Occasionally, a fencing book comes along that challenges the way the art of the sword is perceived. The Secret History of the Sword, by J. Christoph Amberger (Multi-Media Books, 1999), is one such book. It is, simply put, a fascinating read.

I should say right off, don't be surprised or bothered by the eclectic nature of The Secret History. This is part of the book's strength. It is not just another history competing with Egerton Castle's classic The Schools and Masters of Fence (1885), or Dr. William Gaugler's fine recent work, The History of Fencing (Laureate Press, 1998).

The Secret History of the Sword is in a ctaegory all its own. It covers a lot of uncharted territory.

This book is not so much an alternate history -- although it does deviate provocatively from standard fare at times -- as it is a grand collection of the bits of fencing lore that have fallen between the cracks of time, and have been otherwise forgotten or ignored.

Amberger's writing adds a new dimension to fencing's perceived character. It reminds us that the history of the sword is not merely the accounts and teachings of the Marozzos, Labats, and Angelos, but that there is a wealth of information beneath an often explored surface.

Amberger covers such diverse topics as the origins of the saber target area, the dynamics of duelling, a look at the politics of fencing salles in London in the late 1700s, a study of sword injuries gleaned from an ancient battle site, and an enthralling account of the author's own duelling (schlager) experiences while a university student in Germany. All of this material is interwoven with numerous accounts of duels throughout history.

By the way, I think it's fair to mention that Mr Amberger's background is as varied as his book's, which may explain, to a certain degree, The Secret History of the Sword's penchant for its wide ranging suject matter. Born in Germany in 1963, Amberger has studied Latin, English, history, dentistry, Gaelic, American and English literature, journalism, philosophy, and economics. Now a resident of the U.S., he is considered one of the foremost experts on the continuity of Western sword fighting systems. In this capacity, he has acted as a consultant for New York's Metropolitan Museum of Art, and was featured as an expert on the Discovery Channel's mini series Deadly Duels. He is also the editor/publisher of Hammerterz Forum, a much respected sword history journal.