When Sherlock Holmes wrestled with Dr Moriarty on thh Reichenbach Falls, he was employing a system of self-defence that was all the rage in Victorian Britain. In an age when footpads and fogle-snatchers meant a man of breeding took his life in his hands when walking across town, a martial arts craze took hold that did not escape Conan-Doyle's keen eye for research. Schools sprung up all over London, chief among which was E.W. Barton-Wright's "Bartitsu" method. The Sherlock Holmes School of Self-Defence commemorates Barton-Wright's exploits and the fighting techniques of the famous sleuth himself (though Conan-Doyle mischiveously spelled it Baristu). Learn how to defend yourself with an overcoat, cane, or umbrella, or even to wield your bicycle against an attacker. Wonderful illustrations based on original photographs instruct the reader in skills that range from the sublime to the elementary.
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E.W. Barton-Wright (1860-1951) studied jiu jitsu and judo in Japan during the 1890s and brought the techniques he learned back to England where he set up a school-at-arms teaching in hybrid of oriental and European self-defence he called Bartitsu.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
13 of 13 people found the following review helpful
By S. Lindgren
VINE™ VOICE
Format:Hardcover
This book will most likely be purchased by fans of Conan-Doyle's most famous character, or by those looking for a small gift for those who love their Holmes. However, it has a somewhat wider appeal, particularly to those interested in the development of western, or at least westernized, martial arts.
The text and pictures / drawings appears to be an amalgamation of two articles written for Pearson's Magazine by E. W. Barton-Wright on his 'new' system, which was largely a combination of basic jujitsu holds and grappling combined with some practical stick-fighting techniques, suggestions of how to use a bicycle as a practical aid to self-defence, and interspaced with a handful of select quotations from Conan-Doyle's Holmes cannon. Books of this kind were very popular in the final decade of the 19th century and early 20th century, a good example being 'Broadsword and Single-Stick' by R. G. Allanson-Wynn & C. Phillips-Wolley, and 'The "Walking Stick" Method of Self-Defence' by Mr. H. G. Lang. It reads in a very similar way, and is quite entertaining, while certainly providing a useful additional insight into the contermporary late Victorian and Edwardian life and environment, and the kind of fighting methods Conan-Doyle had in mind for his character. Although this is perhaps the selling point and main object of the book, it should be noted that what it describes remains quite practical. Granted, relatively few able-bodied men or women carry walking sticks in the 21st century, which reduces some of the value of the sections on stick use, but they are still interesting to read, and retain a certain indirect interest and use.
The book itself is beautifully presented; the hardback covers are of good quality, with chamfered corners, and a nice maroon cloth spine. The paper and print are of equally good quality, while the presumably reproduced pictures are as clear and well defined as could be hoped for. Well worth buying.
The text and pictures / drawings appears to be an amalgamation of two articles written for Pearson's Magazine by E. W. Barton-Wright on his 'new' system, which was largely a combination of basic jujitsu holds and grappling combined with some practical stick-fighting techniques, suggestions of how to use a bicycle as a practical aid to self-defence, and interspaced with a handful of select quotations from Conan-Doyle's Holmes cannon. Books of this kind were very popular in the final decade of the 19th century and early 20th century, a good example being 'Broadsword and Single-Stick' by R. G. Allanson-Wynn & C. Phillips-Wolley, and 'The "Walking Stick" Method of Self-Defence' by Mr. H. G. Lang. It reads in a very similar way, and is quite entertaining, while certainly providing a useful additional insight into the contermporary late Victorian and Edwardian life and environment, and the kind of fighting methods Conan-Doyle had in mind for his character. Although this is perhaps the selling point and main object of the book, it should be noted that what it describes remains quite practical. Granted, relatively few able-bodied men or women carry walking sticks in the 21st century, which reduces some of the value of the sections on stick use, but they are still interesting to read, and retain a certain indirect interest and use.
The book itself is beautifully presented; the hardback covers are of good quality, with chamfered corners, and a nice maroon cloth spine. The paper and print are of equally good quality, while the presumably reproduced pictures are as clear and well defined as could be hoped for. Well worth buying.
12 of 13 people found the following review helpful
By Andy K
Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase
Excellent guide to help a chap deal with the kind of ruffian and cad one runs into nowadays. Who knew a bicycle could be such an effective weapon?
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful
By Bamboo
Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase
I bought it as a gift to a Sherlock Holmes fan. It was taken from my inquisitive grasp as soon as I finished 'yes, it is the baritsu mentioned by Conan Doyle'. I haven't seen it since. Next time, I'll time my comments.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
fight from a bicycle
pretty good self defence from the victorian era, fighting with a walking stick, how to use a bicycle for self defence, I'd never thought of that one, I'd say value for money and... Read more
Published 7 days ago by Alfonzo Bloo
5.0 out of 5 stars
Unexpected
I bought is because of the names on the cover, never thought that it will be of any practical use at all, and I was so wrong, yes its funny and a bit over the top with language but... Read more
Published 2 months ago by USSRangel85
5.0 out of 5 stars
I love it!
I am big fan of Sherlock Holmes and Martial Arts/Self-Defence and when I found this book, I was really looking forward to reading it! Read more
Published 3 months ago by M. Flynn
5.0 out of 5 stars
GREAT BOOK
A very funny book, I know my sherlock holmes fan will love it, especially the part on how to deal with a ruffian. Fast delivery too.
Published 4 months ago by mooncalf
4.0 out of 5 stars
Eccentric fun
Firstly the production of this book is excellent. Hard backed with a cloth spine really giving it a feel fitting with the original publications of the images in 1900. Read more
Published 5 months ago by Sir Weasel
5.0 out of 5 stars
Fun Book
Truly a fascinating read, and well worth the price I paid! I bought this as a bit of a joke but was pleasntly surprised to find some useful gems inside
Published 5 months ago by Ewen Campbell
5.0 out of 5 stars
Surprisingly useful
This book was worth the money I paid just for the illustrations - the section on defending oneself with a bicycle are particularly funny. Read more
Published 6 months ago by Jacoby
5.0 out of 5 stars
Bartitsu / Baritsu self defence as used by Sherlock Holmes
I have seen the illustrations for Bartitsu also known as Baritsu and it is a very useful method of self defence. Read more
Published 6 months ago by Mr. M. Sanders
5.0 out of 5 stars
Funny little manual
The book has a charming sense of humor spread across several step-by-step guides to performing self defense techniques. Read more
Published 7 months ago by Andy
5.0 out of 5 stars
A true gem
I ordered this book and received in just 3 days. As a bartitsu practitioner I was aware of the content
of the book, but never imagined such a high quality of binding and... Read more
of the book, but never imagined such a high quality of binding and... Read more
Published 7 months ago by SANDOR ZSOLT
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