The Illustrated History of Weaponry: From Flint Axes to Automatic Weapons

by Chuck Wills

Book Overview

A complete look at weapons--from the Stone Age to the Bronze Age, from spears to swords. When did hunting weapons begin to be used against humans instead of animals? What is the difference between the... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1592581277
• ISBN13: 9781592581276
• Release Date: January 2006
• Publisher: Hylas Publishing
• Length: 240 Pages
• Weight: 2.64 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.1" x 9.0" x 11.1"

Customer Reviews

Decent visual source

This is by no means a comprehensive guide - page 18 of this 240 page book discusses the first human weapons while page 30 is already at the end of the Middle Ages. It is really just a visual guide to firearms and especially ceremonial and concealable bladed weapons; there is very little `meat' in this book; it is a light read made for the eyes, not the brain. It is full of interesting specimens, however, and does cover firearms thoroughly, and thus I am inclined to give it 4 stars instead of 3 - just don't buy it if you are only into ancient warfare, or if you want an encyclopedic guide.

Weapons as art

This beautiful, photo-packed book indeed outlines evolution of weaponry, but I am most struck by the artistry of the implements. A jewel-encrusted scimitar (1,295 diamonds; owned by Catherine the Great), beaded American Indian club, carvings on an 1880s bicycle pistol and Turkish shield -- all are works by master artisans. Ivory and pearl of pistol handles, wood grain for rifles, and precious metal inlays create a sense that these are objects of beauty rather than ruin. A glossary explains nuances, like the luk of a kris or pommel of a hilt. To think that it was the personal collection of a man and wife -- now in an Alabama museum -- shows both generosity and appreciation of its historical and aesthetic value. This volume captures it all.