Hans Lecküchner

A full-color reproduction of the Bavarian State Library's manuscript Cgm 582, a German fencing manual dedicated to the Messer commissioned by Hans Leck chner in 1482. Leck chner's most elaborate manuscript, it excels his earlier works both in its length-it is half again as long as CPG 430-and in that nearly every page includes a lavish watercolor illustration by an artist from the circle of Michel Wolgemut. Indeed, there is no other 15th century fencing treatise comparable to this manuscript, and it would not be equaled until the writings of Paulus Hector Mair in the 1540s and Joachim Meyer in the 1560s. A companion volume containing a transcription and commentary is available separately at ISBN 978-1-953683-17-5.

This is a companion volume to the Leck chner facsimile. In its pages, you will find articles from some of the leading scholars in the field of historical European martial arts studies that highlight various aspects of the manuscript and the world it came from. T]he first section contains a detailed description of the manuscript and its history by Michael Chidester, as well as a full transcription by Carsten Lorbeer, et al. T]he second section relates to Leck chner himself. Daniel Burger describes the life and times of Hans Leck chner in great detail. Falko Fritz discusses the physical properties of Messers and how they relate to Leck chner's teachings, and Jessica Finley delves into the unusual terminology used by Leck chner (and Liechtenauer). T]he third section looks at the wider landscape of Messer fencing that Leck chner existed in. Dierk Hagedorn offers the first catalog of all surviving Messer and Dussack treatises. Olivier Dupuis discusses the concept of fencing in jest and in earnest and how it's reflected in fencing treatises. Casper J. van Dijk and Oskar ter Mors evaluate the Messer teachings that predate Leck chner and look for possible influences on his teachings. Finally, Adam Franti considers the place of Messers and Dussacks in art and society throughout the early modern period.