Hope's new method of fencing: or, the true and solid art of fighting with the back-sword, sheering-sword, small-sword, and sword and pistol; freed from the errors of the schools. Wherein the Defence and Pursuit of these Weapons, both on Foot, and a Horseback, and that against all kind of Edged or Pointed Weapons whatsoever, are not only compendiz'd, and reduc'd to so few and general Rules, that any Person of an indifferent Capacity, and ordinary Agility of Body, may in a short time (even by his own Assiduity, and the Assistance of a judicious Comerade) attain to a considerable Adroitness in Practice; either for the Defence of his Life upon a just Occasion, or Preservation of his Reputation and Honour, in any Accidental Scuftle, or Trifling Quarrel. But also The nicest Theory of the whole Art, is so interspersed with these most easy and useful Rules, that it will at once instruct the greatest Ignorant, and gratify the most Critical and Curious Artist. So that it may be asserted, that by this new Method, the Art of Defence, with the Sword alone is, by Mathematical Demonstration, brought to the utmost Perfection Humane Nature is capable of; and that this Assertion, is no ways vain or Chimerical; the Author is ready to defend the same either by Argument, or Practice, before any Two understanding Sword-Men; against any Fencing-Master, who shall impung it. The second edition. By Sir William Hope of Balcomie, Baronet, Late Deputy-Governour of the Castle of Edinburgh.

Date:

MDCCXIV. [1714]