The Art of Fencing

Monsieur L’Abbat was an early 18th century tutor of fencing and sword fighting, who instructed many students in France with the techniques contained in this guidebook.

Discussing techniques, tactics, stances, and movements essential for the skilled swordsman, L’Abbat treats the pivotal motions with great attention. With the aid of pictorial examples alongside, we learn how to assume a good battle stance, how to lunge or thrust in attack or defend with a parry or riposte. The finer points of conduct during a sword fight are given much attention, with L’Abbat relating experiences with other masters of the craft.

Monsieur L’Abbat lived at the time the culture of the musketeers was at its height. Emblematic of French bonhomie and martial prowess, these soldiers were expected to gain mastery of both the musket firearm and the thin, lengthy sabre. Many would hone their technique for years in special military barracks; as a whole, a soldier skilled in both guns and fencing belonged to a disciplined - even elite - class of versatile, multipurpose soldiers.