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Softcover, 1998, 281 pages,
US $14.93
Secret History of the Sword , by J. Christoph Amberger, is one such book. It is, simply put, a fascinating
read.
I should say right off, don't be surprised or bothered by the eclectic nature of this volume. This is
part of the book's strength. It is not just another history competing for space with Egerton Castle's
The Schools and Masters of Fence (1885), Alfred Hutton's The Sword and the Centuries (1901), Arthur
Wise's The Art and History of Personal Combat (1971), or Dr. William Gaugler's fine recent work, The
History of Fencing (1998). The Secret History of the Sword is in a catagory all its own. It covers a lot of
uncharted territory.
This book is not so much an alternative history -- although it does deviate provocatively from
standard fare at times -- as it is a grand collection of the bits and pieces of fencing lore that have
fallen between the cracks of time, and have been otherwise forgotten or ignored.
More than anything else, Amberger's writing adds a new dimension to fencing's perceived
character, the one every fencer thinks he or she knows. Secret History reminds us that the history of
the sword is not merely the accounts and teachings of the Marozzos, Labats, and Angelos, but that
there is a wealth of information beneath an often explored surface.
Amberger covers such diverse topics as the origins of the sabre target area in sport fencing, the
dynamics of duelling, a look at the politics of fencing salles in London in the late 1700s, a study of
sword injuries glean from an ancient battle site, and an enthralling account of the author's own
duelling (schalger) experiences while a university student in Germany. All of this wonderful material is
interwoven with numerous accounts of duels throughout history. What more could you ask for?
By the way, I think it's fair to mention that Mr. Amberger's background is as varied as his book's,
which may explain, to a certain degree, why the subject matter of The Secret History of the Sword is
so wide ranging. Born in Germany in 1963, Amberger has studied Latin, English, history, dentistry,
Gaelic, American and English literature, journalism, philosophy, and economics. Now a resident of
the United States, he is considered one of the foremost experts on the continuity of Western sword
fighting systems. In this capacity, he has acted as a consultant for New York's Metropolitan Museum of
Art, and was featured as an expert on the Discovery Channel's mini series The Deadly Duels. Also, for
a number of years, he was the editor/publisher of the highly regarded sword journal Hammerterz
Forum. Today, he is the Special History Editor for Fencers Quarterly Magazine.
There are many curious facets, some opinion, and much entertaining and enlightening reading to be
had in this book. By all means, buy it and read it from cover to cover. Savor it. I loved it. J. Christoph
Amberger is one talented writer. Unless your brain is set in concrete, you won't be disappointed by
The Secret History of the Sword.
Fencers Quarterly Magazine, 848 South Kimbrough, Springfield, MO 65806
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