Learning the art and philosophy of the ancient and mysterious discipline of Siclian stiletto dueling. Maestro Vito Quattrocchi relates the history of his training in rural Sicily in the early 1970's under the tutelage of his grandfather, Don Giuseppe Quattrocchi.

After Mario Puzo wrote his internationally acclaimed The Godfather, he has often been imitated but never equaled. Puzo's classic novel, The Sicilian, stands as a cornerstone of his work—a lushly romantic, unforgettable tale of bloodshed, justice, and treachery. . . . The year is 1950. Michael Corleone is nearing the end of his exile in Sicily. The Godfather has commanded Michael to bring a young Sicilian bandit named Salvatore Guiliano back with him to America. But Guiliano is a man entwined in a bloody web of violence and vendettas. In Sicily, Guiliano is a modern day Robin Hood who has defied corruption—and defied the Cosa Nostra. Now, in the land of mist-shrouded mountains and ancient ruins, Michael Corleone's fate is entwined with the dangerous legend of Salvatore Guiliano: warrior, lover, and the ultimate Siciliano. Praise for The Sicilian “Puzo is a master storyteller.”—USA Today “The Balzac of the mafia.”—Time “An accomplished and imaginative writer.”—Los Angeles Times

I am extremely satisfied with this book. Itrepresents the desired result coming from yearsof hard study and training, throughout which Icould meet several knife fencers with whom I usedto compare myself on the competition ground.I also had the opportunity to train with themand, sometimes, to exchange ideas and thoughtsabout this specific sports context. The variousexperiences, stories and anecdotes enriched meday by day, fueling my thoughts and evaluationsto the point I was finally able to carry out this text.

This book starts the reader on a journey through time, with a short history of folding knives, leading to the evolution of the first switchblade. Progressing through time, wonderful photos illustrate the descriptions of switchblades. Throughout the book, highlighted sections showcase specific details that will be most helpful to collectors. Also included are facts about knifemakers styles, patterns, tang stamps, and a complete illustrated glossary. Contents Include: The first ever comprehensive publication about Italian switchblade knives, featuring knives and history from the late 1700s to the 1970s. Pictured within this hardbound book are nearly 200 beautiful photos and ephemera of the most unique and rarest Italian switchblades. Actual-size photos span more than two centuries of knifemaking history. Also pictured are catalog pages and advertisements, as well as historical photos. Extensive research has gone into this book to present never-before-published information which clears up and dispells many myths. Entire sections are dedicated to the most sought-after knifemaking companies, such as: Latama Coricama Mauro Mario Details about the knifemakers and businessmen involved behind the knives reveal who the major players shaping the switchblade industry and who made knives for other companies.

Spain's rich hisory of blade-handling comes alive through photos, rare historical illustrations and colorful stories from American ninjutsu master James Loriega. He presents the secrets of the three distinct styles of Eveillian Steel - this book is an invaluable resource for anyone interested in knives, knife-fighting, European martial arts or Spanish culture.

This book will teach you the Angelic, connection to the seven knife movements of the Sicilian-Italian Stiletto fighting art of San Michele . Each move is related to one of the Great Archangels and you are taught exactly how and when to use each one to put you in contact with the Ancient Christian Archangels of Antiquity . Each move and corresponding Archangel is described in detail and how each can help you and exactly when and how to use these moves as moving prayers to put you in direct contact with the Archangel of choice.

Welcome to the nightmare . . . There is a world you don't know about, inhabited by supernatural creatures of darkness—vampires, werewolves, and all manner of savage, impossible beasts that live for terror and slaughter and blood. They are all around us but you cannot see them, for knowledge of their presence—so close and so hungry—would surely drive any ordinary human insane. But for centuries a special breed of hunter has kept the monsters at bay, preventing them from breaking through the increasingly fragile barriers protecting our mortal realm. These guardians are called skinners. But beware . . . for there are very few of them left.