Weapons and equipment Books
Helion & Company Tigers In Combat: Volume 3: Operation, Training,
Book Synopsis
£47.96
Helion & Company Hitlers Miracle Weapons Volume 3
£23.75
Key Publishing Ltd Weapons of World War Two
Book Synopsis
£9.49
Icon Books Whack Job
Book SynopsisA brilliant and bloody examination of the axe's foundational role in human history, from prehistoric violence, to war and executions, splashed across newspaper headlines and popular culture. For as long as the axe has been in our hands, we have used it to kill. Much like the wheel, the boat, and the telephone, the axe is a transformative piece of technology ? one that has been with us since prehistory. And just as early humans used the axe to chop down trees, hunt for food, and whittle tools, they also used it to murder. Over time, this particular use has endured: as the axe evolved over centuries to fit the needs of new agricultural, architectural, and social development, so have our lethal uses for it. Whack Job is the story of the axe, first as a convenient danger and then an anachronism, as told through the murders it has been employed in throughout history: from the first axe murder nearly half a million years ago, to the brutal harnessing of the axe in warfare, and from its use in King Henry VIII's favourite method of execution, to Lizzie Borden and the birth of modern pop culture. Whack Job sheds brilliant light on this familiar implement, this most human of weapons. This is a critical examination of violence, an exploration of how technology shapes human conflict, the cruel and sacred rituals of execution and battle, and the ways humanity fits even the most savage impulses into narratives of the past and present.
£17.00
Amber Books Ltd Modern Artillery: 300 Artillery Pieces
Book SynopsisModern Artillery brings together 300 of the most important examples of artillery used or designed since 1900. Beginning with the guns that pounded the trenches in World War I, the book details all the major forms of artillery in service throughout the century. From hand-held anti-tank devices, anti-aircraft guns and field pieces of World War II to the recent tactical and strategic missiles, the book provides a wide survey of the development and use of artillery, with the entries conveniently placed into categories for easy reference. Each artillery piece featured is illustrated by a full-colour artwork and accompanied by a detailed specifications table giving the country of origin and technical details of the weapon, including where appropriate the calibre, elevation, muzzle velocity, traverse and range, all measurements being provided in imperial and metric. Each entry also contains a piece of text summarizing the weapon’s development and service history. Presented in a handy, pocket-book size, arranged by type and with 300 colour illustrations, Modern Artillery is an authoritative and accessible reference work, which will appeal to anyone with an interest in military technology.Table of ContentsIntroduction Almirante Padillo 155mm Model 77 Howitzer 22.5cm Heavy Trench Mortar 24.5cm Heavy Trench Mortar 149mm Skoda Model 14 Howitzer Skoda 75mm Mountain Gun M1915 Skoda 305mm Howitzer SBA T-70 ASTROS 2 Avibras X-40 Sexton CSS-1 CSS-2 CSS-3 CSS-4 Type 63 155/45 Norinco SP Gun Type 70 Type 63 47mm Skoda vz 36 10cm Skoda Light Howitzer vz 14/19 M53/59 DANA D-3000 Walid Canone de 75 Mle 1897 Canon de 105mm Schneider Mle 1913 155mm Rimailho Howitzer Model 1904TR 155mm Gun Model TR 155mm Howitzer Mle 1950 194mm Gun GPF Canon de 240 L Model 1884 St Chamond Mortier de 280 sur Chenilles 20mm Tarasque Brandt 60mm LR Gun-mortar 81mm Mortar Mle 27/31 Brandt 120mm Mortar Pluton SSBS S-3 Crotale Mistral Canon de 240 Mle 93/96 sur Affuit-truck St-Chamond Canon de 320 Mle 1870/93 sur Affuit-truck Schneider AMX-13 DCA Mk F3 155mm GCT 155mm Roland Krupp 75mm Field Gun M1903 7.5cm Infantry Gun IG18 75mm Mountain Gun Geb. G. 36 77mm FK16 77mm Field Gun M96nA 10cm M1917 Gun 105mm leFH 18 105mm leFH18(M) 120mm Krupp Howitzer M1905 13.5cm FK 1909 15cm L/40 Feldkanone i.R. 15cm Field Howitzer FH17 sFH18 21cm Howitzer 21cm Mrs 18 The Paris Gun 28cm Kustenhaubitze Big Bertha Rheinmetall Rh202 20mm Flak 30 20mm Flakvierling 38 37mm Flak 37 37mm Flak 43 5cm Flak 41 77mm German 1914 88mm Flak 18 88mm Flak 41 105mm Flak 38 12.8cm Flak 40 7.92mm Panzerbuchse 39 Granatbuchse 39 2.8cm Panzerbuchse 41 37mm Anti-Tank Gun 1918 37mm Pak 35/36 5cm Pak 38 75mm Pak 40 75mm Pak 41 8cm PAW 600 Raketenpanzerbuchse 43 88mm Pak 43/41 Flak 18 12.8cm Pak 44 12.8cm K44 Panzerfaust SGrW 34 81mm Mortar 15cm sIG 33 infantry gun Henschel Hs117 Schmetterling 21cm K12(E) 28cm K5(E) 80cm Gustav German Armoured Trains 38cm Gun ‘Max E’ Gepard StuG III Ausf F StuG III Ausf G sIG 33 Hummel Panzerhaubitse 2000 Panzerwerfer 42 Wurfgranate 42 Nebelwerfer 41 Light Artillery Rocket System (LARS) 155mm Howitzer FH-70 Soltam M68 Gun TCM-20 Soltam 120mm Mortar B-300 Light Support Weapon Rascal Light 155mm SP Howitzer 65mm Mountain Gun Canonne da 75/27 Obice de 75/18 Mod 35 OTO-Melara 105mm Mod 56 149mm Siege Gun, Model of 1877 Obice da 210/22 305mm Howitzer 305/17 Mod 17 20mm Breda Model 35 40mm Breda 40/L/70 45mm Brixia Model 35 Mortar AP/AV 700 multiple grenade launcher SIDAM-25 76mm Otomatic Air Defence Tank Palmaria Type 35/75mm Gun 15cm Howitzer M1915 75mm Type 88 Type 97 Anti-tank Rifle Type 2 Anti-tank Grenade Launcher 47mm Model 01 Anti-tank Gun 50mm Type 89 Grenade discharger 70mm Battalion Gun Type 92 Type 81 Tan-SAM Type 4 Army 20cm Rocket Polish Armoured Train 155mm ODE FH-88 Gun- howitzer CIS-40-AFL Grenade launcher 155mm Gun G-5 G-6 Valkyr 155mm Santa Barbara SB- 155/39 Howitzer 155mm Howitzer FH-77A 40mm Bofors L/60 40mm Bofors L/70 75mm Bofors Model 29 Bofors 75mm Model 34 Bofors RBS-70 Bandkanon Oerlikon GAI-BO1 Oerlikon 20mm Oerlikon GDF-001 35mm RSD 58 GDF-CO3 ADA TS 2.75in Mountain Gun Ordnance QF 13pdr 15pdr BLC Field Gun QF 15pdr Gun Mk 1 Ordnance QF 18pdr Gun Ordnance QF 4.5in Howitzer Ordnance BL 60pdr Mk 1 105mm Light Gun L118 Ordnance BL 5in Howitzer Mk I Ordnance BL 5.5in Gun Mk 2 BL 6in 26-cwt Howitzer Mk 1 BL 6in 30cwt Howitzer 155mm Royal Ordnance Light Towed Howitzer 7.2in Howitzers Marks 1 to 4 BL 8in Howitzer Mark 7 Polsten 20mm Ordnance QF 3in 20cwt 13pdr 9cwt AA Gun 3.7in QF Gun Mk 1 Ordnance QF 4.5in Gun .55in Boys Anti-tank Rifle QF 2pdr Mk VII QF 6pdr 7cwt Gun Mk 2 2.5in Northover Projector Ordnance QF 17pdr Gun 3.7in RCL Gun PIAT 95mm Infantry Howitzer Ordnance ML 3in Mortar Thunderbird Seaslug Bloodhound Blowpipe Rapier Starstreak 12in Railway Howitzer Mk 5 13.5in Gun ‘Sceneshifter’ Bishop Abbot AS-90 2in Rocket 3in Rocket Land Mattress 105mm Howitzer M2A1 105mm Howitzer M3 4.7in Field Gun M1906 155mm Gun M2 155mm Howitzer M198 8in Howitzer M1 240mm Howitzer M1 16in M1919 Coast Gun 914mm Mortar ‘Little David’ M167 Vulcan 37mm M1A2 3in M3 90mm M1 37mm Anti-tank Gun M3 M1A1 2.36in Rocket Launcher 3in Gun M5 106mm RCL Rifle M40A1 M203 Grenade launcher 60mm Mortar M1 60mm Mortar M19 75mm Pack Howitzer M1A1 RAW (Rifleman’s Assault Weapon) SMAW Rocket, MGR-1B, Honest John Pershing MGM-118 Peacekeeper Titan LGM-30F Minuteman 2 BGM-109G Tomahawk Nike Ajax Nike Hercules Talos M48 Chaparral MIM-104 Patriot MIM-23 HAWK FIM-92 Stinger M163 Vulcan M42 Sergeant York M56 M7 Priest M40 M109 M109A6 Paladin M110A2 M8 4.5in MLRS 76.2mm Field Gun M1942 76.2mm Field Gun M1939 122mm D-30 15cm Gun M1877 152mm Gun-Howitzer M1937 (ML-20) 152mm Howitzer M1943 (D- 1) 152mm Howitzer M09/30 203mm Howitzer M1931 (L/25) 23mm ZU-23 85mm M39 PTRS 1941 Anti-tank Rifle PTRD 1941 Anti-tank Rifle 76.2mm Model 1942 AGS-17 Grenade launcher 82mm PM-37 Mortar 82mm Vasilek automatic mortar 120mm M1938 Mortar 160mm Mortar M1943 SS-1 Scud B SS-12 Scaleboard SS-4 Sandal SS-5 Skean SS-11 Sego SS-9 Scarp SS-13 Savage SS-17 Spanker SS-19 Stiletto SS-18 Satan SS-20 Saber SA-1 Guild SA-3 Goa SA-4 Ganef SA-6 Gainful SA-7 Grail SA-8 Gecko ZSU-23-490mm M1 ZSU-57-2 ASU-57 SU-76 M1974 ISU-152 M1973 M-13 M-30 BM-21 BM-27 BM-24 FROG-7 Index
£9.49
BAR Publishing Sheaths and scabbards in England AD400-1100
£62.70
Bloomsbury Publishing PLC The Indian Army 1914–1947
Book SynopsisThe Indian divisions made a huge contribution to the British war effort in both World Wars, fighting in the trenches of the Western Front and in the Middle East in 1914-18, and in North Africa, Italy and Burma in 1939-45. This detailed text describes the developing organisation, uniforms and equipment of the Imperial and other regiments during the thirty years which saw them at the peak of their numbers and their combat service. Mike Chappell's meticulous colour plates illustrate a wide range of colourful and interesting dress and combat uniforms.Table of ContentsThe Indian army and the 1904 Kitchener reforms; World War I; interwar reforms and "Indianization" of the officer corps; World War II; partiion of the army between Indian and Pakistan, 1947; the regiments; cavalry, infantry, artillery, sappers, pioneers, supporting services; the armies of the princes; auxiliary force (India); frontier corps; uniforms; commentary on colour artwork.
£13.49
Bloomsbury Publishing PLC Matchlock Musketeer
Book Synopsis
£13.49
Bloomsbury Publishing PLC The Japanese Army 193145 2 194245 Pt 2 MenatArms
£11.69
Bloomsbury Publishing PLC Elite No 86 Japanese Naval Aviation Uniforms and Equipment 193745
£13.49
Bloomsbury Publishing PLC Greek and Roman Artillery 399 BCAD 363 No 89 New Vanguard
£11.69
Oxbow Books Roman Military Equipment from the Punic Wars to
Book SynopsisRome's rise to empire is often said to have owed much to the efficiency and military skill of her armies and their technological superiority over barbarian enemies. But just how 'advanced' was Roman military equipment? What were its origins and how did it evolve? The authors of this book have gathered a wealth of evidence from all over the Roman Empire - excavated examples as well as pictorial and documentary sources - to present a picture of what range of equipment would be available at any given time, what it would look like and how it would function. They examine how certain pieces were adopted from Rome's enemies and adapted to particular conditions of warfare prevailing in different parts of the Empire. They also investigate in detail the technology of military equipment and the means by which it was produced, and discuss wider questions such as the status of the soldier in Roman society. Both the specially prepared illustrations and the text have been completely revised for the second edition of this detailed and authoritative handbook, bringing it up to date with the very latest research. It illustrates each element in the equipment of the Roman soldier, from his helmet to his boots, his insignia, his tools and his weapons. This book will appeal to archaeologists, ancient and military historians as well as the generally informed and inquisitive reader.Trade ReviewThis was a 'must read' from the moment it was published… the 2006 second edition was even better. * Ancient Warfare Magazine *Table of ContentsThe representational evidence The archaeological evidence The documentary evidence The republican period From Augustus to Hadrian The Antonine revolution The army in crisis The dominate Production and technology The study of military equipment Notes Bibliography Index
£28.49
Naval & Military Press Ltd Text Book of Ammunition 1936
Book SynopsisThis Naval and Military Press series on military technology continues with this very important publication, which gives details of all ammunition in use by the British Army in 1936 With few exceptions, it covers ammunition, explosives and propellants in service just prior to the start of the Second World War.Every military historian, war gamer, re-enactor and reader should be familiar with the technology associated with the tactics, and this series of reprints aims to provide that information. No true, objective appreciation of tactical operations is possible without a basic knowledge of the weapons and ammunition being used at a specific point in time, and the series will serve as a continuing source of the relevant information.This volume looks in detail at explosives, cartridges, tubes and primers in detail. It also gives a treatment of projectiles, explaining the form of shells, and how they are designed for their purpose. There is a detailed examination of time fuses (the proximity fuse being still a dream in 1936). Small arms ammunition is described, as are grenades (including the famous Mills 36) and a section deals with military explosives.There is a wealth of illustration including many colour plates and the book is an essential to any study of the British Army and its equipment at the start of World War II.
£38.00
Naval & Military Press Ltd Musketry Regulations Part 1 1909 (reprinted with Amendments 1914): Pt. 1
£14.29
Naval & Military Press Ltd Handbook of Artillery Instruments 1914
£14.29
Naval & Military Press Ltd Historical Essay on the Dress of the Irish: Armour and Weapons of the Irish
£18.65
Naval & Military Press Ltd Crossbow
£22.00
Naval & Military Press Ltd Remarks on Rifle Guns 1823
£18.65
Taylor & Francis Ltd Forensic Mental Health
Book SynopsisThis book provides a concise introduction to the increasingly important field of forensic mental health. It aims to set out both the key concepts in forensic mental health as well as the way the discipline operates in the broader context of criminal justice and mental health care systems. It will provide an ideal introduction to the subject for students taking courses in universities and elsewhere, for mental health practitioners in the early stages of their careers, and for professionals from other agencies needing an informed and up-to-date account of forensic mental health.Trade Review"'I believe that this will be an invaluable reference guide to anyone who is entering (or thinking of entering) the field, While it may have its greatest appeal to the novice practitioner who wishes to understand the difficult terrain, it will also benefit the more established practitioner provided that he/she is prepared to listen to what it has to say.' Professor Conor Duggan"Table of Contents1. Introduction: The Criminal Justice System and Mental Health Legislation 2. Mental Disorder and Offending 3. Entering the Forensic Mental Health System 4. Forensic Mental Health Services 5. The Multidisciplinary Team 6. Risk Assessment 7. Treatments in Prison and Probation Services 8. Treatments in Mental Health Settings 9. Leaving the System, Patients' Rights and Advocacy
£35.14
Anness Publishing Pictorial History of the Sword
Book SynopsisThis title presents a detailed account of the development of swords, sabres, spears and lances illustrated with over 230 photographs and images. It provides a fascinating history of edged weapons, written by a leading antique sword expert and lavishly illustrated with over 230 images. It includes information on Japanese, Chinese, African and Indian swords as well as covering in detail the development of the weapon in Western Europe. It contains descriptions of the fighting techniques of some of the most skilful warriors of their time, including the hoplite spearmen of ancient Greece, Roman gladiators, and the Japanese Samurai. It is a superb reference work for military historians, curators, and all enthusiasts of edged weaponry of every period. This book traces the fascinating history of swords, spears and lances through to the 21st century. From their Palaeolithic origins and the appearance of the first swords in Bronze Age Europe and Mesopotamia, it describes how the weapons carved out some of the greatest civilizations in the world. With special sections on the sword in Japanese, Chinese, African and Indian cultures as well as an examination of the American sword and Naval swords, this book presents a broad-ranging work on swords throughout world history, and forms an indispensable resource for the keen collector and enthusiast.
£9.49
Bloomsbury Publishing PLC Guarding the Frontier: Ottoman Border Forts and
Book SynopsisThe seventeenth-century Ottoman-Habsburg frontier was the scene of chronic conflict. The defences of both empires were based on a line of fortresses, spanning the border. Mark Stein gives us a fascinating insight into everyday life on the frontier in this turbulent time in Ottoman history, by investigating the social, economic, and military aspects of Ottoman forts and garrisons in a new comparative approach. Drawing on a wide range of Ottoman and Western archival and narrative sources, "Guarding the Frontier" assesses the state of early-modern Ottoman military architecture and siegecraft; and, carefully dissects the Ottomans' ability to besiege, defend, build, and repair fortifications in the seventeenth century, as well as the relationship between the central and provisional administrations. This thorough overview includes an assessment of the empire's ability to marshal the manpower and supply requirements for lengthy sieges; a survey of Ottoman artillery; and the procedures involved in building and maintaining frontier forts. Studying an extensive database compiled from seventeenth-century garrison payroll records, Stein paints a fascinating description of the various types of troops who served on the Ottoman-Habsburg frontier: slave and levied soldiers, cavalry and infantry, Muslims and Christians, charged with defending the Ottoman Empire at this fascinating point in History.Trade Review'...an important contribution to scholarship on the early modern Ottoman-Habsburg frontiers; it is based on significant original research...After reading Stein's book, his audience will never again see Ottoman fortresses simply as enclaves on a map, tallied up in the win or loss column, but as centers of strategy and planning that involved both local arrangements and central government interventions. There is wealth of detail here on material varying from captive taking to raids as an economic activity to recruitment. There is also revealing information about the service and activities of religious officials in the garrisons. This work will appeal particularly to military historians and to those interested in Ottoman and European history on both sides of the frontier.' Professor Palmira Brummett, University of Tennessee
£123.50
Naval & Military Press Ltd History of Coast Artillery in the British Army
£18.65
Bloomsbury Publishing PLC Defending Space US AntiSatellite Warfare and
Book Synopsis
£13.49
Read Books The Art of Duelling
£13.99
Pen & Sword Books Ltd Handgun Story
Book SynopsisThe Handgun Story traces the fascinating history of the 'one hand gun' from its crude fourteenth-century origins to the sophisticated products of today. As technology has progressed, handguns have got smaller and deadlier, to be carried in holsters, pockets and even lady's mufflers. Today they are the weapons of choice for undercover agents and would - be assassins; ideally suited for both attack and self-defence. The earliest pistols had a tendency to misfire, but this was cured by the cap-lock. Cap-lock revolvers proved a massive success in the American Civil War with hundreds of thousands used on each side. Self-contained metal-case cartridges were to bring a fundamental change to handgun design: not only by allowing the introduction of revolvers that ejected automatically or were easily reloaded, but also by paving the way for the automatic pistol. World War I provided the handgun with a proving ground. At the end of the hostilities, with so much surplus weaponry, work on the handgun could have ceased; instead, a new developmental phase was begun by the nations that had emerged from the crumbling Imperial empires. During World War II the efficiency of well-established designs was confirmed and new designs, such as the Walther P. 38, showed their potential. The emergence of the submachine-gun in 1945 reduced the status of the handgun - but only temporarily. The need for efficient self-defence shows no signs of lessening; and the rise in shooting for sport, particularly with the revolver, has sharpened the quest for efficiency. The never ending search for advanced production techniques shows that the handgun has as much a future in the twenty-first century as it had in the heyday of the Wild West, or in the trenches of Passchendaele.
£32.23
Pen & Sword Books Ltd Bowmen of England
Book SynopsisFrom the 12th to 15th centuries the longbow was the weapon that changed European history more than any other. In the skilled hands of English and Welsh archers it revolutionized all the medieval concepts and traditions of war. No other weapon dominated the battlefield as it did, and it was the winning factor in every major battle from Morlaix in 1342 to Patay in 1429. Donald Featherstone's study of the English longbow from its early development until the Wars of the Roses is an inspiring and authentic reconstruction in human terms in an age of courage, vitality and endurance. He provides an enthralling footnote to the history of the longbow by recording the engagement in which it was last used - in France in 1940
£17.34
C Hurst & Co Publishers Ltd Warrior Geeks: How 21st Century Technology is
Book SynopsisWarrior Geeks examines how technology is transforming the way we think about and fight war, taking three major changes that are driving this process: cybernetic technologies that are folding soldiers into a cybernetic system that will allow the military to read their thoughts and emotions and mould them accordingly; the coexistence of men and robots in the battle-spaces of tomorrow; and the extent to which we may be able to re-engineer warriors through pharmacological manipulation. By referring back to the Greeks who defined the contours of war for us, Coker shows how we are in danger of losing touch with our humanity - the name we give not only to a species but the virtues we deem it to embody. The journey from Greeks to Geeks may be a painful one. War can only be rendered more humane if we stay in touch with the ancestors, yet unfortunately we are planning to subcontract our ethical choices to machines. In revaluing technology, are we devaluing our humanity, or the post-human condition, changing our subjectivity and thus the existential dimension of war by changing our relationship with technology both functionally and performatively?Trade Review'A fascinating historical and philosophical tour of modern warfare. - The chief concern outlined by Coker is that the ingenuity driving military science is spiralling out of control. The 'geeks' are creating technologies - designer drugs, robotics and neural devices - that, ultimately, he feels, will dehumanize us.' * Nature *'This book offers a good exercise for readers who wish to be challenged on their thinking about the nature of warfare - yesterday, today and tomorrow.' * ARMY *'This is a brilliant book about a rather nightmarish topic, i.e., how technology now enables us to become post-humans ... It is not only a very important book but also a deeply disconcerting one.' * The US Army War College Quarterly *'To describe a Coker book as an intellectual tour de force is perhaps the most anodyne observation a reviewer can make; of course it would be, and of course this one is, too. This latest offering is a rich synthesis of ideas and intellectual trajectories drawn from the annals of literature, philosophy, history, and science, and transmitted in a language that speaks as much to pop culture sensibilities as it does to the more esoteric and often impenetrable nooks and crannies of academe.' * Michael Innes, Current Intelligence *'The Age of Martial Robotics is upon us and no one has captured the impending revolution in warfare with its accompanying moral dilemmas more incisively or eloquently than Christopher Coker. Warrior Geeks, his latest work on the subject of posthuman warfare, brilliantly exposes the divide between traditional Western military ethos and the inevitable rise of machine-based combat. An exceptional book.' * Everett Dolman, Professor of Military Strategy, USAF School of Advanced Air and Space Studies *'There are few writers who can do what Christopher Coker has accomplished in Warrior Geeks, which takes the reader on a journey that connects everything from Socrates to Oliver Stone movies to the latest in warfare and digital technologies. His work is always substantive, and sometimes even lyrical.' * Peter Singer, Senior Fellow and Director, 21st Century Defense Initiative, The Brookings Institution, and author of Wired for War: The Robotics Revolution and Conflict in the 21st Century *
£31.50
C Hurst & Co Publishers Ltd Weapon of Choice: Small Arms and the Culture of
Book SynopsisThis book examines Western military technological innovation through the lens of developments in small arms during the twentieth century. These weapons have existed for centuries, appear to have matured only incrementally and might seem unlikely technologies for investigating the trajectory of military-technical change. Their relative simplicity, however, makes it easy to use them to map patterns of innovation within the military- industrial complex. Advanced technologies may have captured the military imagination, offering the possibility of clean and decisive outcomes, but it is the low technologies of the infantryman that can help us develop an appreciation for the dynamics of military-technical change. Tracing the path of innovation from battlefield to back office, and from industry to alliance partner, Ford develops insights into the way that small arms are socially constructed. He thereby exposes the mechanics of power across the military- industrial complex. This in turn reveals that shifting power relations between soldiers and scientists, bureaucrats and engineers, have allowed the private sector to exploit infantry status anxiety and shape soldier weapon preferences. Ford's analysis allows us to draw wider conclusions about how military innovation works and what social factorsTrade Review'Ford demonstrates an impressive ability to bring together the engineering of small arms with the meanings attached to guns and with the competitive marketing efforts of the makers to explain how and why countries develop particular weapons. This melding of disciplines not only provides keen insights into the evolution of small arms but makes a major contribution to our understanding of the dynamics of military innovation. Altogether, it makes for a fascinating book.' * Stephen Saideman, Paterson Chair in International Affairs, Norman Paterson School of International Affairs, Carleton University *'Matthew Ford makes the case for placing small arms at the centre of how we think about contemporary security challenges. He rightly argues that "Guns aren't just weapons; they are also status symbols." By looking at small arms development in this way, Ford opens up a much broader analysis of power relations within the military and with its industrial partners. He sheds new light on NATO's emerging defence industrial policy, the relationship between battlefield tactics and bureaucratic politics, and the impact of commercial factors on civil-military relations. Weapon of Choice is an essential addition to the literature on technology and war.' * Huw Bennett, Reader in International Relations, Cardiff University *'A deep yet accessible critical analysis of the byzantine world of military procurement and the real driving forces behind it. Readers will no doubt be surprised to discover, despite the billions spent on solicitation, trial, evaluation and issue, just how much politics, individual preference, and even prevailing fashions influence the weapons that actually end up in the hands of soldiers.' * Jonathan Ferguson, Curator of Firearms, Royal Armouries Museum *'A wide-ranging, ground-breaking book that brilliantly fuses discussion of small arms technology with the history of culture and ideas.' * Daniel Todman, Senior Lecturer, Department of History, Queen Mary University of London *'Getting away from primitive monocausal explanations and simplistic models, Matthew Ford draws on multiple theoretical explanations to explain the complex and interactive process of military innovation and defence procurement which shifts over time and space. Compellingly written and persuasively argued, this book will be a central point of reference.' * Beatrice Heuser, Chair of International Relations, University of Reading *'In Weapon of Choice, Matthew Ford deftly shows us the multiplicity of perspectives, choices and influences that have shaped the historical development of small arms. His work makes an important contribution to the exciting, and growing, intersection of critical security studies and science and technology studies.' * Brian Balmer, Professor in Science Policy Studies, University College London *'A lucidly written story of how powerful organisational and industrial interests, shaping and sometimes twisting analysis for their own purposes, prevailed in fielding military rifles ill-suited to the needs of modern combat. Ford's cautionary tale should make us sceptical of the strident claims of effectiveness attached to weapons much more complex and expensive than small-arms.' * Thomas L. McNaugher, Senior Visiting Professor, Georgetown University, and author of New Weapons Old Politics *Matthew Ford is a lecturer in Inter--national Relations at the University of Sussex. He has a PhD in War Studies from King's College London and is an Honorary Historical Consultant to the Royal Armouries, a former West Point fellow and a founding editor of the British Journal for Military History.
£31.50
Bloomsbury Publishing PLC The Thompson Submachine Gun: From Prohibition
Book SynopsisThe Thompson submachine gun, or Tommy gun developed an almost iconic status during the 20th century. It had an unusual beginning, for it was developed during the dying days of World War I as a 'one-man, hand-held machine gun'. The war ended before these first prototypes could be shipped to Europe but once the M1921 Thompson formally entered production it was used by the criminals working in Chicago and New York during the 1920s. With the police increasingly outgunned they too were forced to equip themselves with the Tommy gun. It quickly came to be used in Hollywood films, and by the end of the 1930s it would have probably faded from view had history not intervened. With the entry of the US into World War II there was an urgent need to equip and arm a force of epic proportions; the Thompson submachine gun began a second career as part of the US Army. It also became the weapon of choice for the small band of British commandos as they conducted a number of daring raids against the heart of occupied Europe.Table of ContentsIntroduction /Development /Use /Impact /Conclusion
£15.19
Bloomsbury Publishing PLC Katana: The Samurai Sword
Book SynopsisThe Samurai sword of Japan is probably the finest edged weapon ever made. This volume by leading Samurai expert Stephen Turnbull reveals the story of how and why it achieved this distinction. Particular attention is paid to the development of the familiar curved blade from the original straight blades, the associated development of Japan's famous steel-making techniques and the challenges from contemporary warfare. Together with the technical details of forging, polishing, mounting and testing; this volume is brought to life with details of the great swordmakers themselves. Moreover, no history of the sword would be complete without a detailed examination of its use in combat, from the greatest Samurai armies to individual duels and revenge killings. Personal accounts allow the reader to discover the art of Japanese swordsmanship in the hands of masters such as Miyamoto Musashi to the unnamed Japanese warrior defending his family's honour. This lively text is perfectly complemented by artwork reconstructions of the sword in use and colour photographs of the swords in use.Table of ContentsIntroduction /Development /Use /Impact /Conclusion
£15.19
Bloomsbury Publishing PLC Medieval Handgonnes: The first black powder
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
£15.19
Bloomsbury Publishing PLC Kamikaze: Japanese Special Attack Weapons 1944–45
Book SynopsisThe destruction of much of the remainder of the Japanese fleet and its air arm in the later half of 1944 left the Japanese Home Islands vulnerable to attack by US naval and air forces. In desperation, the Imperial Japanese Navy proposed using “special attack” formations, or suicide attacks. These initially consisted of crude improvisations of conventional aircraft fitted with high-explosive bombs that could be crashed into US warships. Called “Divine Wind” (Kamikaze), the special attack formations first saw action in 1944, and became the scourge of the US fleet in the battles for Iwo Jima and Okinawa in 1945. In view of the success of these attacks, the Japanese armed forces began to develop an entire range of new special attack weapons. This book will begin by examining the initial kamikaze aircraft attacks, but the focus of the book will be on the dedicated special attack weapons developed in 1944. It also covers specialized suicide attack weapons such as anti-tank lunge mines.Trade ReviewAs you would expect from Osprey, Kamikaze is comprehensively illustrated with black & white photos and colour plates and is certainly recommended -- Miniature WargamesTable of ContentsIntroduction - Design and Development - Operational History - Bibliography - Index
£11.69
Bloomsbury Publishing PLC Roman Centurions 753–31 BC: The Kingdom and the
Book SynopsisA detailed glimpse into the weapons, equipment and uniforms worn by Roman Centurions from the Roman Kingdom right through to the height of the Republic. Including new research, photographs of artefacts and the signature Men-at-Arms artwork, this is an essential addition to the series and includes several artwork reconstructions of actual named individuals and two lavish scenes depicting combat between Centurions and a Triumphal procession.Table of ContentsIntroduction: origins - service /The Age of Kings: centurions in the army of Servius Tullius /Early Consular period: centurions in the Punic Wars /Later Consular period: centurions in the Roman civil wars /Arms and equipment: helmets - armour - weapons - shields - rank symbols - clothing
£12.34
Bloomsbury Publishing PLC The M16
Book SynopsisThe M16 was first introduced in 1958 and was revolutionary for its time as it was made of lightweight materials including special aluminum and plastics. It was first adopted by US Special Forces and airborne troops in 1962 before it was issued to Army and Marine units serving in Vietnam. Its use spread throughout the following decades and a number of variants including submachine and carbine versions were also fielded. As a result it is now amongst the three most used combat cartridges in the world while over 10 million M16s and variants have been produced making it one of the most successful American handheld weapons in history .But despite its undeniable success the M16 is not without its detractors. Indeed, the “black rifle”, as it is known, is one of the most controversial rifles ever introduced with a long history of design defects, ruggedness issues, cleaning difficulties and reliability problems leading to endless technical refinements. This volume provides a technical history of the M16 and the struggle to perfect it together with an assessment of its impact on the battlefield drawing on over a decade's combat experience with the rifle.Table of ContentsIntroduction/ Development /Use /Impact /Conclusion /Bibliography
£14.39
Bloomsbury Publishing PLC The Sten Gun
Book SynopsisThe Sten submachine gun – officially the 'Carbine, Machine, Sten' – was developed to fulfill the pressing British need for large quantities of cheaply produced weapons after Dunkirk, when German invasion was a very real possibility. Over four million were built during World War II, and the Sten was widely used by airborne troops, tankers, and others who needed a compact weapon with substantial firepower. It proved especially popular with Resistance fighters as it was easy to conceal, deadly at close range, and could fire captured German ammunition – with a design so simple that Resistance fighters were able to produce them in bicycle shops. Featuring vivid first-hand accounts, specially commissioned full-colour artwork and close-up photographs, this is the fascinating story of the mass-produced submachine gun that provided Allied soldiers and Resistance fighters with devastating close-range firepower.Table of ContentsIntroduction /Development /Use /Impact /Select Bibliography /Index
£14.39
Bloomsbury Publishing PLC The Browning Automatic Rifle
Book SynopsisFor nearly fifty years the hard-hitting, mobile Browning Automatic Rifle, or BAR, served in US infantry units as a light squad automatic “base of fire” weapon, providing quick bursts of concentrated fire. Designed in World War One, it didn't reach the front until September 1918. In the interwar years US forces used the BAR across the world, from China to Nicaragua. It also became a favorite of notorious gangsters like Clyde Barrow and Bonnie Parker, who prized its ability to punch through police armored cars. At the outset of World War II the US armed forces decided to adapt the BAR for a light machine gun role. The BAR was not without its flaws; it was heavy and difficult to dismantle and reassemble, and it didn't cope well with sustained fire. Nevertheless, the BAR saw action in every major theater of World War II and went on to be used in Korea and in the opening stages of the Vietnam War. Featuring arresting first-hand accounts, specially drawn full-color artwork and close-up photographs, many in color, this lively study offers a vivid portrait of this powerful, long-lived and innovative weapon that saw service with US and other forces across the world for much of the 20th century.Table of ContentsIntroduction /Development /Use /Impact /Select Bibliography /Index
£14.39
Bloomsbury Publishing PLC The Lee-Enfield Rifle
Book SynopsisThe Lee-Enfield is one of the 20th century's most recognisable and longest-serving military rifles. It was adopted by the British Army in 1895 and only replaced by the L1A1 SLR in 1957. It saw combat from the Boer War onwards, and thousands are still in use today; it is estimated that 17 million have been produced. Soldier's recollections of the rifle are overwhelmingly affectionate (it was known as the Smellie); today it remains a very popular target rifle for competitive shooting, and modern copies are being manufactured to meet demand. Featuring first-hand accounts, brand-new full-colour artwork and close-up photographs, this is the story of the Lee-Enfield, the innovative, reliable and long-lived rifle that equipped British and other forces through the world wars and beyond.Trade ReviewThere is much to praise about this book and very little to find fault with. I highly recommend it and give it an “excellent” 5 out of 5. * Army Rumour Service *Table of ContentsIntroduction /Development /Use /Impact /Select Bibliography /Index
£14.39
Bloomsbury Publishing PLC Roman Centurions 31 BC–AD 500: The Classical and
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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Bloomsbury Publishing PLC US Marine Infantry Combat Uniforms and Equipment 2000–12
Book SynopsisThe US Marine Corps has been a key part of the US presence in a host of combat zones. While sharing some weapons systems with the other US Forces, the Marine Corps has developed its own distinctive approach to matters of dress, personal equipment and armament. The most important trends are a new generation of camouflage clothing, body armor, and night-vision equipment, which have transformed the appearance and capability of the individual rifleman. The men and women of the USMC have been at the forefront of these developments, utilizing innovative items of dress and equipment during their extensive service in a range of challenging environments across the world. Featuring specially commissioned full-color artwork and detailed photographs, this book explores the USMC's key contribution to the development of the combat infantry soldier's clothing and personal equipment in the 21st century.Table of ContentsIntroduction /Organization of USMC infantry units /Introduction to uniforms and equipment: recent background – influences of other armed services US and foreign – the USMC quest for distinctive “branding” – the “private-purchase” phenomenon /Printed camouflage patterns – Woodland, Desert, MARPAT (temperate, desert, and snow variations) /Field uniforms: BDU and DCU – combat utilities – flame-resistant gear – cold/wet weather clothing – boots and gloves /Load-carrying equipment: APILCE – IIFS – MOLLE – ILBE – FSBE – approved private-purchase commercial gear /Protective garments and equipment: NBC – body armor – helmets – eye-protection /Personal electronics: communications – night vision and sights – miscellaneous /Weapons /Bibliography
£13.49
Bloomsbury Publishing PLC The Armies of Bolivar and San Martin
Book SynopsisSpanish Americans of the early 19th century were eager to institute self-government and open their ports to foreign commerce. During the years 1810-14 two men of outstanding ability appeared in the front ranks of the Republican cause: Simon Bolivar, the greatest of all South American soldiers, and José de San Martin. These two men would achieve the destruction of the southern Spanish American empire as they fought to establish nations shaped and governed 'by Americans, for Americans'. This book details their military campaigns to free South America from the grip of Imperial Spain, including descriptions of their equipment, uniforms, weaponry and enemies.Table of ContentsIntroduction · Chronology · Bolivar's First Campaigns · The British Legion · Bolivar's Campaigns 1817-21 · Alto Perus and Northern Argentina, 1810-21 · The Army of the Andes · The Peruvian Campaign, 1820-22 · Bolivar's Western Campaigns, 1821-24 · Units and Uniforms · Orders of Battle · The Plates
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Bloomsbury Publishing PLC French Army 1870–71 Franco-Prussian War (2):
Book SynopsisThe capitulation of Napoleon and his army at Sedan in September 1870 shook Paris to its foundations. The Second Empire was swept from power, and a Government of National Defence hastily put in its place. To replace the weakened professional army the French called for a 'war of the people'. A companion volume to Men-at-Arms 233: The French Army 1870-71 Franco-Prussian War (1) Imperial Troops, this book covers the forces that participated in the second half of the campaign, including the regular army, l' Armeé d' Afrique, la Garde Mobile, la Garde Nationale and the naval forces. The text is accompanied by contemporary photographs and detailed colour plates.Table of ContentsIntroduction · The Regular Army · Chronology · L'Armee D'Afrique · La Garde Nationale Mobile · La Garde Nationale · Naval Forces · The Francs-Tireurs · The High Command · Weapons · Standards · The Plates
£11.69
Bloomsbury Publishing PLC New Kingdom Egypt
Book SynopsisUnder the leadership of great rulers such as Rameses II, Egypt - the most ancient and enduring power of the biblical world - fought every other major power to control an empire that stretched from the Sudan to Palestine and from Libya to Syria. In this volume the arms and equipment of the armies of Ancient Egypt are examined.Table of ContentsIntroduction · Chronology · The Rule of the Hyksos · The Limits of Conquest · The Military State · The New Kingdom Army at War · The Battle of Megiddon · The Hittite Threat · The Battle of Qadesh The Sea Peoples · The Plates
£14.24
Bloomsbury Publishing PLC Kingtiger Heavy Tank 1942–45
Book SynopsisAs World War II entered its later stages and Germany was forced increasingly onto the defensive, the need for fast-moving mobile forces lessened and the Wehrmacht required better protected and more powerfully armed tanks. After debacles against the T-34, Hitler and the Panzerwaffe were determined not to be unprepared again. The result of this determination was the production of the heaviest and largest tank to see combat during World War II, the Tiger II or Konigstiger (Kingtiger). This title examines this formidable weapon, covering the problems and controversies surrounding its design and production as well as a detailed listing of every unit that was equipped with the Tiger II.Table of ContentsDesign and Development · Official Designations · Firepower · Mobility · Battlefield Survivability · Operational History
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Bloomsbury Publishing PLC Viking Hersir 793–1066 AD
Book SynopsisWhen Norwegian Vikings first raided the European coast in the 8th century AD, their leaders were from the middle ranks of warriors known as hersirs. At this time the hersir was typically an independent landowner or local chieftain with equipment superior to that of his followers. By the end of the 10th century, the independence of the hersir was gone, and he was now a regional servant of the Norwegian king. This book investigates these brutal, mobile warriors, and examines their tactics and psychology in war, dispelling the idea of the Viking raider as simply a killing machine.Table of ContentsHistorical Background · Chronology · Training · Tactics · Logistics · The Viking in Battle · Motivation and Psychology · Appearance and Equipment · Weapons · Manufacture of Weapons · Museums · Collecting · Glossary
£14.24
Bloomsbury Publishing PLC US Cavalryman 1865–90
Book SynopsisThe period 1865-90 was one of unparalleled change in American frontier history. This span of 25 years witnessed the end of the traditional nomadic lifestyle of the plains Indians, the colonisation of the West by white settlers, and the first experience of the US army in fighting a form of irregular warfare for which its soldiers and commanders were untrained, and its equipment unsuited. That they acquitted themselves so well in the face of bureaucratic meddling, poor supply and appalling climatic conditions, speaks highly of the tenacity and physical toughness of the volunteers who served in the West. Men-at-Arms 163 and 186 and Warrior 4 are also available in a single volume special edition as 'To Live and Die in the West'.Table of ContentsIntroduction · Historical Background · Chronology · Enlistment · Training · Uniform and Equipment · Weapons · Field Service · Combat and Tactics · Wounds and Sickness · Campaigns · Sites of Interest · Glossary
£13.49
Bloomsbury Publishing PLC Tiger 1 Heavy Tank 1942–45
Book SynopsisProbably the most famous tank of the World War II, the Tiger I was originally conceived in 1941 in response to the German Army's experience in fighting British tanks and anti-tank guns in Western Europe and the North African desert. Following the invasion of Russia, the appearance of the Soviet T-34 and KW tanks lent a further impetus to the programme. The Tiger's power and performance on the battlefield is emphasised by tables of relevant performance throughout the book, which clearly show the battlefield survivability of the Tiger and its superiority to many allied tank designs. This comprehensive and extremely detailed text is accompanied by a fine selection of black and white photographs showing the tank in use.Table of ContentsIntroduction · Design and Development · Production History · Production Modifications · Firepower · Mobility · Battlefield Survivability · Operational History ·
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Bloomsbury Publishing PLC Anglo-Saxon Thegn AD 449–1066
Book SynopsisThe collapse of Roman rule in Britain was not so much a sudden catastrophe as a long and drawn-out decline. The 'Celtic' Britons retreated gradually to the highland areas of Wales, Cornwall and the south-west of Scotland. Control of the fertile eastern lowlands was lost to warriors of Germanic origin who migrated from the Continent. These Germanic conquerors have become known to history as the 'Anglo-Saxons'. They were to dominate the lowland zone of Britain until their final defeat at Hastings in 1066. This title gives an insight into the everyday life, equipment, dress, battle tactics and life on campaign of the typical Anglo-Saxon warrior of this period – the thegn.Table of ContentsOrigins of the Anglo-Saxons · Chronology · Who Were the Thegns? · Recruitment and Organisation · Equipment of the Thegn · Clothing · Everyday Life · On Campaign · The Thegn in Battle · Museums · Collecting · Re-enactment · Bibliography · Glossary
£13.49
Bloomsbury Publishing PLC General Washington's Army (1): 1775–78
Book SynopsisDuring the period 1775-78, General Washington commanded three separate armies: the New England Army of 1775; the one-year army of the United Colonies, renamed Army of the United States in July 1776; and the forces established by the Continental Congress to serve for three years from January 1777, or for the duration. In this, the first of two studies by Marko Zlatich (Men-at Arms 290 continues the treatment, covering the period from 1779-83), the systems used by state and Continental authorities to procure clothing materials, the quantities they obtained and the specifications of the uniforms themselves are all examined in detail. Men-at-Arms 273, 285, 289, 290 and 292 are also available in a single volume special edition as 'Soldiers of the Revolutionary War'.Table of ContentsIntroduction · Colonial Uniforms · Continental Uniforms · State Uniforms 1777-78 · Conclusion · The Plates
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