Posted by: Fence in Books
gladiators, musketeers, samurai warriors, swashbucklers, and Olympians
Author: Richard Cohen
ISBN: 0330482297
796.8609
See also: Library Thing
Thirty years ago I fought the only duel of my life. It wouldn’t have satisfied the dictionary definition, which requires that deadly weapons be used - competition sabers are hardly that - but it was certainly a “prearranged formal combat between two persons, fought to settle a point of honor.”
This book took me quite a while to finish, but I wouldn’t hold that against it, as it often takes me a while to finish a non-fiction book. Obviously enough the storyline isn’t quite a gripping as many novels, but it was still an entertaining read.
It is a history of fencing and sword-fighting in general. Covering from Roman times right up the present Olympic games. If you find the subject matter interesting, then I’m sure you’ll like this book. The style is quite conversational, but it also provides plenty of information and details. There is also a bibliography and index for further reading if you so desire.
Tags:
796.8609,
By The Sword,
history,
non-fiction,
Rochard Cohen,
swords
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Look what I just ordered:
Rocky: The definitive edition. 2 discs
How cool is that?
And for those who just don’t get Rocky off you pop to The Sheila Variations and take a read of her appreciations of Rocky parts one and two
Tags:
Rocky,
shopping
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Thirteen Things about February
- Obviously enough, February, being the month of my birth is the best month of the 12. Even if there were 20 months, February would be the best. But I’m not the only reason that Feb is great.
- The second reason is that it is short. Which means that you get paid just a little sooner. Which is always nice.
- It is Imbolc[1] time, which as you’ll remember from my previous mentions[2] which means that it is Spring.
- And you’ll get to see leaping lambs! Which is always nice. Course they do grow up to be evil evil sheep, but I do believe I am getting over my hatred of sheep. Which may be because now that I live in the city I don’t have to put up with their evil deeds and doings.
- The 1st of Feb is also St. Bridget’s Day, Lá Fhéile BrÃde, although you don’t really see so many Bridget’s crosses[3] about any more.
- Today is the CAO deadline[4] The CAO is the Central Applications Office[5] and every Irish person who wants to go on to college after secondary school has to apply to it. You fill out your form in order of preference and send if off. Back in my day[6] it was all done by post, now you can go online or send your form through the post.
- More importantly, February marks the beginning of the Six Nations competition. And I know all you rugby fans have been waiting to read my posts on this matter.
- Ireland play Wales this weekend. In Wales. We are currently favourites. This is a bad thing. We don’t like being favourites, and despite the fact that we do deserve the tag I’m not counting any chickens. Wales are a big worry.
- On the 11th of February France will be coming to play Ireland. In Croke Park[7] And I have a ticket.
- One Anglo-Saxon word for February is Solmoneth, which means mud-month.
- In February, in 1979[8] China invaded Vietnam[9]
- Of course there is also the obvious fact that February only has 28 days, or 29 in a leap year. But you all knew that already, I had, after all, mentioned up above that Feb was short.
- February is probably the most mispronounced of all months. We should all just use the Irish name and say Feabhra. That’s pronounced Feow-rah.
Links to other Thursday Thirteens! |
Tags:
February,
T13
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