A "Fechtbuch" is a historical manual that outlines techniques and principles of combat, particularly in the context of medieval European martial arts. These books often include illustrations and descriptions of various fighting styles, weapons, and strategies, serving as instructional guides for practitioners of the time. Many famous masters of martial arts, such as Johannes Liechtenauer and Sigmund Ringeck, contributed to the creation of these texts. The Fechtbuchs were essential for preserving knowledge about swordsmanship and other forms of combat, influencing modern interpretations of historical European martial arts (HEMA).