The rapier has been immortalized over the centuries and no more-so than today on stage and in film. Princess Bride, the Three Musketeers, and other films have brought this sword to life. Today, stage combatants, fencers, and re-enactors study the world of the rapier. William E. Wilson the founder of the Tattershall School of Defence brings the history and use of the rapier to life in this manual. He dispels many misconceptions about the weapon, discusses its history, and also its purpose and use. The theory and practice of many of the historical masters such as Capoferro, Fabris, Marozzo and others are distilled into a set of lessons, drills and theory simple enough for the beginner to follow.