An EXCELLENT reference for the in-depth study of the rapier and smallsword - but I would still recommend AYLWARD'S "The Small-Sword in England" if you are specifically interested in the smallsword - it is THE seminal work (out of print for many years but you can still pick one up online with a bit of searching...)

—Updated Oct 11, 2006

THE essential book to the typology of these duelling weapons of the Renaissance through the Napoleonic era. It details not only the many different styles, but goes into background information on provinance and known examples.

—Updated Dec 13, 2005 :: 2 of 2 members found this review helpful