How to fence : Containing full instruction for fencing and the use of the broadsword

In Short

This book functions as a comprehensive instructional primer for the amateur athlete of the late nineteenth century. It provides technical breakdowns for fencing with the small-sword, broadsword maneuvers, archery techniques, and basic track-and-field events like hurdle racing and shot-putting. More than just a collection of rules, the text reflects a period fascination with the "manly form," viewing these sports as essential paths to health, poise, and character. It remains a fascinating artifact of its time, capturing the pedagogical spirit of an age obsessed with structured, gentlemanly self-improvement.

The Story

The progression of the book begins with the art of the rapier, or small-sword. The narrative of instruction starts by establishing the historical prestige of fencing, rooting its modern development in the French military tradition. It immediately shifts from historical context to the physical requirements of the student, describing the "first position" and the necessary bodily mechanics—the lunge, the recover, and the guard. The text then systematically categorizes the various ways one might engage an opponent, moving from "simple parades" to the more complex "contre-parades," until the learner is eventually ready for the "assault," where they must rely entirely on their own judgment.

Once the small-sword is mastered, the focus shifts to the broadsword. Here, the instructional arc is more rigid, utilizing a target painted on the wall as a surrogate opponent. The reader is taught a specific sequence of cuts—seven in total—and a corresponding set of guards. The instruction transitions from solitary practice against a target to formalized routines performed with a partner, such as the "fourth practice" and "fifth practice," which simulate the intensity of combat. The arc concludes this section with sage advice: keep the line of direction, maintain one's balance, and, most importantly, never lose one’s temper.

The latter portion of the book broadens its scope to include other athletic pursuits, primarily archery. This section functions as an equipment and maintenance manual, detailing the construction of bows and the proper etiquette for a club meeting. The arc of the archer’s journey is defined by the transition from setting up the equipment—stringing the bow and selecting arrows—to the technical act of aiming and firing at a target. It treats archery not merely as a skill, but as a social and competitive endeavor governed by the "lady paramount" and strict club rules.

Finally, the book concludes with a brief, utilitarian overview of field events. These are presented as a series of codified rules for hurdle racing, throwing the hammer, and putting the shot. There is no narrative climax here; instead, the book ends with a series of technical requirements. The finality of the book is defined by its instructional brevity, closing with the precise measurements for the weight of a shot or the distance of a hurdle, leaving the reader with a clear, standardized set of regulations to guide their physical training.

How It Unfolds

The foundation of defense The manual begins by defining the small-sword as the premier weapon of the gentleman and outlining the rigorous physical stances required for basic defense. It emphasizes the importance of the lunge and the recover as the fundamental building blocks of all future offensive and defensive movements.

The anatomy of the parry The text moves into the specific mechanics of avoiding an opponent’s thrust, distinguishing between simple parades and the more complex contre-parades. It explains that every movement of the blade creates an opening that must be anticipated by the fencer.

The broadsword routines The focus shifts to the broadsword, where the learner uses a target to memorize seven distinct cuts and guards. This section culminates in formal practices that require the learner to memorize specific sequences of motion with a partner.

The archer’s discipline The book changes gears to discuss archery, detailing the necessary implements—from the grease-pot to the shooting glove—and the precise way to string a bow. It provides a blueprint for organizing an archery club, complete with rules for competition and tournament etiquette.

Field sport regulations The final section provides the rigid, technical rules for hurdles, hammer throwing, and shot-putting. It treats these sports as exact sciences, where the measurement of the throw and the integrity of the scratch-line are the ultimate arbiters of success.

The People

The book is framed by the relationship between the "instructor"—the voice of the author—and the "learner." The instructor acts as an authoritative, experienced guide who believes firmly in the restorative and moral power of physical exertion. They are a proponent of the "chivalrous" tradition, viewing the sword not as an instrument of violence, but as a tool for developing mental quickness and bodily grace.

The learner is the reader, who is assumed to be a young man of ambition. This student is often portrayed as initially clumsy or prone to fatigue, needing to be reminded to keep his shoulder back and his balance centered. The learner’s goal is to transition from a novice who requires the instructor's constant oversight to a disciplined practitioner capable of engaging in an "assault" with confidence.

The archer appears as a different sort of figure—one who must balance individual skill with the social constraints of the club. They operate under the watchful eye of the "lady paramount," whose authority is final in all matters of competition. This figure represents the bridge between the solitary pursuit of physical excellence and the public, social nature of organized sport. Together, these figures illustrate a world where the body is a project to be sculpted through strict adherence to technique and tradition.

In Its Own Voice

The instructor emphasizes the dual nature of fencing as both a martial art and a health practice:

"Independent of its value as the scientific use of the sword--the gentleman's weapon of defense, par excellence--fencing stands unrivaled as an exercise; and it is in this sense that it will now be treated."

The instructor provides clear, no-nonsense advice for those who might get frustrated during their initial training:

"Indeed, the first movements in fencing are the most trying to the learner; and he must not be discouraged if he fails to do them correctly at first--practice only will give him this power."

The author concludes the practical advice for broadsword engagement with a reminder of the necessary composure:

"Last and most important,--Don't lose your temper!"

What It's Really About

At its core, this book is about the cultivation of the "manly form." It operates on the belief that physical discipline—whether through the thrust of a rapier or the arc of an arrow—directly correlates to the development of mental fortitude and social grace. The text views the body as a machine that, if properly operated according to classical, military-inspired principles, produces a more capable and refined individual. It is an argument for the utility of sport in a civilized society, suggesting that by mastering the movements of the sword or the bow, one masters themselves. Ultimately, the book is concerned with the transmission of a specific, structured ideal of masculine leisure.

Why Read It Today

Readers who appreciate the history of sport or the evolution of physical culture will find this manual immensely rewarding. It offers a rare, ground-level view of how athletic hobbies were codified and taught in the late nineteenth century. The tone is refreshingly earnest; there is no irony here, only the sincere belief that a well-executed lunge or a steady aim is a mark of good character.

However, the reader should be prepared for the book's limitations. It is written as a technical manual and lacks the narrative flourish of fiction. It assumes a level of access to specialized equipment and formal training environments that may feel foreign to the modern reader. Furthermore, the attitudes toward gender and class, implicit in the discussion of "gentlemanly" behavior and the structure of archery clubs, are very much of their time. Despite these hurdles, there is a quiet pleasure in reading these precise instructions. The book captures the feeling of a bygone era, where leisure was serious work and the mastery of a skill was a lifelong pursuit. It is an excellent choice for anyone who finds beauty in the mechanics of motion or the rigid structure of traditional sporting life.