Exercise of Armes: A history of the sword and its use – Dueling through the ages, presented by Professor Mark P. Donnelly.
In 1884 Sir Richard Francis Burton wrote that, “… the history of the sword is the history of mankind.” This lecture/presentation examines the various types and evolution (read as process of change and not necessarily implying improvement) of swords through history. Why they are designed the way they are and the techniques which were taught for their use. Why and how they change and what other social and cultural factors they affected. This material shall not only be presented as a lecture using slides, etc, it shall also take the form of a presentation, with techniques demonstrated, and somewhere between 100-200 swords for the purpose of illustration.
Best known for her behind-the-scenes work as director of Steampunk programming and exhibits at conventions throughout the Southeast, Paige “Ex Libris” Smith is regularly recognized for her award-winning automaton costumes. A dedicated champion of ‘re-purposing’ garb and gear with Steampunk vision, Paige is a prominent advocate of Steampunk as a subculture in various media and her writing and interviews appear regularly in on-line and publishing outlets. As director of “The Steampunk Exhibition” at Dragon*Con in Atlanta, she is full committed to bringing the most talented builders, makers and designers of Steampunk and Victorian futurist gear to the attention of a broader, appreciative audience. Paige can also be found dumpster diving for new inspiration behind the finest hotels at conventions across the U.S.
Presented by Bartitsu Master 
Mark P. Donnelly is a multi-award winning author, historian, screenwriter, and television producer as well as internationally renowned duelist, swashbuckler, and constant gentleman.
