Sword Fighting: An Introduction to handling a Long Sword

The young person I gave this to, apparently took a breath with joy! A wonderful source.

Well illustrated with photos and offers useful advice on what safety equipment to use

Actually more like 4 1/2. I can't quite give it 5 because of minor niggles over interpretation and (possibly due to editorial decisions) the layout of some of the photographic sequences. They are inconsistant in flow (sometimes horizontally, sometimes vertically, sometimes crossing the fold, sometimes not). Those minor niggles aside this is a fabulous book for the novice and useful for the more advanced HEMA practitioner.This is exactly the sort of book I was looking for when I started my journey in Historical Fencing. It is not an interpretation of any particular treatise, rather it is a collection of techniques from across the unarmoured Lichtenauer tradition of German Longsword. From the basics of grip, stancce and footwork it shows what the techniques are, how they are done and when and where to apply them. It also gives advice on training, freeplay and cutting with live blades (essential if you wish to have good technique). It is a little light on its recommendations for protection but as that is a constantly evolving thing at the moment with improved products coming on stream regularly, and as the protection needed depends very much on the intensity of the practice and the skills and mindset of the practitioners that is fair enough.Combine this book with the  German Longsword Study Guide , a treatise from Wiktenauer, some practice swords and some like minded friends and I reckon you would have enough to start your own study group. It doesn't equate to having an experienced teacher at an established school but as they are a small and widely spaced community (though fast growing) this would make a very good intro to the art