Highland Broadsword: Lessons, Drills, and Practices Paperback – January 1, 2010

This book in combination with the info available on the authors websites are exactly what you need to learn this style. I've practiced martial arts for 30 years and have learned many forms from books. It can be difficult. Not so with this book, and especially if you join the organization and/or use the videos. Most, if not all of the information is given freely other than the cost of the books, which I find quite admirable and rare. I tried at first to learn from the videos alone, but the book gives more information and detailed instruction. Makes learning much easier because of the extra detail, and more fulfilling due to the history shared. All of the books in the series are very good and there is plenty of history, diagrams and reference. Again, quite rare these days. If you are interested in authentic information for the Highland and Gaelic martial culture, you probably wont find better than this. I will repeat this message on all the books because I feel the same for all of them. Each provides great instruction and history for the various weapons.

Chris Thompson is straightforward and honest. He gets 5 stars for that. However, much of the serious, Highland warfare with this weapon in occurred before the '45. After the '45, when Gaelic warriors were in the British army, the targe wasn't carried and broadsword methods became more modern, and better documented. I'm sure the author must have experimented with sword and targe, and rather than simply refer to medieval styles or sources, it would be nice to see the book expanded to include a detailed interpretation of this style. There are certain ways to use both edges, such as when missing a cut, or being parried, and cutting in the opposite direction from the original attack, with knuckles up, cutting in the direction of the thumb. A little work with some SCA folks might help shed light on the largely undocumented way to use a broadsword with the targe. There are only so many ways the human body can move or contort, and I think Mr. Thompson is talented enough to reconstruct the old way of fighting.

Written well enough, and seems fairly comprehensive... But within the first chapter he states that before using this book, you should put it down, go take 1 to 2 years of fencing from a professional instructor, then come back to reading it after you've mastered the basics of fencing with rapier or saber.Oh, okay... I'll get right on that.Never mind that many HEMA practitioners (like myself) use books because fencing instructors are not in their local area or are simply cost prohibitive, isn't that the sort of thing you should let people know before they buy your book? Like a "does not include batteries" disclaimer, but for the two years of professional instruction. Now I just have this 8"x6" portrait of man in full scottish war dress with remarkably well kept hair. Great.

I really liked this book.The book is well written and covers a lot of broadsword topics. Much of the material is broken down into classes, a much better idea than chapters.The illustrations are photo and drawing are well done and explain the lessons.This is a good book whether you are into sword or cane fighting.Of course now I want him to do a DVD for details.

I have done Scottish living history for over twelve years. I wish this had been written when I started. I use a sword and targe. this book is mostly on the use of the sword only. It is a good complement to the book broadsword and single-stick if someone wanted to learn single-stick.

Great book with tons of useful drills

A reasonable text on the broadsword. Practical regime for developing skills and techniques with this particular blade.

Great, informative book. It's small, but sraight to the point. A must have for anyone learning Scottish broadsword.

good for the beginner student in Highland Broadsword. The layout is a bit off putting, but otherwise it is good.