This small edition, produced with the invaluable collaboration of Manuel Valle Ortiz, aims to present—in a more modern and accessible format—a collection of little-known, yet (in my view) fascinating, writings on the philosophy of fencing and weaponry in our country.
The author, the 2nd Marquess of Heredia (Narciso de Heredia y Heredia), was a prominent and compelling figure of his time: an aristocrat, politician, essayist, and poet. Beyond his political and literary pursuits, he was also one of the finest swordsmen of his era. It is possible that, because he did not develop a specific school of fencing or author a fencing manual (at least, none that we are aware of), his work remains relatively obscure within the historiography of Spanish fencing and the field of historical fencing. This book brings together his two short treatises—*Verdades en Pocas Palabras* (“Truths in a Few Words”) and *Si Vis Pacem, Para Bellum* (“If You Want Peace, Prepare for War”)—in which he explores his views and philosophy regarding fencing, tactics, training, and, above all, the character and values to be cultivated by those who wield the sword. It is an essential read for the development of any fencer, in any age. We have also included contemporary reviews and critiques, as well as various letters sent to the Marquess concerning his work and his mastery of the sword.
