Fencing reference in new SF book

[Link14]

Elizabeth Moon's new book "Change of Command" has several references to fencing in it. It's the third in a series that starts with "Once a Hero", but only the first to discuss any fencing aspects.

And the way the bad guy gets it in the end... Brrr!!

[Fleche]

I was looking in a second hand book store in the SF section, and there was a book which was the first in the 'fencer trilogy' or something. I read the back, and apparently, they used swords in court - so the lawyers were fencers. I didn't get it - it looked silly.
there are quite a few books with fencing bits in it - Heinlein's "Time Enough for Love" has a few bits, that are outdated, but correct - they mention foils.

[Gav]

If you are interested - try reading "The colours in the Steel" by KJ Parker. Fantastic book. 1st of a trilogy its all about how to make weapons and it's set in a fantasty environment were law descisions are decided by duelling. Great stuff!

The follow ups are also worth reading. The second concentrates on bow vs armour warfare (can't remember what its called though). The final book "The Proof House" isn't as good as the previous 2 but its still interesting.

[Sempër Pugno]

It's not fiction, but Peter Westbrook's "Harnessing Anger" is a really, really good book, its basically an Autobiography, with alot of great things on the history of fencing. Not to mention good things on the Peter Westbrook foundation,an amazing place built on a wonderful concept. I just got done with the book, and Now I'm starting in on "Brave New World" No fencing in that...

[Screaming_Girl]

Hey, read "Phule's Company" by Robert Aspirin. It's a hilarious sci fi book about a super rich guy who takes on the challenge of commanding the universe's worst military force.

And there's a a fencing tournement that takes up a whole chapter. Not just mentioning fencing in bits in pieces, but an actual tournement. Enough to make you drool.. Towards the end. Read it.

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I AM FENCING GOD! Wait. You're aetheist? D'oh.

[chilli]

Heinlein's "Time Enough for Love" has a few bits, that are outdated, but correct - they mention foils.[/B]

Also Heinlein's "Glory Road", it's a bit of a syrupy story, but the big fencing for his life at the end is good. Problem is, I think fencing is a very visual sport and it just doesn't read as exciting.

BTW, I'm new 'round here. So, be gentle with me till I get my footing.

[Purple Fencer]

Originally posted by Screaming_Girl:
Hey, read "Phule's Company" by Robert Aspirin. It's a hilarious sci fi book about a super rich guy who takes on the challenge of commanding the universe's worst military force.

And there's a a fencing tournement that takes up a whole chapter. Not just mentioning fencing in bits in pieces, but an actual tournement. Enough to make you drool.. Towards the end. Read it.

Oh YEAH!! I've read all three of the "Phule" books (as well as most of teh "Myth Adventures" series...even went to a SF con dressed as Skeeve one year). I remember the fencing tourney part quite well.

The best part is, the author was a fencing instructor at one point, so his narrative is dead on (for the time during which he wrote it). Ooohhhh, accuracy!

What's scarier is that I've fenced girls with a target are as large as that of Super Gnat...can't hit the little ^%$^%#^% to save my life!



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Sam Signorelli -- I'll be mellow when I'm
DEAD!

[chilli]

I haven't thought of Asprin's books in ages. Really funny stuff.
Weird, Fleche! I did the same thing, picked it up, didn't get it, put it down. Hmmmm, Have you been following me? I think I'll go and get the trilogy now that y'all say it's good.

"I'll fence ya, Purple," says the 4'10" Chilli, whilst grinning maliciously.

[Peach]

Elizabeth Moon does SCA-style fencing - she's the captain of the SFWA Musketeers (Science Fiction Writers of America) and we put on a period-fencing demonstration at the last WorldCon in Chicago. See http://www.sfwa.org/links/musketeers/ for pictures!

I have the book but haven't had a chance to read it yet - now I have to.

Originally posted by Link14:
Elizabeth Moon's new book "Change of Command" has several references to fencing in it. It's the third in a series that starts with "Once a Hero", but only the first to discuss any fencing aspects.

And the way the bad guy gets it in the end... Brrr!!

[Purple Fencer]

Originally posted by chilli:
"I'll fence ya, Purple," says the 4'10" Chilli, whilst grinning maliciously.

No thanks, Chilli...I've already tried fencing some really small kids and just can't hit the little buggers.

We's got one kid out here who has a target about as big as my epee bell guard. Slim Grady knows who it is.

Besides, fencing you would be too much like fencing my mother, who was 4' 11".



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Sam Signorelli -- I'll be mellow when I'm
DEAD!

[Stryder]

Steven Brust's The Phoenix Guard's has some fun dueling description. And of course the sequel.

[Screaming_Girl]

Frank Herbert's "Dune" has some cool science fiction saber, dagger and knife duelling.

It's sort of boring, but the world is great..

[Peach]

Delia Marshall Turner's OF SWORDS AND SPELLS has some fencing in it - the chapter titles are all funny fencing actions.

[SpaceCowboy]

Has anyone read "The Fencing Master" (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0156006847/o/qid=985704585/sr=2-2/102-0033288-9360148) by Arturo Perez-Reverte? Although the story centers around a character who is a fencing master, I don't get the impression that there is much to do with fencing in the book... (based on the description)

[Mergs]

Actually there is. There has also been a movie made of it. Is pretty true to the book, although I was a bit disappointed in the movie's portrayal of the final scene. It is a nice read, though.

[ladybug]

I just started a book by Joel Rosenberg called "Keepers of the Hidden Ways" in which three of the main charecters are college level fencers. It appears that the writer is actually a fencer as well, because he is very good at describing warmups, bouts etc. I haven't gotten to the meat of the book yet, but it looks like there will be lot's of sword battles - so it will be fun to see how the fencers stack up against the barbarians.