Rating:  Summary: Buy Any Fencing Book Other Than This One Review: I have read about, practiced and taught fencing for 22 years now. Never in all this time have I ever read such a bad book on fencing! While the techniques Mr. Evanglista shows are not wrong overall, the "facts", reasons and "moral judgements" he spews are ludicrous at best and damaging to those new to the sport at worst. Why call a guard pad by it's French term and not the lunge by it's? These meaningless contradictions permeate his entire book.
Rating:  Summary: Nick writes to the novice with clarity and sequence! Review: Mr. Evangelista has demonstrated the ability to focus his text. The sequence is readable, understandable, and motivates action. Nick impresses the reader with the ability to communicate easily and clearly. Focused simplicity touched with history fixes the reader, regardless of expertise, with the desire to read more or rush to gather the equipment of the sport!Enjoy the french perspective! As history and respect dictates, The author follows the technique taught through fine instruction instilled by the commitment and honor of his master(s). Nick meets the mark with a firm touch!
Rating:  Summary: Couldn't be better Review: As a newcomer to fencing, I am trying to read both the classics and more contemporary works. The Art and Science of Fencing by Nick Evangelista is easily the best book I've read. While I'm sure it offers a lot to knowledgeable fencers, for a beginner it is perfect. The easy going tone with the occasional sarcasm or oblique observation made the book difficult to put down... it was always "just one more section". He covered every question a beginner could have, with enough specific recommendations to ease your entry into the art. It also provides material for future advancement. I've already recommended it highly to friends. I really don't think the book could be any better.
Rating:  Summary: CONTINUED THANKS! Review: I would like to underscore my thanks to everyone who has bought a copy of "The Art and Science of Fencing," making it one of the best selling fencing books of all time; and to restate my offer of a free autographed bookplate.
Rating:  Summary: Best fencing book I've ever read! Review: This book is unapologetically intended for beginning fencers, but anyone who fences or instructs can benefit from it. The author's emphasis on classical form and technique is, IMHO, entirely appropriate for recreational fencers and should provide basic instruction for those who wish to someday compete. This book doesn't claim to prepare anyone for Olympic competition (that's what coaches are for), only to provide a solid introduction to time-honored classical fencing, which it does in spades. I loved it! I especially like the author's inclusion of women in fencing, although I found the exclusive use of masculine pronouns distracting. It's really not that hard to write in a gender-neutral voice. Still, this book has far and away the best inclusion of women in fencing of any fencing book I've ever read, especially in the excellent "fencing history" sections, so the author can only be applauded for his work. I highly recommend this book to anyone who fenc! es or is interested in fencing. Mr. Evangelista clearly expresses his strong opinions about various aspects of fencing, and whether you agree with them all or not, they make for very interesting reading!
Rating:  Summary: Fantastic Book! Fantastic Teacher! Review: Not only have a had the opportunity to read Nick Evagelista's book. I have been blessed with the opportunity to study under him. The book shows his true love for the sport. I for one need to learn the history of anything I do and Nick knows his history. My "one hour" lessons usually were at least double that. He always took the time to explain why, when and where the techniques came from. Thank you Nick. Buy this book, read this book and live this book. You wont regret it!
Rating:  Summary: An excellent book - a must reader for any fencer Review: An easy to read book written with the readers in mind, this book presents a great deal of information in a format that is enjoyable and educational to read. The author's views on many of the vices of the modern fencing world (i.e. pistol grips) is a refreshing bit of honesty and sensibility. I highly recommend this book to any begining fencer or seasoned veteran for a fresh look at one of the greatest arts known to man.
Rating:  Summary: A Must-Read for Every Beginner Fencer Review: I began fencing just a few months ago, and as with anything I decide to throw myself into, I buy and read as many books as possible on the subject. My favorite book of all of them <BR is The Art and Sciene of Fencing by Nick Evangelista. His love for fencing is contagious. He was able to describe very intricate physical movements, which I was actually able to picture without the aid of a diagram very five seconds. Mr. Evangelista has a very conversational sytle of writing that makes his book very easy to read, and he also has a great sense of humor, which makes the book fun to read as well. I have just purchased his Encyclopedia of the Sword, which looks absolutely fascinating. My only wish is that Mr. Evangelista would write more!
Rating:  Summary: Good Intro text. Ignore authors opinion about modern fencing Review: The book is a good introduction to fencing covering all aspects of the sport which is good for beginners. The pictures are excellent and the book is easy to read. However the author writes on some subjects like some of the old timers talk in Australia. Some of his opinions on pistol grips, electric fencing and how one should progress from each weapon is very old fashion. Overall a good introductory book for a beginner/novice but if you want to progress in the sport you need to realise that sport evolves and if you want to succeed then you also need to evolve.
Rating:  Summary: A THANK YOU! Review: I'd like to take a moment to thank everyone who has purchased a copy of THE ART AND SCIENCE OF FENCING. In just one year, the book has sold out its first edition, and has gone into a second printing, making it one of the best selling fencing books of all time. Again, thank you
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