[.ca] The Inner Game of Fencing (ISBN 1570282307)

Consider the source indeed:
I can not believe the arrogance of the book and some of the reviewers (more like his friends and himself who writes these). Accusing someone of being ignorant because he did not like the book??? This is the type of attitude that the author of the book and many of his followers follow, pure arrogance. This is also his attitude when people question on what he writes, he has a tendency to cut them down if someone disagrees with him. This coming from a a second rate teacher who claims to have made champions in his 30 span career can not even name one single champion who can validate this claim. He must have lot of free time in his hands. This book consists of very opinionated and arrogant philosophy of Nick and should be considered a dime novel then a treatise on fencing. Indeed, consider some of the source of the reviews, written by Nick's friends and himself.

This is the one!:
This is one excellent book for the beginning fencer and experienced fencers alike.It may not be so great for those who have a...let's say"distorted"view of what Fencing really is. This book restores my faith in what I always thought Fencing was and is.The dignity and honor I always thought of.It's all in there.Plus it is put in terms that someone that doesn't know anything about Fencing could understand what he is talking about.The quotes and memories that he adds,just seemed to make me relate to what he said even more. I loved the way he tries to expell any thoughts of quick learn process,that seems to spread like wildfire.He let's you know that the excellence is there,it just takes the time to learn it(correctly).Once these things are put together,Fencing is it's own reward.Anything else is icing on cake. Yes,I have a somewhat unfair view of this book.But,only because I'm LUCKY enough to have the chance to be instructed by Master Nick Evangelista. Even with that,he does show any Fencer what Fencing should be.And that's not always the easy way,but it is the most efficent and effective way.

Review---This book needs work:
Ok, I am a new fencer, and a novice being critical of someone as famous as Nick Evangelista may seem a bit out of line at this stage of my career. However, I did buy the book and did read the book, and I suppose in this great American republic, that qualifies me to review his work. I found Mr. Evangelista's book to be a series of essays regarding his philosophy of fencing. The essays, are for the most part ungrouped by theme or topic, and tend to take on a tone that could only be described as a bitter rant. I don't know what school of fencing offended Mr. Evangelista, but he is sure sore at someone, and it does not help the book at all. He constantly rails against those who are 'brutal, fast, etc. etc,' with little fencing grace or skill. Other comments: Mr. Evangelista writes well in a tactical sense, he is however prone to repeating himself, and his stories. These vignettes offer little to the beginner, and the title of the book never delivers the promise. Advice: If you are a beginner, pass on this one, perhaps, as I gain experience it will take on more meaning, but as I read it, the book was a rant against some unknown group of bad guys.

ONE OF THE GREAT FENCING BOOKS OF ALL TIME!:
This is my second review. The other one I wrote was for Nick Evangelista's THE ART AND SCIENCE OF FENCING. I love this book, too. It makes fencing come alive. It is, in fact, the most original fencing book of all time. Strangely, I read one review, just before the one I am submitting, where the writer, who admits to being new to fencing, goes on to criticize Maestro Evangelista's book. I guess in America anyone has the right to publically display their ignorance! As my grandad used to say when we heard questionable remarks, "Consider the source!" If you want to read a book that will both inform and entertain you, buy a copy of THE INNER GAME OF FENCING. You'll be rereading it for years to come.

Another of Evangelista's super works!:
The Art and Science of Fencing should be the first step for people interested in the topic, beginner, fencers and writers wanting a good feel for the subject. However, Evangelista builds on that solid foundation of the first book, by moving into the practical mentality needed to do well in the sport. This book is dedicated to excellence in form, technique, mindset and the fencer's élan. Evangelista gives such a rich in-depth look at the sport, how to succeed, how to adjusting your mind to winning. This a must for fencers looking to win and improve in all aspects of the sport.