaneous resources in Appendix II related to the U.S. Fencing Association and its magazine (American Fencing), fencing equipment supply companies, sword movies, and lists of fiction and non-fiction books related to swords and fencing. Mr. Evangelista was an apprentice to fencing master Ralph Faulkner and, like his master, promotes the classical style of fencing and form - "fencing's yardstick" - which emphasizes personal control over oneself first and then one's opponents. Control begins within: "True fencing takes place between the brain and the sword hand rather than between the tip of your weapon and the opponents chest" (pg. 41). There is more to fencing than just competition, although that's important too. "Mastery - real, certifiable mastery, not just a few overblown victories here and there - must flow from a set point of effective behavior patterns. Classical form, with its demands for balance, grace, efficiency and accuracy, sets up such a rarefied atmosphere. We are given a sound blueprint that has been tested and polished for centuries" (pg. 159). Some who have been trained in the "modern" style of fencing will be put off by some of what the author says. For instance, he firmly believes that one should start with the foil before moving to the epee and then the sabre. Also, he doesn't think one should bout until one has "gone through a progression of learning that includes a thorough blend of both physical and mental approaches to fencing" (pg. 68). Why? "This enables the student to fully understand his relationship to his opponent on the fencing strip." Regarding competition, he would never allow "a student to enter a tournament until he had bouted for at least a year." Building a solid foundation is important to classical style fencing. Regardless of whether one sticks with this classical approach, there is plenty to learn from this book for the new fencing student. Because of Mr. Evangelista's book, I've chosen to start with the foil and although my early training is mixed with bouting, I have been complimented by fellow students who have asked whether I've fenced before. One actually said I "seem controlled". Applying the principles in this book has contributed to that control. Highly recommended.

Perhaps the best thing about Nick Evangelista's "Art and Science" of Fencing" is that it DOES contain a strong personal touch. Most other fencing books I've read are like text books, hard to read, and thus hard to learn from. "The Art and Science" is full of Nick Evangelista's own experience, which, when you get down to it, is pretty much every fencing student's experience, to one degree or another. The maestro does not preach from the mountain top; he is right down on the ground with everyone else. This is great! A teacher who knows and relates to his students. There's no ego problem here. I wish Nick Evangelista was my personal fencing master. I have heard rumors that "The Art and Science of Fencing" has sold over 10,000 copies, and is still going strong. I believe it. After reading the book, you'll know why. I also love his "Inner Game of Fencing."

Many fencing manuals have a tendency to get bogged down in jargon which is very off putting even to experienced fencers. This book largely manages to avoid it and it is clearly written by someone who actually knows how to put their opinions across in an understandable fashion. Top marks.

Anyone used to the dry and mechanistic U.S. fencing books published in the 1970s and 1980s will be pleasantly surprised. In the Art and Science, Evangelista is in his element. Here is a guy who pursues fencing with a degree of personal devotion that he managed to create and run a fencing academy in rural Missouri. (This in itself would qualify for applaudable success in any metropolitan area. It is a truly Herculean feat for Peace Valley, MO.)A former student of and later assistant to Ralph Faulkner, Evangelista breaks new ground as a writer. He succeeds in creating a well-centered book that is as complete as it is readable, full of personal and professional anecdotes and experiences, as well as historical perspective. He manages to establish himself as a competent, credible protagonist of modern fencing, without the sanctimonious overbearance that makes reading certain other fencing books such a chore to read.It becomes evident that for Evangelista, the student is first and foremost an individual, the master primarily a mentor who forms the student not just by drill but also by taking him into his confidence -- explaining and referring rather than lecturing.This is one of the best sports fencing titles to hit the bookstores in a decade -- and a good buy to boot!

This book is unapologetically intended for beginning fencers, but anyone who fences or instructs can benefit from it. The author's emphasis on classical form and technique is, IMHO, entirely appropriate for recreational fencers and should provide basic instruction for those who wish to someday compete. This book doesn't claim to prepare anyone for Olympic competition (that's what coaches are for), only to provide a solid introduction to time-honored classical fencing, which it does in spades. I loved it! I especially like the author's inclusion of women in fencing, although I found the exclusive use of masculine pronouns distracting. It's really not that hard to write in a gender-neutral voice. Still, this book has far and away the best inclusion of women in fencing of any fencing book I've ever read, especially in the excellent "fencing history" sections, so the author can only be applauded for his work. I highly recommend this book to anyone who fenc! es or is interested in fencing. Mr. Evangelista clearly expresses his strong opinions about various aspects of fencing, and whether you agree with them all or not, they make for very interesting reading!