By R.G. Allanson-Winn and C. Phillipps-Wolley. Published in England in 1890, this fascinating instructional book may be one of the earliest ever to discuss the use of everyday items as weapons of self-defense.

The meat of the book discusses the four weapons familiar to any 19th-century Englishman well-versed in the arts of individual combat: the quarterstaff, broad sword, single stick and bayonet. Besides formal instructions for their use, the training, aggressive offences and lightning-fast defenses are also covered. The final portion of the book presents the authors´ thoughts on ordinary items often employed as fighting weapons - the cudgel, Irish shillalah, umbrella and walking stick.

Gems of insight into truly practical training, coupled with expert advice on proper technique in the use of these weapons make this a must-read for anyone interested in the arts of stick work, swordplay or any convenient weapon whether a stick, cutlass or the leg of a chair. 21.5 x 14 cm, 116 pages.