Secret Weapons

Author : Mark P Donnelly

Book Type : Non-Fiction

~ The Untold History, Forms, and Use of Sword-Canes and Swordsticks ~ This is the first book ever written on the subject of Swordsticks. Yes, really. While numerous books have been...

$89.95

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ISBN/ASIN: 9798888194881

~ The Untold History, Forms, and Use of Sword-Canes and Swordsticks ~

This is the first book ever written on the subject of Swordsticks. Yes, really. While numerous books have been written on the history of canes and walking sticks, as well as collector guides, Secret Weapons is the first publication to undertake a comprehensive and in-depth examination of sword-canes and swordsticks. The sections of Secret Weapons encompass a comprehensive historical overview and cultural analysis of Swordsticks, tracing their development from Ancient Egypt and Rome through the Middle Ages, Renaissance, Regency, Victorian, and Edwardian eras. The book features numerous primary source newspaper accounts documenting the use of Swordsticks in both offensive and defensive contexts. The second section introduces an original typology of Swordsticks, utilizing blade profiles and various lock mechanisms as classification criteria. This is complemented by high-quality photographs showcasing a diverse array of notable antique specimens, creating an experience comparable to visiting a museum devoted solely to Swordsticks and Sword-Canes. The final section examines primary source material related to 18th- and 19th-century self-defense methodologies, drawing from cane combat and fencing treatises. Offering unique and specific advice for Martial Artist enthusiasts, Fight Directors, Actors, and Choreographers for the use of the unique tactical properties particular to Swordsticks. Secret Weapons offers a timely look at collectible historic Swordsticks, the final edged weapon used for civilian self-defense.

by Mark P. Donnelly
Page Count: 314 (with color images)
Trim Size: 8.5 x 11 (hardcover)
Publish Date: July 28, 2026
Imprint: Black Suit Books
Genre: Antiques

ANTIQUES & COLLECTIBLES / Firearms & Weapons
ANTIQUES & COLLECTIBLES / Textiles & Costume
HISTORY / Europe / Great Britain / Victorian Era (1837-1901)

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Mark Donnelly is no stranger to writing comprehensively on fascinating aspects of history. In this book he sets out to provide a broad yet thorough review of the world of the sword cane. It features extensive writing, clear photographs of originals and technical images to illustrate his methods for their use in earnest, peppered with useful references.
He succeeds in his aim of providing insight on on not only the forms of the swordcane but also methods for its historical use, extrapolated from documented evidence. This is further developed from period accounts of the carrying and use of this defensive tool over the centuries as well as providing context for its social implications for those that carried them and perceptions of those that they were used against.
It also introduces an original classification system to help those fascinated by this topic identify the origins of any examples that they may have collected or be inspired to acquire. By focussing on retention types, as well as blade types it provides a neat yet effective tool that will no doubt become the default reference language for collectors.
Every time I read a section and thought “Ah, but he's missed out...” I found that it was covered in detail later on and that that there was material that I was not familiar with in addition.
As a first in the field this is a thorough and informative read, destined to be the foundation subsequent research is based on.
It will delight and inform not only those fascinated by those specifically interested in these curiosity of the past but also cane collectors, martial arts practitioners, historians of self defence and aficionados of the obscure.

Secret Weapons

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