Resources
Articles
Articles
A paper by Cory Winslow of SVSOD and Michael Edelson of NYHFA detailing their understanding of Silver's method. Revised December, 2022.
A short paper by Rafael Ramos da Costa, and Cory Winslow of SVSOD, presenting their "Unified Interpretation" of Silver's True Times.
A short paper by Rafael Ramos da Costa which further describes the Unified Interpretation.
A paper by Betsy Winslow of SVSOD describing the distinctions between various stick weapons throughout European history.
Primary Sources
Primary Sources
Print of fencers with backswords from Joseph Swetnam's "The Schoole of the Noble and Worthy Science of Defence", 1617
Main Sources
Main Sources
These are the only documents which explicitly describe Silver's True Fight.
These are George Silver's treatises describing his version of the Science of Defence known as True Fight, and also criticizing contemporary Italian fencing weapons and styles which had made their way to England. Paradoxes of Defence was most likely completed by 1598 and published in 1599, while Brief Instructions Upon My Paradoxes of Defence was likely written around 1605, but was not published during Silver's lifetime.
Other Sources
Other Sources
These documents provide context and other data, although they do not necessarily describe Silver's True Fight.
A near contemporary English text on fighting with a variety of weapons. Swetnam's method is largely different from Silver's (he even mentions Silver by name when disagreeing with his assessment of the rapier). Large amounts of peripheral information on dueling, weapon maintenance and other subjects make this an interesting document.
An interesting near contemporary English text on fighting with the Rapier, Sword, and Dagger. Hale's method is not the same as Silver's, but his use of some central terms is very similar. He also includes interesting commentary on peripheral subjects.
A treatise published during Silver's lifetime which covers military subjects such as formations, tactics, muskets, archery, etc... Of special note is Smythe's criticism of overly long swords, and rapiers in general, reflecting Silver's views.
A treatise on various aspects of life in England, contemporary with or immediately preceding Silver's time. Of special note is the author's general criticism of overly long swords and daggers, which Silver echoes in his works.
Originally published in Italian in 1570, this book was republished in English in 1594. Although di Grassi's method is not the same as Silver's, many concepts contained in his work are quite similar.
A unique and comprehensive collection of combat narratives of, and commentaries on, the sword fighting and fighters, swords, and swordsmanship of British conflicts from the 17th century to the 20th, with numerous illustrations. Worth every cent.