This is a companion volume to the Lecküchner 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 Lecküchner himself. Daniel Burger describes the life and times of Hans Lecküchner in great detail. Falko Fritz discusses the physical properties of Messers and how they relate to Lecküchner's teachings, and Jessica Finley delves into the unusual terminology used by Lecküchner (and Liechtenauer).

T¿he third section looks at the wider landscape of Messer fencing that Lecküchner 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 Lecküchner 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.