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Catapult: Harry and I Build a Siege Weapon
An €œenormously entertaining€ (Smithsonian), €œclever, subtle, and adroit€ account (Wall Street Journal) of how the author and his friend constructed a medieval siege engine in a San Francisco backyard. €œSo funny that I could not put it down€ (Los Angeles Times).
256 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1991
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
January 21, 2023
Here's another neglected book from the early 90s that, while getting strong reviews and (I'm assuming) selling decently (given that Paul was then offered to write something of a sequel a few years later), has all but been scrubbed from the internet. I found it at the library bookstore for a buck and, intrigued by the quirky title, knew I had to have it. The scant bio at the end of the book tells us that Paul is a poet who has been published in a number of high profile publications. He's also a writer-at-large who has contributed (from the autobiographical details herein) topical pieces for mainstream media outlets. Aside from these details, my internet sleuthing leads me nowhere.
Looking at the book, you'd be forgiven for thinking it's just another gimmicky memoir in the AJ Jacobs vein--two guys build a catapult, and the author pads out the story with excerpts from the history of warfare and personal reminiscences. However, the book quickly exceeded my expectations on this front, showing me that it *was* intended as literature, and not just a quirky conversation piece.
In essence, Paul had one of those intrusive thoughts that many of us have but usually ignore. Hefting a piece of ancient rock in his hand, he was struck with the idea to make a catapult, so he could shoot the thing into the ocean. Rather than dropping the rock and going about his life, Paul yields to this surprising desire, following it through to completion. Along the way, he recruits his friend Harry--an artist with mechanical abilities--and manages to finagle a grant from a local art foundation.
Paul's book traces the journey of these two men as they work toward their goal. This is pre-internet, and, instead of just printing out some online instructions, they puzzle out the design based on pictures they find at the local library. There's a lot of sleuthing among blue collar establishments, as they seek out the pieces (and the help) they will need to construct this monstrosity. Eventually, and somewhat improbably, they finish ahead of their deadline and the reader is treated to a wonderful scene of two grown men, seized by boyhood glee, shooting rocks off a ravine within a beautiful natural setting.
What makes the book sneakily profound, however, is the way that Paul stubbornly resists letting it dissolve into too much of a feel-good boys adventure. Paul interrogates the urge to make destructive weaponry, and honestly shows us the complicated feelings aroused by their completed project, one capable of smashing heads in from 100 yards away. Likewise, the friendship between Harry and Paul is also complicated, and Paul doesn't shy away from exploring its tensions. Tellingly, the book does not end with the triumphant catapult firing; instead, Paul first walks us through a disastrous presentation for the local art foundation (at which time, both men seem to feel a mix of emotions about their project) and then ends with a moving act of construction that has nothing to do with the art of war. Elsewhere, Paul fills the book out with entertaining and moving sketches about the history of warfare and the destructive impulses of men as well as some really well-rendered autobiographical scenes, including a moving reminiscence about his complicated relationship with his father.
Men acting as boys, men and war, male friendship, fathers and sons; these are the major themes of this book (where yes, women are only ever side characters). While I know there are critiques to some of Paul's history (there's a fascinating article available on google scholar written by a medieval scholar who builds his own trebuchet and specifically calls out certain historical errors by Paul) I trust you aren't really picking up this book to be educated about Roman weaponry. Instead, you are here to embrace a journey that is, as the cover tells us, sneakily profound and addictively readable.
A great find that I really enjoyed and highly recommend for those inclined to indulge profound man-child adventures
Looking at the book, you'd be forgiven for thinking it's just another gimmicky memoir in the AJ Jacobs vein--two guys build a catapult, and the author pads out the story with excerpts from the history of warfare and personal reminiscences. However, the book quickly exceeded my expectations on this front, showing me that it *was* intended as literature, and not just a quirky conversation piece.
In essence, Paul had one of those intrusive thoughts that many of us have but usually ignore. Hefting a piece of ancient rock in his hand, he was struck with the idea to make a catapult, so he could shoot the thing into the ocean. Rather than dropping the rock and going about his life, Paul yields to this surprising desire, following it through to completion. Along the way, he recruits his friend Harry--an artist with mechanical abilities--and manages to finagle a grant from a local art foundation.
Paul's book traces the journey of these two men as they work toward their goal. This is pre-internet, and, instead of just printing out some online instructions, they puzzle out the design based on pictures they find at the local library. There's a lot of sleuthing among blue collar establishments, as they seek out the pieces (and the help) they will need to construct this monstrosity. Eventually, and somewhat improbably, they finish ahead of their deadline and the reader is treated to a wonderful scene of two grown men, seized by boyhood glee, shooting rocks off a ravine within a beautiful natural setting.
What makes the book sneakily profound, however, is the way that Paul stubbornly resists letting it dissolve into too much of a feel-good boys adventure. Paul interrogates the urge to make destructive weaponry, and honestly shows us the complicated feelings aroused by their completed project, one capable of smashing heads in from 100 yards away. Likewise, the friendship between Harry and Paul is also complicated, and Paul doesn't shy away from exploring its tensions. Tellingly, the book does not end with the triumphant catapult firing; instead, Paul first walks us through a disastrous presentation for the local art foundation (at which time, both men seem to feel a mix of emotions about their project) and then ends with a moving act of construction that has nothing to do with the art of war. Elsewhere, Paul fills the book out with entertaining and moving sketches about the history of warfare and the destructive impulses of men as well as some really well-rendered autobiographical scenes, including a moving reminiscence about his complicated relationship with his father.
Men acting as boys, men and war, male friendship, fathers and sons; these are the major themes of this book (where yes, women are only ever side characters). While I know there are critiques to some of Paul's history (there's a fascinating article available on google scholar written by a medieval scholar who builds his own trebuchet and specifically calls out certain historical errors by Paul) I trust you aren't really picking up this book to be educated about Roman weaponry. Instead, you are here to embrace a journey that is, as the cover tells us, sneakily profound and addictively readable.
A great find that I really enjoyed and highly recommend for those inclined to indulge profound man-child adventures
October 9, 2009
I bought a pristine copy of this book in a used bookstore in Ithaca, NY in late March, 2008.
After reading it, I understand why it was pristine.
Fortunately, it was a gift for someone who REALLY wants to build a catapult with me, so it's still useful. As a gift, I can't imagine a better fit, but I may be unique in my motivations for its purchase.
A super fast read, it does contain a periodic glimmer of information on its subject, but truthfully, it appears to be a vehicle that aspired to a "Pet Rock" infectiousness and was apparently not successful.
Nonetheless, the author wrote at least one more book than I (my current count is 0), and I have to give him credit for doing that. It is readable, edited, organized, and somewhat informative, and totally lacking in photos. I'd have appreciated SEEING what was being described. I do feel more informed on the subject, which has long disappeared from daily discourse.
I am also now slightly better equipped for such time as I may find myself stranded on a desert island, and needing to defend myself from mutant dinosaurs.
After reading it, I understand why it was pristine.
Fortunately, it was a gift for someone who REALLY wants to build a catapult with me, so it's still useful. As a gift, I can't imagine a better fit, but I may be unique in my motivations for its purchase.
A super fast read, it does contain a periodic glimmer of information on its subject, but truthfully, it appears to be a vehicle that aspired to a "Pet Rock" infectiousness and was apparently not successful.
Nonetheless, the author wrote at least one more book than I (my current count is 0), and I have to give him credit for doing that. It is readable, edited, organized, and somewhat informative, and totally lacking in photos. I'd have appreciated SEEING what was being described. I do feel more informed on the subject, which has long disappeared from daily discourse.
I am also now slightly better equipped for such time as I may find myself stranded on a desert island, and needing to defend myself from mutant dinosaurs.
October 17, 2010
A delightful story about engineering, friendship, and man's drive to build ever better weapons of mass destruction. At times quite funny, always thoughtful. I really enjoyed this little gem.
February 11, 2018
On a whim, Jim Paul and his friend Harry decide to build a functioning, life-size catapult that will shoot real rocks. This is the odd, funny and sneakily profound story of their experience, interspersed with an eclectic history of weaponry, including a thorough coverage of the catapult's role in military history, but also touching on other lethal weapons such as the atomic bomb. Paul is a good writer, clearly describing the engineering hurdles they had to overcome with a grant for only $500, and some the interpersonal dynamics between him and Harry, a mechanic who was able to solve most of these problems to construct what turned out to be a quite powerful medieval siege weapon. They tested it on a bluff overlooking the Pacific Ocean, and came close to bombarding a nudist beach in the process.
Paul's writing is vivid, charming and very candid. He does what the best writers do: he invites you into his world and makes the reader participate in the evolution of the story, from a joke told over the telephone to a 90-pound rock-throwing machine made of wood and steel.
My only complaint is that, although there are numerous illustrations, he does not include a detailed photo of the final product. After reading a whole book about it, I would like to have seen it.
Paul's writing is vivid, charming and very candid. He does what the best writers do: he invites you into his world and makes the reader participate in the evolution of the story, from a joke told over the telephone to a 90-pound rock-throwing machine made of wood and steel.
My only complaint is that, although there are numerous illustrations, he does not include a detailed photo of the final product. After reading a whole book about it, I would like to have seen it.
July 27, 2019
I am sure the title is what originally caused me to put this on my to-read list but the actual book wasn't exactly what I thought it would be. For much of the book the more accurate title would have been `Harry and I Avoid Building a Siege Weapon' & I found it disappointing that with the various illustrations of catapults & other weapons throughout the book, there is no illustration of the actual finished catapult other than a poorly rendered photo in which everything is just black lumps. Other than that, once you get used to Paul's weird jumping around from his project to weapon history to personal history, it isn't a bad read & has some quite amusing bits. Although he claims to have decided to do all of this on a whim it is pretty obvious that he had decided to write about it if not from the beginning then quite soon in the process which makes Harry's concerns about coming off as an Igor a more realistic issue given how willing Paul is to lie to others about what he is doing - an interesting undertone to the narrative
May 31, 2018
Dull and tedious, and somewhat vague as to the actual process of catapult design. (Photos or sketches would have been a welcome addition.) Since the project was funded as art, the eccentricities and pretensions of artists are overwhelming and annoyingly present. In their final analysis of their discovery of a "catapult consciousness," the best Paul can come with with was that he had fun, which he couldn't admit to his funders as a serious result. I'I not sure if Paul was trying to be high-minded or tell a fun story about a wonky, curious project, but I think he missed his mark.
September 23, 2020
I read this back in the late 90s or early oughties. It's a book about a couple guys who got an art grant to build a catapult. It has some great history on siege engines, what they were (a catapult is probably not what you think it is) and how they worked. And it has some really fun stuff about the relationship between the two guys who made it. Really enjoyable.
March 24, 2018
I think this is the kind of book you write when you feel you have something to say, but you don't know what that something is. Loosely connecting life impressions with a contrived goal leads to little insight about process or product.
October 26, 2020
A great story about two friends who build something together, littered with small bits of history and etc. Many truly dynamic characters and scenes in a straightforward story. Reminds me a little of The Big Lebowsky.
February 19, 2019
A great depiction of male friendship.
February 16, 2023
Jim! Net time. You write a book. Stick to the subject.
November 15, 2025
The blurb from the New York Times review says it best: “Delightfully whimsical…sneakily profound.”
January 6, 2012
This review will have 'spoilers', but not for Jim and Harry's progress on building the catapult, or anything of that nature, just the kind of catapult they chose to build and the history that is worked through the book.
I read about this book several years ago, and, especially as someone who loves the eras of history during which a catapult was the height of war technology, I thought it sounded interesting.
Honestly, I had thought that it would be along the lines of several projects I had followed with interest before - about attempting to recreate some piece of ancient technology or feat of building. It wasn't, but I didn't let that stop me from getting into the book.
The book itself is a bit odd, though perhaps I should have expected that from a book with this title and premise.
I had expected them to build a traditional catapult, from the title, which is what they did. I did not expect such a bit of a run-down on other varieties, including some incorrect imprecations on the trebuchet - which is not, as the book suggested, simply a variety of catapult, but a different type of weapon entirely.
There were some discussions about different interpretations of catapults, say, that different cultures used, and for various reasons, which was compelling, particularly viewed through the lens of Harry's mechanical background.
The pieces of history woven through the story of their own catapult are interesting, and largely to do with the catapult's importance through different wars. I did read with a grain of salt, however, as at least two of the accounts I read in the book said things I know from my other research to be untrue. I assumed that perhaps history had made some further stretches since this was published, as it was over twenty years ago.
In fact, I had assumed that the history in the book would exclusively have to do with catapults, in some way. Because of this, coming into a discussion of atomic bombs was somewhat startling, and not a little off-putting - and the rather graphic descriptions of the effects of the atomic bombs when utilised were . . . well, I'm sure you can imagine.
The things that were written about the bombs were largely discussing the process of inventing them, and scientists themselves. There were some very interesting things I hadn't known about some of the scientists' lives and work after the project was disbanded, even, which I was intrigued by, though surprised to find in the midst of this particular narrative.
Nevertheless, though I might not have appreciated the shock of some of the history included, I was happy to have some context included along the process of the expected narrative - it also helped to liven up some parts that were, by necessity, a bit dull.
When I reached the end of the book, it felt a little lacking in some way, perhaps because I had gotten too involved in the project, and the way the book sort of tapered of was not quite the ending I had envisioned or hoped for. Perhaps I'm simply too used to reading fiction, and reality doesn't quite compare. I can't say.
The interactions and dynamic between the two friends on the subject of the catapult were engaging, and occasionally nearing on painful - because it is so easy to empathise with them, and the strain that such a project put upon them and their friendship.
All in all, it was a good, though not enthralling, book. I would recommend it more to people who are interested in the modern mechanics of things than the past application of historical mechanisms.
I read about this book several years ago, and, especially as someone who loves the eras of history during which a catapult was the height of war technology, I thought it sounded interesting.
Honestly, I had thought that it would be along the lines of several projects I had followed with interest before - about attempting to recreate some piece of ancient technology or feat of building. It wasn't, but I didn't let that stop me from getting into the book.
The book itself is a bit odd, though perhaps I should have expected that from a book with this title and premise.
I had expected them to build a traditional catapult, from the title, which is what they did. I did not expect such a bit of a run-down on other varieties, including some incorrect imprecations on the trebuchet - which is not, as the book suggested, simply a variety of catapult, but a different type of weapon entirely.
There were some discussions about different interpretations of catapults, say, that different cultures used, and for various reasons, which was compelling, particularly viewed through the lens of Harry's mechanical background.
The pieces of history woven through the story of their own catapult are interesting, and largely to do with the catapult's importance through different wars. I did read with a grain of salt, however, as at least two of the accounts I read in the book said things I know from my other research to be untrue. I assumed that perhaps history had made some further stretches since this was published, as it was over twenty years ago.
In fact, I had assumed that the history in the book would exclusively have to do with catapults, in some way. Because of this, coming into a discussion of atomic bombs was somewhat startling, and not a little off-putting - and the rather graphic descriptions of the effects of the atomic bombs when utilised were . . . well, I'm sure you can imagine.
The things that were written about the bombs were largely discussing the process of inventing them, and scientists themselves. There were some very interesting things I hadn't known about some of the scientists' lives and work after the project was disbanded, even, which I was intrigued by, though surprised to find in the midst of this particular narrative.
Nevertheless, though I might not have appreciated the shock of some of the history included, I was happy to have some context included along the process of the expected narrative - it also helped to liven up some parts that were, by necessity, a bit dull.
When I reached the end of the book, it felt a little lacking in some way, perhaps because I had gotten too involved in the project, and the way the book sort of tapered of was not quite the ending I had envisioned or hoped for. Perhaps I'm simply too used to reading fiction, and reality doesn't quite compare. I can't say.
The interactions and dynamic between the two friends on the subject of the catapult were engaging, and occasionally nearing on painful - because it is so easy to empathise with them, and the strain that such a project put upon them and their friendship.
All in all, it was a good, though not enthralling, book. I would recommend it more to people who are interested in the modern mechanics of things than the past application of historical mechanisms.
March 14, 2013
If I could, I would give this book 3.5 stars. I really enjoyed the historical and scientific information about catapults and siege weapons, and the memoir bits were often really funny. These kinds of books, microhistories, where the history of the world can be viewed through the lens of one small element, are always enjoyable for me. I always walk away with new information and increased curiosity. In this case, I learned a bit about Frank Oppenheimer, the lesser known Communist younger brother of Robert Oppenheimer. What a fascinating guy, and what a perfect view of science and learning. I'd like to read more about him.
In the end, I couldn't give this book four stars because the ending felt so abrupt and kind of unsatisfying. But everything up until the final two chapters was tons of fun for science dilettantes like me.
In the end, I couldn't give this book four stars because the ending felt so abrupt and kind of unsatisfying. But everything up until the final two chapters was tons of fun for science dilettantes like me.
April 25, 2011
So far a really fun book--which is not something I ever thought I'd say about a memoir of two men building a seige weapon. Great wry, commentary on conceptual art, the art of war, our fascination with machines, how machines, especially war machines, have shaped history, and on what it is to be a modern male, father, friend and writer. Love the self deprecating voice and the flow of the prose--no clunkers yet. Every time he's at a salvage yard or welder shop and completely out of his element, it's a hoot. Reminds me a bit of Bill Bryson's work but more thoughtful and understated and less slapsticky.
It even makes me want to put on a welder's mask--and I haven't felt that way since Flashdance.
It even makes me want to put on a welder's mask--and I haven't felt that way since Flashdance.
January 26, 2014
One of the worst books I have ever read. Both builders are immature idiots and are utterly unlikable. These petulant children have no idea what is required to take on a long term project and the building nearly destroys their friendship.
P.S. i hope you aren't looking for a decent picture of the catapult or any hard information concerning its throwing ability. Luckily he does talk about trout and an awkward nude beach for a few pages.
P.S. i hope you aren't looking for a decent picture of the catapult or any hard information concerning its throwing ability. Luckily he does talk about trout and an awkward nude beach for a few pages.
January 18, 2016
Readability 6. Rating 6. Eclectic seems too mild, but this was certainly an interesting effort. Paul comes across as a reasonably likable Bay Area flake who can write, and chooses to tell the story of how he and a friend end up building a catapult. For good measure, we get some odd Bay Area history, some personal revelations, and bits on siege warfare. Since it was well written, it works, but it could have used either more substance or greater profundity.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 20, 2008
What possessed me to pick this up I do not know. We all have our own follies and this was so 'out of left field.' I had to read this -- especially since it was on Fresh Air NPR. Like the two 'artists' and how they adapt as they move their art project/work along. Sometimes we all need to do something so out of the norm in order to feel 'okay.' Still chuckling.
February 28, 2016
It was entertaining, but not "enormously entertaining," as Smithsonian claimed. This book truly is about building a catapult and how two friends went about it. The detailed passages about screws and metals just made my eyes roll into the back of my head. The book is much stronger when it examines the relationship between Jim and Harry and when it explores the history of the catapult.
January 4, 2009
A very delightful book about 2 friends that actually managed to procure a grant to build a catapult - and then launch huge rocks off the coast of California! This is their story - how they failed at times and how they, ultimately, succeeded. Predictably, it is quite funny at times.
January 24, 2008
disappointing in that i was hoping for an instruction manual.
fun story otherwise
fun story otherwise
March 23, 2011
Actually pretty refreshing and interesting and kind of awesome.
October 8, 2010
A very rare 5 star read. A wonderful tale of friendship and the lengths one will go to for a really juicy project. Just damn satisfying all the way around. And set in the bay area to boot.
December 30, 2010
Two Bay Area scientists decide to build a catapult, and then all the fun ensues, involving the government, the military and a desire to chuck rocks into the water.
July 19, 2012
Another great example of getting an idea that just had to be acted upon. The result is a history, a journal and a questioning of art and creation.
August 22, 2012
Blew me away. This book was hilarious. I read it several years ago and keep it in my "read again every so often" pile.
January 22, 2016
It was great! A very fun read.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews