Additional information
by Tony Mita (Editor), Jared Kirby (Editor), George Chapman (Author)
This new edition is a faithful transcription presented with original photographs of the illustrations.
George Chapman was born in England in 1814 and educated in France. Upon returning to England around 1840, Chapman took classes at the famous Angelo School (at that time run by Henry Angelo). Not satisfied with this alone, Chapman brought together several friends to fence in the evenings at Reilly the gunsmith's shop. It was here that he met Colonel C. M. Maynard, of the Life Guards, who sought Chapman's help in forming the London Fencing Club in July 1848. In 1856 Chapman joined Baptiste Bertrand to establish a salle d' armes. Bertrand had a high opinion of Chapman stating that "in his prime, George Chapman was 'the finest blade in the three kingdoms."
Shortly thereafter (and at the persuasion of Baptiste Bertrand), Chapman published his Foil Practice in 1861, and later his Notes and Observations on the Art of Fencing in 1864. Foil Practice was well received by the press and public. Most notably, it was honored with the approval of H.R.H. the Duke of Cambridge, the Commander-in Chief. The Duke recommended, "it to the attention of officers in the Army interested in the art of arms." Chapman hoped his book would be adopted as the standard manual for use in the British Army, stating on the cover page, "For the use of Military Classes, Instructors in the Army, and others." However, the Army decided the work of an amateur could not be regarded as authoritative, and that an official manual must be prepared by a professional man.
The Army, through their decision, passed up one of the most concise and clear English books on fencing at this time.
