Translations
Presented below are two historical texts that are core to the mission of Boston Armizare: propagating the practice and understanding of historical fencing from the early Renaissance.
They have been shared under Creative Commons Attribution, Non-Commercial, and ShareAlike licensing. People should feel encouraged to use these translations in their own materials of interpretation and to share them at will, though the material should be attributed and cannot be used for commercial gain.
In addition to the free PDFs, you will find links to Lulu, a bookstore where physical copies can be purchased.
Fiore
This new translation of the Fior Furlan de Civida's Getty manuscript features a number of important differences relative to prior translations, which should aid the historical fencing practitioner in the execution of the art. Scans of the manuscript are presented alongside the English translation, and the translation maintains fidelity to the original syntax of the Italian, so that the curious student or scholar can easily compare between the two. It is heavily footnoted, explaining translation choices, and features a number of essays on context important to the interpretation of the work. The appendix features an account of a duel between one of Fiore's students and a famous knight.
This new work is clear and easy to understand.
Vadi
This translation of Philippo di Vadi's On the Art of Gladiatorial Combat is an excellent resource for the historical fencer interested in late 15th century single combat across various weapons, including the sword in two hands, pollaxe, spear, and dagger. Vadi presents a system made more explicit in some cases, and changed significantly in others (namely footwork), relative to the work of Fior Furlan de Civida. Scans of the manuscript are presented alongside the translation, and translation choices are footnoted and explained. This text is ideal for both the tournament fencer and the historical martial arts practitioner.