Fechtbucher are historical manuals that detail the art of fencing, particularly from the late Middle Ages to the Renaissance. These books often include illustrations and descriptions of various techniques, weapons, and combat styles, serving as instructional guides for both beginners and advanced practitioners. Typically written by masters of the martial arts, Fechtbucher cover a range of topics, including swordplay, grappling, and the use of different weapons like the longsword and dagger. They are valuable resources for understanding the martial traditions of the time and are studied by modern practitioners of historical European martial arts (HEMA).