admin wrote:http://books.google.co.uk/books?id=HVMCAAAAYAAJ&printsec=titlepage&dq=Nuevo+Arte+de+Esgrima&lr=&as_brr=1
Thanks Matt, this work is during the period when Spanish swordplay was converting from what still was la verdadera destreza, as in works by Brea, and the final master examiners were also listed as being masters of that art. Those ultimate works were being produced ca 1805. Then in the 1860s and thereafter,there was an attempt to return to the older way, lead by Villamill and his master, who was a student of Zea, the last master of the old school. They were interacting with some of the French and Italians in the latter part of that century in the recreation or reinvigoration of sword and dagger.
I think this is going to be some of our report on researches that Galas and I will be giving at Dijon. If there is time. However, I can share at least the highlights of our notes in this area with any who wish.
Steve