Round Shot and Rammers

by Harold Leslie Peterson

Skilled scholarship, masterful storytelling, and detailed illustrations create this first comprehensive history of the 1539 to 1865 heady days when mounted guns were used in the field, seacoast, siege, and garrison warfare - the treasured cannon, the elite cannoneers, the battles lost and won, their part in shaping the past. With 57 full pages picturing the cannons themselves, their ammunition, implements, and instruments - including detailed cannon and carriage plans for model makers - in technically unique plates by Peter F. Copeland, Donald W. Holst, and Robert L. linger.

Genres: History, Military History

128 pages

First published January 1, 1969

About the author

Harold Leslie Peterson was a historian widely considered in his day to be a foremost expert on firearms and related subjects in American history.

Peterson was born in Peekskill, New York, on May 22, 1922. He attended Drew University in Madison, New Jersey, where he was an undefeated varsity fencer in foil and saber. His education was interrupted by a nine-month tour of active duty during World War II. He graduated from Drew with an AB magna cum laude in 1945

Peterson's entire professional career was with the National Park Service. From 1963 until his death in 1978 he held the title of Curator. During his career he was consultant to many organizations and museums as an expert on historical arms and armor.

Peterson's interest, writings and research in military history went well beyond the range of arms and armor, to include military music and drinks of soldiers. He recorded his own performances of classic military music, and he wrote a book on drinks called Cups of Valor under the pseudonym N. E. Beveridge.