Weapons and equipment Books

Book SynopsisIn the early 14th century, a new weapon entered the arsenals of European armies. This first generation of black powder weapons put fear into the heart of the enemy and in 1453 Ottoman cannon succeeded in pummelling the once-impregnable walls of Constantinople. But cannons, which are both slow and cumbersome, were difficult to use and often proved inaccurate. The first handgonnes were the answer. Easily dismissed by later historians as nothing more than crude tubes that shot wildly inaccurate lead balls, more recent research has revealed the true accuracy of the medieval handgonne together with its penetrative power. This volume, complete with detailed illustrations and colour photographs of reconstructed handgonnes, reveals the true history of what could easily have been the most revolutionary weapon in history. This book will be a must for medieval enthusiasts and re-enactors.Table of ContentsIntroduction/ Development/ Use /Impact /Conclusion

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Book SynopsisThis intriguing book describes the Romans'' formidably warlike enemies in modern Romania and Bulgaria their ''most illustrated'' opponents, thanks to friezes on Trajan''s Column and carvings on Trajan''s Adamklissi monument.Formidable warriors, able to field tens of thousands of infantry and cavalry and led by a military aristocracy, the Dacians and Getae presented a real threat to Rome''s north-eastern frontier. They inflicted several defeats on Rome, crossing the Danube to invade the province of Moesia, and later stubbornly resisting counter-invasions from their strong mountain fortresses.Historians believe that the Dacians and Getae were essentially the same group of tribes during successive periods, related to Thracian tribes from territory south of the Carpathian Mountains, but their exact relationship in place and time is a subject for debate. Those called the ''Getae'' by ancient Greek sources were actively expanding by at least the 4th century BC; somTrade Reviewwell-produced, extensively illustrated and carefully edited little book. * Army Rumour Service *Table of ContentsINTRODUCTION SELECT CHRONOLOGY THE GETAE AND DACI IN ANCIENT SOURCES SOCIAL STRUCTURES ARMIES CAMPAIGNS APPEARANCE MILITARY EQUIPMENT AND USE SELECT BIBLIOGRAPHY PLATE COMMENTARIES INDEX

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Book SynopsisThis book covers the military history of the Vikings from their early raiding to the final failure of their expansionist ambitions directed against England.

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Book SynopsisThis new study lifts the veil on the high-profile but often misunderstood gladiators of ancient Rome, from their origins to the dawn of the Principate.Originating in funeral rites during the Punic Wars of the 3rd century BC, the Roman gladiator games have come to symbolize the spectacle and savagery of Republican and Imperial Rome. Increasingly elaborate rules and rituals governed the conduct of gladiator combat, with an array of specially armed and armoured gladiator types pitted against one another, either singly or in groups. While many gladiators met a grisly end, some survived to achieve celebrity and make huge fortunes.Despite the wealth of literary and archaeological evidence, many misconceptions about the gladiators and their violent world remain. Featuring eight plates of stunning specially commissioned artwork alongside photographs and drawings of key items of visual evidence, this fully illustrated account recreates the little-known and under-represTable of ContentsOrigins and evolution Becoming a gladiator The armaturae Gladiator gear Bibliography Index

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a huge range and FREE tracked UK delivery on ALL orders.

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Book SynopsisThis book is a fascinating discussion of the development of the military equipment of the earliest organized armies.

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Book SynopsisA comprehensive and amply illustrated study of Roman shields, their changing styles, their construction and their use in combatTrade ReviewA good introduction on the subject for new readers as well as an exciting read for specialists. -- Gabriele Esposito * Ancient Warfare Magazine *

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Book SynopsisFor centuries, the crossbow had dominated the battlefields of continental Europe, with mercenaries from Genoa and Brabant in particular filling the ranks of the French army, yet on the outbreak of the Hundred Years'' War they came up against a more powerful foe. To master the English longbow was a labor of years, requiring far greater skill to use than the crossbow, but it was much more flexible and formidable, striking fear into French men-at-arms and cavalry.This study examines three battles: Sluys (1340), Crécy (1346) and Poitiers (1356), and shows how the use of the longbow allowed England''s armies to inflict crushing defeats on numerically superior forces. The longbow changed the shape of war, becoming the defining weapon of the age and wreaking havoc upon the French armies that would face it. Featuring full-color artwork, this is the engrossing story of the first clashes between the English longbowmen and the crossbowmen of the French king on the bloody battlefields

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Book SynopsisFeaturing contemporary photographs and full-color artwork, this title explores the action-packed history of the Hotchkiss machine gun and its derivatives, which were used around the globe for nearly fifty years. Created by a long-forgotten Austrian nobleman, Adolf Odkolek von Augezd, the air-cooled Hotchkiss machine gun was the first to function effectively by tapping propellant gas from the bore as the gun fired. Although the Hotchkiss would be overshadowed by the water-cooled Maxim and Vickers Guns, it proved its effectiveness during the Russo-Japanese War. The gun, quirky though it was, was successful enough to persuade Laurence Benét and Henri Mercié to develop the Modèle Portative: a man-portable version which, it was hoped, could move with infantrymen as they advanced. Later mounted on tanks and aircraft, it became the first automatic weapon to obtain a kill in aerial combat. Though it served the French and US armies during World War I (and also tTable of ContentsIntroduction /Development /Use /Impact /Conclusion /Bibliography /Index

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Book SynopsisFor the first time ever, compare the British and German World War II big guns duelling with each other and harrying shipping in the Channel.One of the longest-running battles of World War II took place across the English Channel, in which huge artillery guns attempted to destroy each other, created psychological terror among the local inhabitants living near the coast, and harassed shipping over a four-year period.Neil Short examines the array of powerful weapons located across the Strait of Dover. Superb colour artworks explore both fixed gun batteries (including ''Jane'' and ''Clem'', and batteries Todt and Lindemann) and railway artillery (such as the German K5 and K12 guns, and the British 18in. ''Boche Buster''). Construction and targeting technology used by each side are also covered in detail, and the locations of all the major sites around Dover and Calais are pinpointed on easy to follow maps.Trade ReviewThis book deserves great praise for highlighting a little known part of the war. -- Simon Dalton * History Book Chat *An unusual subject, recommended. * Tankette *Table of ContentsIntroduction Chronology Design and Development Technical Specifications The Combatants The Strategic Situation Combat Statistics and Analysis Aftermath Bibliography Index

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Book SynopsisUnique first-hand account of the Falkland s War published to coincide with the 35th anniversary of the conflict

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Book SynopsisThe crossbow is an iconic weapon of the Middle Ages and, alongside the longbow, one of the most effective ranged weapons of the pre-gunpowder era. Unfortunately, despite its general fame it has been decades since an in-depth history of the medieval crossbow has been published, which is why Stuart Ellis-Gorman's detailed, accessible, and highly illustrated study is so valuable. The Medieval Crossbow approaches the history of the crossbow from two directions. The first is a technical study of the design and construction of the medieval crossbow, the many different kinds of crossbows used during the Middle Ages, and finally a consideration of the relationship between crossbows and art. The second half of the book explores the history of the crossbow, from its origins in ancient China to its decline in sixteenth-century Europe. Along the way it explores the challenges in deciphering the crossbow's early medieval history as well as its prominence in warfare and sport shooting in the High and Later Middle Ages. This fascinating book brings together the work of a wide range of accomplished crossbow scholars and incorporates the author's own original research to create an account of the medieval crossbow that will appeal to anyone looking to gain an insight into one of the most important weapons of the Middle Ages.

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Book Synopsis'Drawing on the stories of the soldiers who were there, this dramatic history of the SAS is full of bravado. Forged to fight guerrillas in the sweltering jungles of Malaya... Ryan writes with the authority of a man familiar with every nuance of the regiment's tactics, training, weapons and equipment.' - Sunday Times CultureTasked with storming mountain strongholds in the desert. Trained to hunt down the world's most wanted terrorists. This is the extraordinary story of 22 SAS. The history of the modern SAS is one of the great successes of post-war Britain. Since it was revived in 1950 to combat Communist insurgents, the Regiment has gone from strength to strength, fighting covert wars in Oman, Borneo, Northern Ireland, the Falklands, the Persian Gulf and beyond. In the process, it has become one of the most indispensable, and at times controversial, units in the British armyToday, the SAS is regarded as the world's leading Special Forces unit, renowned for its demanding Selection course and its relentless ability to adapt to the changing nature of warfare. More than anything else, however, it is the determination and ingenuity of the SAS soldiers that has made the Regiment what it is today. Drawing on his extensive network of contacts and his own experiences, Chris Ryan tells the story of the men on the ground. From the earliest patrols in the Malayan jungle, through to the storming of the Iranian Embassy, the daring raids behind enemy lines in the Gulf War, and up-to-minute missions to capture or kill notorious terrorists - this is the gripping, no-holds-barred account of Regiment operations. Above all, it is a story of elite soldiers fighting, and triumphing, against seemingly impossible odds.Trade ReviewPraise for Chris Ryan * : *Ryan chooses fiercely up-to-the-minute plots, and laces them with an exceptional eye for detail and insider knowledge ... Fearsome and fast-moving. * Daily Mail *The action comes bullet-fast and Ryan's experience of covert operations flash through the high-speed story like tracer rounds * The Sun *Nobody takes you to the action better than Ryan, because he's the real deal, and this muscle-and-bone thriller will have fans' blood pumping. * Evening Standard *

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Book SynopsisThe breech-loading, single-shot .458in Martini-Henry rifle has become a symbol of both the Anglo-Zulu War of 1879 and the numerous battles in Egypt and the Sudan in 1884–85, but continued to be used by both British and colonial troops well into the 20th century. Its invention and introduction into British service were in direct response to the success of the Prussian Dreyse needle gun, which demonstrated that the breech-loading rifle offered faster loading, improved accuracy and superior range; significantly, the weapon could be loaded and fired from a prone position, thus offering the rifleman greater security on the battlefield. Due to the longevity of service, many Martini-Henry rifles survive today, both in museums and in private collections, and the weapon is highly prized by shooting enthusiasts. Featuring specially commissioned full-colour artwork and an array of arresting first-hand accounts and written by an authority on warfare in the Victorian era, this engaging study tells the story of the powerful Martini-Henry and its impact on the battlefield, from the Anglo-Zulu War to the opening months of World War I.Table of ContentsIntroduction /Development /Use /Impact /Further Reading /Index

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Book SynopsisAn insight into the design, construction and opera, The Soviet T-34 was the most produced tank of the Second World War and its revolutionary sloping armour became a major influence on future tank design. With its combination of heavy firepower, mobility and protection, the T-34 gave the Red Army a war-winning weapon with which to break the German Army on the Eastern Front., A mainstay of the Soviet armoured divisions, it was widely exported after the war and in 2017 it remains in frontline service with many third world countries., Author Mark Healy combines a detailed technical examination of the T-34 with its legendary combat history., Mark Healy is the author of several books including Midway 1942, The Tiger Tank Story and Zitadelle: The German Offensive against the Kursk Salient 14-17 July 1943. He also produced the best-selling video series Die Deutschen Panzer. He lives in Dorset.,Table of ContentsHaynes Manual treatment of the most successful tank of the Second World War. In series with the Haynes Tiger, Panzer III, Churchill and Sherman Tank Manuals. Authoritative text. Specially commissioned artwork. Fully illustrated with more than 250 photographs and line drawings.

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Book SynopsisIn the summer of 1942, Stanley Lovell, a renowned industrial chemist, received a mysterious order to report to an unfamiliar building in Washington, D.C. When he arrived, he was led to a barren room where he waited to meet the man who had summoned him. After a disconcerting amount of time, William ‘Wild Bill’ Donovan, the head of the Office of Strategic Services (OSS), walked in the door. ‘You know your Sherlock Holmes, of course,’ Donovan said as an introduction. ‘Professor Moriarty is the man I want for my staff... I think you’re it.’Following this life-changing encounter, Lovell became the head of a secret group of scientists who developed dirty tricks for the OSS, the precursor to the CIA. Their inventions included Bat Bombs, suicide pills, fighting knives, silent pistols, and camouflaged explosives. Moreover, they forged documents for undercover agents, plotted the assassination of foreign leaders, and performed truth drug experiments on unsuspecting subjects.Based on extensive archival research and personal interviews, The Dirty Tricks Department tells the story of these scheming scientists, explores the moral dilemmas that they faced, and reveals their dark legacy of directly inspiring the most infamous program in CIA history: MKULTRA.Trade ReviewThe Dirty Tricks Department is a fascinating tale vividly told, full of sabotage and skulduggery, deviousness and invention, and populated by a cast of remarkable characters. James Bond meets Sherlock Holmes – but in deadly serious real life. -- H.W. Brands * New York Times bestselling author of the Pulitzer Prize finalists Traitor to His Class and The First American *

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Book SynopsisIn the years between 31 BC and AD 500 the Romans carved out a mighty empire stretching from Britain to the deserts of North Africa. The men who spearheaded this expansion were the centurions, the tough, professional warriors who led from the front, exerted savage discipline and provided a role model for the legionaries under their command. This book, the second volume of a two-part study, reveals the appearance, weaponry, role and impact of these legendary soldiers during the five centuries that saw the Roman Empire reach its greatest geographical extent under Trajan and Hadrian, only to experience a long decline in the West in the face of sustained pressure from its 'barbarian' neighbours. Featuring spectacular full-colour artwork, written by an authority on the army of the Caesars and informed by a wide range of sculptural, written and pictorial evidence from right across the Roman world, this book overturns established wisdom and sheds new light on Rome's most famous soldiers during the best-known era in its history.Table of ContentsIntroduction /Organization: centurions under the early Principate, in the army of the Julio-Claudian Caesars – the Flavian and Trajanic army – in the Marcomannic Wars – the 2nd and 3rd centuries – the period of military anarchy – the 4th century – the Eastern and Western Empires /Weapons, armour and clothing: offensive weapons, helmets, shields, body armour, rank symbols and insignia, and clothing /Service and discipline /Social status /Bibliography

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Book SynopsisA study of the Greek Hoplite in the "Golden Age" of Ancient Greek civilization, from the victory at Marathon over Darius of Persia, through bitter inter-state warfare, to the rise of Philip of Macedonia and his son Alexander the Great. It was during this Classical period that the state began to play an important role in military organization, taking responsibility for arming and equipping its citizens. Yet Hoplites also fought as mercenaries too, at the behest of their paymasters. The volume contains ten colour plates that seek to bring the Greek warrior of this period to life, covering his weapons, armour, shield and helmets, and how he was recruited, trained and fought.Table of ContentsChronology; the citizen soldier; weapons and armour; on campaign; the Hoplite in battle; strategy and tactics.

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Book SynopsisA History of the Samurai tells the complete story of Japan's legendary warrior class from beginning to end—an epic tale of intrigue, bloodshed and bravery that is central to an understanding of the Japanese character and of Japanese history. It describes in detail the core Samurai philosophy of Bushido—"the way of the warrior"—a complex code of conduct embracing ideals of honor and loyalty that continues to govern the Japanese way of life today.Historian Jonathan Lopez-Vera offers a compelling look at these enigmatic warriors including: The lives of famous Samurai—Miyamoto Musashi, Japan's greatest swordsman; Tomoe Gozen, the woman who became a Samurai; Tokugawa Ieyasu, the last Shogun; and many more The tragic tale of the 47 Ronin who chose honor over their own lives and were forced to commit ritual suicide after avenging their fallen master The philosophy of Bushido, "the Way of the Warrior," the code of conduct that embraced the ideals of honor and loyalty and governed the Samurai way of living The decline of the Samurai and their transformation from rough, battle-hardened warriors to highly educated philosopher-poets Illustrated with 125 archival prints and photos, the nobility and grandeur of the Samurai is brilliantly showcased in this book. Readers will enjoy immersing themselves in the Samurai's world, as historian Jonathan Lopez-Vera traces the fascinating story of the rise and fall of these enigmatic warriors throughout Japanese history.Trade Review"In A History of the Samurai there are seven centuries of battles, intrigues, invasion attempts and great characters with exciting biographies." -- 20 Minutos newspaper"…a thorough investigation into these warriors." -- Sapiens magazine"Lopez-Vera's book sows a series of historical pearls that are a delight all on their own." -- El Peso Del Aire blog

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Book SynopsisTechnologically sophisticated and powerful, the crossbow has long enjoyed a popular reputation for villainous superiority because it could be used with little training as a weapon of assassination. The study of bow designs, trigger mechanisms and spanning devices reveals a tale of considerable mechanical ingenuity; advances that produced a battlefield weapon requiring comparatively little training to use. It was an extremely useful weapon, and especially effective in siege warfare for both attack and defence.Known to the Ancient Greeks and the Chinese as early as the 5th century BC, the crossbow developed both in Western Europe and in the Far East. Advances in trigger mechanisms, spanning and bow design allowed the development of ever more powerful bows. In this study acknowledged weaponry expert Mike Loades traces the origins, development, combat record and lasting legacy of the crossbow, the formidable projectile weapon that played a key role in a host of battles and siegeTable of ContentsIntroduction / Development / Use / Impact / Conclusion / Bibliography / Index

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Book SynopsisThe Roman long sword, the spatha, was central to the Romans'' defense of their empire--this title investigates the origins, development, combat use, and lasting legacy of this feared close-combat weapon. Adopted from the Celts in the 1st century BC, the spatha, a lethal and formidable chopping blade, became the primary sword of the Roman soldier in the Later Empire. Over the following centuries, the blade, its scabbard, and its system of carriage underwent a series of developments, until by the 3rd century AD it was the universal sidearm of both infantry and cavalry. Thanks to its long reach, the spatha was the ideal cavalry weapon, replacing the long gladius hispaniensis in the later Republican period. As the manner in which Roman infantrymen fought evolved, styles of hand-to-hand combat changed so much that the gladius was superseded by the longer spatha during the 2nd century AD. Like the gladius, the spatTable of ContentsIntroduction Development: Changing function Use: The cut and thrust Impact: The sword that defended an empire Conclusion Bibliography Index

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Book SynopsisPatented in 1898 and produced from 1900, Georg Luger's iconic semi-automatic pistol became synonymous with Germany's armed forces throughout both world wars. Initially chambered for the 7.65×21mm round, from 1902 the Luger was designed for DWM's 9×19mm round, which even today remains the most popular military handgun cartridge. It was adopted by the Imperial German Navy in 1904, followed by the German Army in 1908, receiving the name Pistole 08. Despite being supplanted by the Walther P38, the Luger remained in widespread service with all arms of Nazi Germany's armed forces throughout World War II, and even equipped East Germany's Volkpolizei in the years after 1945.Featuring full-colour artwork, expert analysis and archive and present-day photographs, this engaging study tells the story of the Luger, the distinctive and deadly semi-automatic pistol that has come to symbolize Germany's armed forces in the 20th century.

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Book SynopsisThe German Panther is one of the most famous, and greatest, tanks of World War II. Often considered the most elegant tank design of the war, it embodied a balance of firepower, armor protection, and mobility unmatched by any other tank of the period. This new study by German armor expert Thomas Anderson draws upon original German archival material to tell the story of the birth of the Panther in response to the Soviet tanks encountered in 1941. He then analyzes its success on the battlefield and the many modifications and variants that also came into play. Illustrated throughout with rare photographs and drawings, many of which have never been published in English before, this is a unique history of one of the most famous tanks of World War II.

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Book SynopsisFirst English translation of this rare manuscript to be published compiled by a leading expert in the field of medieval and Renaissance martial combatTrade Review"This is the most in-depth account of sword technique we've seen, and military history buffs will find an awful lot to enjoy here. If you're interested in learning more about what many would call a lost art, then this translated work is an excellent place to start"--History of Royals "If you're interested in how people actually fought in the Early Modern Age, or just want to be able to visualize the duel between Romeo and Tybalt, The Art of Sword Combat is a book that will tell you everything you need to know."--Medievalists.net

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Book SynopsisTrade ReviewWinner of a 2017 Distinguished Book Award, Society of Military History "[An] enlightening new history."--Alex Monro, Times Literary Supplement "The Gunpowder Ageis a boldly argued, prodigiously researched and gracefully written work. This book has much to offer general readers, especially those with a passion for military history, as well as specialists."--Wall Street Journal "An excellent book."--Tyler Cowen, Marginal Revolution "A vigorous military history of China."--Kirkus "In Tonio Andrade's well-researched, balanced and comparative history of military innovation in Asia and the West, he challenges the traditional notion - compellingly set forth by Victor Davis Hanson in Carnage and Culture and Niall Ferguson in Civilization--that Western culture largely explains Western global predominance in the post-medieval world."--South China Morning Post "Tonio Andrade wipes out the conviction held by many ... in the field of Chinese history that it was Confucianism that kept China from adopting military technology... Andrade is not the first scholar to make such claims, but he leads us deeper in these directions than any scholar to date. The case he makes here will encourage new publications along those lines and will certainly make teaching more interesting."--Jonathan Mirsky, Times Higher Education "In this well-constructed new book, each chapter of which reads like an approachably paced lecture, Tonio Andrade sets this entire history on a new footing."--Timothy Brook, Literary Review "One of the best books I've read in awhile."--Thomas Ricks, Foreign Policy Blog "[The Gunpowder Age] challenges the traditional historiography and will spark debates among scholars."--Choice "An important, consistently interesting, accessible, and well-written work... Andrade is much to be congratulated for a stimulating book, one that greatly moves the field along, and one, moreover, that ably makes the case for the need to consider military history as part of the history of China, and Chinese military history as a key element of military history."--Jeremy Black, World History Connected "Tonio Andrade offers fresh insights into the perennially interesting 'great divergence' between Europe and Asia."--Pankaj Mishra, BBC History Magazine "Covering no less than a thousand years of history, marshaling a staggering array of evidence from multiple languages and disciplines, and offering sustained comparative analysis with other parts of the Western world, this is a big book in every sense of the word... Not only does Andrade significantly expand the geographical boundaries of conventional military histories to attend to global patterns, but he also offers a powerful reminder that the study of war offers insight into so much more than battles won and lost... Anyone interested in the long view of the co-evolution of war and society--and what this means for the big questions of world history--would do well to pick up this book."--David Fedman, Journal of Asian StudiesTable of ContentsIntroduction - The Military Pattern of the Chinese Past 1 PART I: CHINESE BEGINNINGS Chapter 1 The Crucible: The Song Warring States Period 15 Chapter 2 Early Gunpowder Warfare 29 Chapter 3 The Mongol Wars and the Evolution of the Gun 44 Chapter 4 Great Martiality: The Gunpowder Emperor 55 PART II: EUROPE GETS THE GUN Chapter 5 The Medieval Gun 75 Chapter 6 Big Guns: Why Western Europe and Not China Developed Gunpowder Artillery 88 Chapter 7 The Development of the Classic Gun in Europe 103 Chapter 8 The Gunpowder Age in Europe 115 Chapter 9 Cannibals with Cannons: The Sino-Portuguese Clashes of 1521-1522 124 PART III: AN AGE OF PARITY Chapter 10 The Frankish Cannon 135 Chapter 11 Drill, Discipline, and the Rise of the West 144 Chapter 12 The Musket in East Asia 166 Chapter 13 The Seventeenth Century: An Age of Parity? 188 Chapter 14 A European Naval Advantage 196 Chapter 15 The Renaissance Fortress: An Agent of European Expansion? 211 PART IV: THE GREAT MILITARY DIVERGENCE Chapter 16 The Opium War and the Great Divergence 237 Chapter 17 A Modernizing Moment: Opium War Reforms 257 Chapter 18 China's Modernization and the End of the Gunpowder Age 273 Conclusions - A New Warring States Period? 297 Acknowledgments 307 Appendix 1: Timeline 311 Appendix 2: Datasets 312 Abbreviations 317 Notes 319 Bibliography 379 Index 421

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Book SynopsisIn this new paperback editon of German Automatic Weapons of World War II, the seven classic automatic weapons of the World War II German Wehrmacht are described and illustrated in colour photographs. Detailed sequences show them in close-up; during step-by-step field stripping; and during handling, loading, and live-firing trials in outdoor settings, by gunners wearing authentic period uniforms. The illustrations are accompanied by concise accounts of each weapon's historical and technical background, and by accessible non-technical descriptions of its firing characteristics. Guns covered are: Mauser Schellfeuer machine pistol; Erma MP40 sub-machine gun; MG34 machine gun; MG42 machine gun; FG42/1 & II paratroop assault weapons; Sturmgewehr 44 assault rifle.

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Book SynopsisAutocannon is a comprehensive history of the development of automatic cannon and their ammunition from the end of the nineteenth century up to the present day. A brief history of their development is followed by sections examining the basic principles of gun and ammunition design, including various unconventional systems. Next comes a survey of cartridges in calibre order, from 20mm to 57mm, including not only ammunition that has seen service, but also a wide range of experimental types. Finally there is a survey of the cannon, grouped by nationality, which again includes many experimental models. The book includes data on about 200 different cartridges and 400 cannon, and has nearly 500 illustrations. It is the culmination of decades of research, and is unmatched in its coverage of this subject.Trade ReviewIf you are looking for a book about automatic cannon, it would be hard to imagine a better option. -- Paul Martell-Mead, Secret Projects * Secret Projects *Autocannon is lavishly illustrated, both in color and B&W. No matter what section of the book you are reading, it is extremely well illustrated. I'm very happy I have a copy of this one and I highly recommend it to any cartridge collector. -- Mel Carpenter, IAA Journal, Issue 548 * IAA Journal, Issue 548 *This book does a spectacular job of covering the many automatic cannon designs from the late 1800s up to current types. And as the title suggests, it also covers the ammunition associated with these designs. -- Dean Roxby, SmallArmsReview.com * SmallArmsReview.com *

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Book SynopsisBousquet’s landmark book examines the impact of key technologies and scientific ideas on the theory and practice of warfare and the handling of the perennial tension between order and chaos on the battlefield. Spanning the entire modern era, from the Scientific Revolution to the present, it offers a systematic account of modern warfare as the constitution of increasingly complex assemblages of bodies and machines whose integration rests upon a military assimilation of scientific thought. Reflecting the pervasive influence of scientific conceptual frameworks upon warfare, modern armies have been successively organised by reference to the paradigmatic technologies of the clock, engine, computer, and network. Conversely, major scientific developments and technological breakthroughs have become intertwined with the experience of war, especially since the Second World War’s unprecedented mobilisation of scientific rationality and technical expertise. This increasingly tight symbiosis between science, technology, and war is at the heart of both the tremendous powers and enduring pathologies displayed by the contemporary military machine. In this new and revised edition, Bousquet extends the analysis to encompass the latest developments in the scientific way of warfare in the midst of renewed great power competition and a wave of technological innovation in artificial intelligence and robotics.Trade Review'The most lucid and well-developed history of the growing affinity between science and military practice available. Essential reading for the student of modern military affairs.' -- Army History'The Scientific Way of Warfare is a remarkable work of synthesis, drawing on the contemporary writing of Manuel Castells, Paul Edwards, John Arquilla, and (especially) Martin Van Creveld. The book's broad historical sweep doesn't get caught up in the finer details, though, which might frustrate readers looking for a more detailed military history. Instead, it boils its subject down to "four distinct regimes of the scientific way of warfare, each of which is characterized by a specific theoretical and methodological constellation: mechanistic, thermodynamic, cybernetic, and chaoplexic warfare." At the heart of each, he writes, "we find an associated paradigmatic technology, respectively the clock, the engine, the computer and the network." * Wired *'This is a remarkable work. Bousquet does for the history of science as military metaphor what Marc Buchanan in Nexus: The Groundbreaking Science of Networks does for complexity science and networks in a social context: he translates a series of profound scientific developments and thought into an accessible and engaging narrative of technology as artefact and metaphor. Bousquet writes with greater eloquence and texture, while simultaneously treating complex theoretical issues with the light touch that will ensure this book a larger audience.' * Michael Innes, Syracuse University *'An intellectual feast to which we are all invited, an intellectual frontier we are free to explore. The range of this work is truly impressive, yet it never obscures the unifying theme: the quest through the centuries for order on the battlefield. In Iraq and Afghanistan the West has found such order more elusive than ever, yet the quest has never been more urgent.' * Christopher Coker, London School of Economics *Table of Contents1: Introduction 2: Technoscientific Regimes of Order in Warfare - A Theoretical and Methodological Framework 3: Mechanistic Warfare and the Clockwork Universe 4: Thermodynamic Warfare and the Science of Energy 5: Cybernetics and the Genesis of the Computer 6: Cybernetic Warfare: Computers at War 7: A New Informational Paradigm: Chaos Theory and Complexity Science 8: Towards Chaoplexic Warfare? Network-Centric Warfare and the Non-Linear Sciences

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Book SynopsisLittle is generally known of the Royal Arsenal, Woolwich, and the immortal place it holds among all the Royal Ordnance Factories. For nearly four hundred years it was a ''secret walled city'', self-sufficient and closely guarded. As it grew, and developed the nation''s weapons of war, it became the main source of all implements of war for our armed forces. Even those weapons not produced in the Arsenal very often had to be tested and approved within its boundaries. Here for the first time is a tantalising look behind the walls of the secret city, once among the most sensitive of government establishments.

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Book SynopsisThe full story of Aston House in the Second World War has never been told before. Its activities were top secret and as important to the Allied war effort as those of Bletchley Park, but in a different way. Situated near Stevenage, Aston House was one of many British country houses requisitioned during the Second World War by the Special Operations Executive (SOE). Born out of Bletchley Park, where it began life as SIS Section ''D'' (for Destruction), Station 12''s scientific and military personnel invented, made and supplied ''toys'' for the Commandos, Special Boat Service, SAS, and resistance groups. Included in their deadly arsenal of weapons were plastic explosives, limpet mines, pressure switches, tree spigots, incendiary bombs, incendiary liquids and arrows, and a variety of time fuses. They worked on the tools for famous operations, such as the St Nazaire and Dieppe Raids, and the assassination of Himmler''s deputy in Prague. Also revealed are the human stories of personnel stat

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Book SynopsisA comprehensive history of the V1 flying bombs and rockets that were targeted at London during the Nazi offensive.

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Book SynopsisThe story of Churchill's personal weapons development department, staffed by ingenious boffins, who developed numerous innovative weapons that helped win the war.Trade ReviewA hilarious book and certain to amuse even those whose interest in weapons of war is minimal' * THE TIMES LITERARY SUPPLEMENT *A small piece of secret history' * THE YORKSHIRE POST *

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Book SynopsisThis is the definitive history of the evolution of the feared German Panzerwaffe, from its earliest beginings to the height of its success. With rare and revealing combat reports and photographs sourced from previously unseen private and archival collections, it uncovers the technical and operational stories of the formidable armored beasts that formed the backbone of the German war machine--tanks such as the Panzer I, II and 38(t).The Germans transformed armored warfare from a lumbering and ponderous experiment in World War I, into something that could decide the outcome of conflicts. This technical and operational history is the definitive guide to the legendary Panzerwaffe, from its very infancy to the days when it made Europe its garden path at the height of Nazi German power.Table of Contents1 Laying the foundation – pre-war establishment 2 The seizure of Czechoslovakia – backing the Panzerwaffe 3 Poland – the ordeal 4 France – at eye level 5 The Balkans – the unwanted campaign 6 Russia – an overmighty opponent? 7 1942 – upgrading the Panzers 8 North Africa – defeat instead of superiority 9 Dark prospects – Waiting for the new tanks 10 Tank recovery and repair 1935–42

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Book SynopsisFully illustrated, this absorbing study investigates the development of sniping weapons and techniques on World War II''s Eastern Front.The Soviet Union had developed a significant sniping force by 1939, but the extraordinary skill and cunning displayed by Finnish snipers during the Winter War forced the Soviets to innovate. On the other side, German sniping suffered from a lack of standardization of weapons and a lack of marksmen deployed at the start of the Great Patriotic War (194145). There were few heroes in the conflict, but on both sides, the snipers were idolized especially on the Soviet side gaining almost mythical status.As well as traditional bolt-action weapons, both sides used several types of semi-automatic rifle, such as the SVT-38 and the Gew 41. Offering greater firepower at the expense of long-range accuracy, such weapons would be profoundly influential in the postwar world.Table of ContentsIntroduction / Development / Use / Impact / Conclusion / Bibliography / Index

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Book SynopsisWhile Germany and Austria-Hungary were well-equipped with sniping rifles in 1914, their Allied opponents were not. This highly illustrated volume tells the inside story of the rifles carried by snipers of all the major powers during World War I.Although military sharpshooting had existed since the 18th century, in 1914 only the German and Austro-Hungarian armies fielded trained snipers armed with scoped rifles. Thus upon the outbreak of World War I, the Allied armies found themselves on the receiving end of a shooting war to which they had no means of response. Only the Canadians brought a dedicated sniping rifle into the trenches, but in small numbers. For the British, although production of a suitable rifle and scope were settled on quickly, the establishment of sniper training was difficult and its success was mostly due to the efforts of a handful of dedicated officers. The French eventually introduced a competent scoped rifle and a sniper training system, as did the ItalianTrade ReviewSpread throughout the book are plenty of archive images, plus some modern photos illustrating preserved examples of the various types of rifle and sight, along with some super artwork which does include some lovely cross-sections showing the mechanism of examples such as the Enfield Model 1917, Mauser GEW 98 and Ross rifles. -- Robin Buckland * Military Model Scene *Table of ContentsIntroduction Development Use Impact Conclusion Bibliography Index

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Book SynopsisA fascinating exploration of the often-overlooked gunnery duels between the formidable artillery weapons in the Atlantic Wall defences and the mighty US and Royal Navy battleships.Amphibious landings were an essential tool of Allied military strategy in World War II. The Royal Navy and the US Navy provided operational mobility that allowed the Allies to strike unexpectedly across the vast coastlines of the Mediterranean and Atlantic. Nazi Germany did not have sufficient naval power to seriously contest this, and consequently relied heavily on the huge and costly Atlantic Wall fortification programme. By 1944, the French coast featured more than 1,900 coastal guns over 75mm in calibre. At the heart of this fascinating book by renowned military historian Steven J. Zaloga is the clash between Batterie Hamburg (defending Cherbourg) and the Allied naval bombardment group led by the battleship USS Texas on 25 June 1944. Stunning artworks reveal details of theTable of ContentsIntroduction Chronology Design and Development The Combatants The Strategic Situation Combat Analysis Aftermath Bibliography Index

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Book SynopsisAn illustrated study of premier US anti-ship missile, the AGM/RGM-84 Harpoon, and its 1986 and '88 uses against Libyan and Iranian naval vessels.In this study, defence technology expert Lon Nordeen details the role played by the Harpoon missile in two Cold War flare-ups in the 1980s. The Harpoon was the first tactical anti-ship missile developed by the US Navy to provide a counter to the anti-ship missiles exported around the world by the Soviet Union and China. It was deployed on ships, aircraft, submarines and land vehicles and soon became the most widely used anti-ship missile system in the West, with 7,000+ having been produced since 1977, operated by the military forces of more than 30 nations. This exciting book explores the engagements of the Harpoon by the US Navy against its Libyan and Iranian adversaries, using original photographs and specially commissioned artwork to examine the naval systems and weapons employed by both counterparts. Drawing upon Table of Contents(Subject to Confirmation) Introduction Chronology Design and Development Doctrine, Tactics, Leadership, Deployment of Forces The Strategic Situation The Combatants Combat Statistics and Analysis Aftermath Further Reading Index

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Book SynopsisCataphracts were the most heavily armoured shock cavalry on the ancient battlefield, predating the knights of Western Europe by over 1000 years.

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Book SynopsisComprehensive coverage of all German WW2 anti-tank vehicles.

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