BibliOdyssey has posted some fascinating pages from the 1630 book, Academy of the Sword. Or rather, its full title is:
Academy of the Sword. Wherein is demonstrated by mathematical rules on the foundation of a mysterious circle, the theory and practice of the true and heretofore unknown secrets of handling arms on foot and horseback.
Apparently the horseback portion was never to be realized, however–sort of like History of the World Part II. This book is pretty damn rare in its original form, apparently: they report it can go for $50,000. If I were you and wanted it, though, I’d stick with the re-release.
