Weapons: An International Encyclopedia From 5000 B.C. to 2000 A.D.

by The Diagram Group, David Harding (Editor), Jefferson Cann (Editor)

This definitive guide covers the entire history of weapons, from the earliest, most primitive instruments up to remarkable advances in modern defense and warfare,

Riot-control devices
Electrified nightsticks
Infantry weapons
Multiple-launch rockets
Fiber-optic missles
Wire-guided torpedoes
"Stealth" technology

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Reference, Military Fiction, Military History, Science, Technology

336 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1980

Reviews

[Pachyderm Bookworm · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've owned a print/hardcopy of this book from 1980; the one–word moniker 'WEAPONS' is emblazoned on the dust jacket in the color red, rather than blue, as was the design policy for the 1990 revised "second" (paperback) edition.

Published by St. Martins Press, and illustrated throughout with countless diagrams and line drawings, this volume is your veritable munitions shop on the history, construction, and continued use of weapons of ANY sort, type, or kind, from the most ancient atl-atl to the modern shoulder mounted and fired portable missile, along with so much more in between.

Even more amazing is the cornucopia of illustrations accompanying this book.

[Jackson · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of My Favorite Infographic Books. Sorts by function, not any other dumb method of organization.

[Andy Herzfeld · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you are interested in weapons past and present this is the book for you. It is a good resource to have on hand to look up and see what is being used by who or what was used back in the day and who used it. We have the internet now but sometimes books are better because you have the source document that you know where it comes from is legit. Good book.

[Peter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ah, my first weapons reference book. Every boy needs one. Or needed, as the internet now provides the same and more info for free.

Even with the internet, you really can't beat a well-done book that lays out all the relevant information before you, no googling or wikipediaing needed. Plus the feel, the convenience, the reliability, and so on.

This book holds a special place in my heart, though. I have many fond memories of poring over entries again and again, marveling at the variety and power within this particular genre of tool. Great reference read.

[Janrae · Rating 4 out of 5]

I would have given this book five stars, however I had a few problems understanding some of the diagrams and think a few matters could have been explained better.

I do feel that it is a must have book for anyone who writes about weapons in settings from the Stone Age to the present. It contains a wealth of pictures and appears to be extremely thorough.

[Joshua Galicia · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is definitely an encyclopedia, and not plot-driven literature in any way whatsoever, but I think it does provide a wealth of information on weaponry and obstacles used in the past 7,000 years. It's interesting to see the development of technology portrayed through the aspect of attack and defense.

[Amar Pai]

Loads of technical details and schematics, primarily concerned with categorization and specifications of like, the three main categories of breech loading artillery shell, by fuze, filling and function. Utterly dull.

[Bubba · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've loved this sort of thing since I was in grade school. I was the creepy kid who would check out "Weapons of WW2" from the bookmobile.

[Tyra Masters-heinrichs · Rating 5 out of 5]

I find this an excellent resource not just for writing sci-fi and fantasy, but also for naming. Its sits on the right hand side of my desk on the shelf.