Capo Ferro translation

[Christopher J Umbs]

The new translation of Capo Ferro into English is nearing completion. Full details are at <a href="http://www.ahfi.org/capoferro.htm" target="_blank">http://www.ahfi.org/capoferro.htm</a>

Also, Jared Kirby, the Capo Ferro project director has a list of facsimiles for sale at <a href="http://artofcombat.org/public/thespis/jaredbooklist.htm" target="_blank">http://artofcombat.org/public/thespis/jaredbooklist.htm</a>

Chris

[Gav]

Ahhh Capo Ferro. I remember reading about him years ago. He fenced in the nude (if I remember right). I found him interesting because of the development of the lunge. It's changed since then (not so extreme) but the principles remain the same. Very interesting.

[Sildar]

Actually, he was the guy who fenced wearing a girdle of ivy. I wouldn't take the illustrations too literally.
Though there was one fellow, a doctor, who went out to a duel naked so as to reduce the risk of infection due to bits of clothing in his wounds; his opponent thought the doctor was insane, and refused to duel with him.
The translation should be great though; I've already reserved my copy with Jared. This really is one of the most important fencing books ever, and I highly recommend it to anyone interested in fencing history.

[Inquartata]

Ah, the duelling surgeon anecdote! One of my favorites. Gangrene and infections probably DID kill more men than the pistol bullets, so at least he'd determined to avoid THAT risk...

My favorite, though, was the fellow who'd lost a leg in the army and who, when challenged, sent his surgeon with complete instrument kit to his opponent along with the generous offer to let him choose which of HIS legs the surgeon would amputate---since the rules of duelling required that they fight "on an equal footing"...