Rating: 
Summary: Review, Review, Review
Review: The previous reviewer seems to have mistaken Maestro Evangelista's review page for a chat room. I'm sure there are few people as intelligent as this individual, so it seems odd that she can't understand that more than one person in the world might wish to express an opinion regarding negative reviews about a book they find valuable. I have no idea who Cal Worth is, but I certainly agree with his thoughts regarding Nick Evangelista's work. As for writing approaches, having never written a review on Amazon.com before, I studied other reviews before I wrote mine, to see how they were put together.So what does any of this have to do with Maestro Evangelista's book? I have noticed that negative reviews tend to follow the same pattern. First, they rarely include the name of the reviewer. It is easy to perform an anonymous hit-and-run. And, second, they always attack the person, not what he says. What does calling the Maestro the "David Carridine of fencing" have to do with anything? Does this address the issues of fencing? It is nothing more than immature name calling -- in this case from somone who didn't even identify himself. As in the case of the reviewer from Texas, she had to make up a little story regarding what she believes about my review, not dealing with the issues I broght up regarding the Maestro's work. This, of course, is the ad hominem argument that has been around for centuries: if you can't attack the issue, you attack the person. Even the ancient Romans, who put the name on this approach, thought it was the weakest form of debate. And this is what sport fencers do continually when they throw their invective at Maestro Evangelista's books. The previous reviewer, for all her glibness, is, apparently, no different. At this point, I see no reason to continue reviewing reviews of reviews of reviews, responding forever to remarks made by other reviwers in an endless display of ... what? Obviously, this is not a chat room or a message board. But, I think, it was valid this one time to add a few more thoughts, given the opportunity, about the way reviews regarding any book are handled. I still support Nick Evangelista's writing. I think he is one of the very best writers around dealing with the art and science of fencing. Actually, I have copies of all his fencing books, and I give copies out as gifts whenever I have the opportunity. I hope the readers of this review and Amazon.com take my remarks in the honest spirit in what they were given. I leave it up to the readers of these reviews to make up their own minds regarding
Nick Evangelista's books.
Rating: 
Summary: Haha
Review: Too too funny, Cal aka James, when you are writing two reviews using two different names you might not want to make your writing pattern so obvious. Always capitalizing the title of the book and too many "--" gives your writing style away. Oh my gosh, how I dare I defame Nick, please.
Rating:
Summary: Subjective? Hardly!
Review: Having learned to fence in the same sort of traditional fencing environment as Maestro Evangelista, I understand his approarch to fencing -- that function and mastery flow from form. In a previous review, his presentation is characterized as "subjective," and yet, today, many of his traditional views -- particularly those regarding flicking and pistol grips -- are being voiced at the highest levels of the Federation Internationale d'Escrime, the world fencing organization. It is also interesting that in a recent sports medicine study (within the last few years) focusing on fencing injuries, pistol grips have been implicated in every reported blade-related injury (including deaths) as the main contributing factor! Moreover, the Maestro always backs up what he says with explanations and examples -- a difficult thing to do when one is merely "subjective." Finally, that this reviewer finds an obviously disrespectful remark from another reviewer regarding Maestro Evangelista as "funny," one might doubt the "objectivity" in her comments. A respect for accomplishment is a byproduct of the traditional fencing process, and this reviewer displays none of that. It is true that the Maestro's book is at variance with modern "sport" fencing practices. He stresses form, timing, point control, and judgment -- the stuff of traditional fencing. He stresses the "what if these weapons had sharp blades?" senario -- basically the concept that gives meaning to fencing. Hence, he promotes straight arm attacks over attacks where the fencer moves toward his opponent with his blade pointing in the opposite direction. He stresses skill -- both physical and mental -- over reliance on the electrical scoring box. He stresses balanced behavior over the tantrums and beligerence we see continually on modern fencing strips. Finally, he stresses a respect for the mastery of fencing, something that is obviously lacking in so many "modern" fencers these days. So, he is indeed out of step with a sport where ignorance and illogical behavior are rampant. If you are interested in fencing as it has been practiced, with variations, for centuries, buy a copy of "THE ART AND SCIENCE OF FENCING," and read it a thousand times. If you believe that standards are important, by all means buy this book. If you hold the post-modernist view that anything you can get away with is fine, and that standards represent nothing but "subjectivity," you should probably take the advice of the negative and disrespectful reviews of "ART AND SCIENCE," and buy another book on fencing. Of course, if you follow the latter route, you'll be missing one of the best fencing books ever written. Buy this book!
Rating: 
Summary: Okay book for a beginner
Review: If you are an absolute beginner, this book is okay but there are better books out there for beginners. Lot of his philosophy behind the book is so outdated and some of his assertions are laughable and ridiculous. If you don't believe me just do a search on his name on some of the fencing message boards on the internet and you will run into swarm of ridicule. If you read this book, take it with a grain of salt...Nick Evangelista is the David Carradine of fencing...the guy is a legend in his own mind.
Rating:
Summary: super book on fencing is a must for anyone interested
Review: Okay - this one won't help you with chain line vs redwood fencing! It is, however, one of the best books on the subject of fencing i.e swordplay. Many people really should check out this sport, it's not just for competition, not just for swashbuckling actors in movies. Fencing is a great health activity for all ages, giving your grace, balance, flexibility and a good aerobic workout while being a blast fun wise! To the aim of peaking the interest in those checking it out, this is a must read. Beginnings, those contemplating joining the sport or for arm chair fencers (writers) you will find this a great read and a wonderful reference. This books does it all starting with the history of fencing in it's earliest forms. It addresses the mentality of the person behind the mask, it's philosophy for beginning fences to base their learnings. Then Nick Evangelista goes into the Foil, how the body and the foil work together. Next he covers the Épée and Sabre and wraps up with secret tips on being a successful fencer. So if you are just curious, this is the perfection answer all questions. If you are a beginning fencer this is your bible. And for writers trying to get the mindset for the perfect scene of sword play, don't write it until you have thoroughly read this book!
Rating:
Summary: Best Fencing Book
Review: If you Google "best fencing books" Master Nick Evangelista's The Art and Science of Fencing pops up as the top link, and it deserves to be there. Since it first appeared in 1996, this title has become one of the best-selling introductions to fencing, and internationally known and respected, right up there with the work of Maestro William Gaugler and On Fencing by Aldo Nadi. The reason quite simply is that unlike Nadi's narcissism and Gaugler's technical erudition, Master Evangelista accomplishes in straightforward and often personal prose what a really good guide to his art and science should: A down to earth survey, grounded in the sport's history and his own. Master Evangelista has become known as a strong advocate for restoring meaning to a sport now dominated by the Olympic-geared, New International Style of fencing relentlessly pursuing scroing points with such "technoqiques" as flicking a foil like a flyrod. He is one of the leading advocates of a return to classical principles of fencing, and to sustaining and refining techniques developed over time to defend against and deliver attacks "as if they [fencing weapons] were sharp." This, by the way, is a continuation in modern fencing of the tradition of great masters since the Renaissance. This dedication to both history and technique comes through his book, and little wonder it universally appears on recommended reading lists and the small offerings of fencing books by fencing suppliers. No fencer--and especially no one starting out with a foil in her or his hand--should be without it. When I have taken my weapons on the road, a young fencer has enthusiastically praised the book as inspiration. "Sport fencers" may disagree with it, but the message of The Art and Science of Fencing is spreading, which suggests that like its message, the book itself is enduring. No fencing library owned by an experienced fencer should be without it, either.
Rating:
Summary: Best starting point
Review: I began reading this book shortly after my first fencing lesson. It is wonderful. Mr. Evangalista's love for the art spills from every page. Is his view slanted, probably, but who cares.
I don't believe that you could find a better starting point. As a Taekwondo stylist and instructor, I was put off by the rules of the foil. I sought pure naked agression but after reading the basis for the rules and their historical context I can't wait till my next lesson.
Rating:
Summary: Overly indulgent fencing flake
Review: While an excellent writer and story teller, Nick Evangelista has an extremely slanted view of the modern fencing world. While I agree with many of the points he makes, I cannot help but feel slighted reading it. In his opinion, any modern fencer is a hack who wields his weapon like a club. I cannot count the times I have come across people that have read his book and take it to heart and are extremly shocked when they finally face the reality of modern fencing. His view's generally cause more problems than he helps.
Rating:
Summary: Best Fencing Book
Review: This is the best classical fencing book for many reasons. It is very easy to read through whether you are a non-fencer, a beginner or well on your way to bouting. Nick Evangelista provides a background into fencing's history, it's theories and explains why classical fencing is the physical art form that it is.
It is broken down into small chapters that can be comprehended with ease. The practical lessons are mixed in with little personal insights from the author which makes this book fun to read. Highly recommend this book!
Rating:
Summary: An Intro to French-Style Classical Fencing
Review: This is an enthusiastic intro to fencing that maintains a beginner's interest while covering all of the basics from social history and weapons through the equipment, language and technique to the "fire" necessary to stay on the road to fencing mastery. Also, one is introduced to some of the fencing masters, both male and female, and provided with miscellaneous resources in Appendix II related to the U.S. Fencing Association and its magazine (American Fencing), fencing equipment supply companies, sword movies, and lists of fiction and non-fiction books related to swords and fencing. Mr. Evangelista was an apprentice to fencing master Ralph Faulkner and, like his master, promotes the classical style of fencing and form - "fencing's yardstick" - which emphasizes personal control over oneself first and then one's opponents. Control begins within: "True fencing takes place between the brain and the sword hand rather than between the tip of your weapon and the opponents chest" (pg. 41). There is more to fencing than just competition, although that's important too. "Mastery - real, certifiable mastery, not just a few overblown victories here and there - must flow from a set point of effective behavior patterns. Classical form, with its demands for balance, grace, efficiency and accuracy, sets up such a rarefied atmosphere. We are given a sound blueprint that has been tested and polished for centuries" (pg. 159). Some who have been trained in the "modern" style of fencing will be put off by some of what the author says. For instance, he firmly believes that one should start with the foil before moving to the epee and then the sabre. Also, he doesn't think one should bout until one has "gone through a progression of learning that includes a thorough blend of both physical and mental approaches to fencing" (pg. 68). Why? "This enables the student to fully understand his relationship to his opponent on the fencing strip." Regarding competition, he would never allow "a student to enter a tournament until he had bouted for at least a year." Building a solid foundation is important to classical style fencing. Regardless of whether one sticks with this classical approach, there is plenty to learn from this book for the new fencing student. Because of Mr. Evangelista's book, I've chosen to start with the foil and although my early training is mixed with bouting, I have been complimented by fellow students who have asked whether I've fenced before. One actually said I "seem controlled". Applying the principles in this book has contributed to that control. Highly recommended.
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