The Crossbow

Osprey Weapons #61

by Mike Loades, Peter Dennis (Illustrator)

Technologically 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 sieges across Europe and Asia.

Genres: Nonfiction, History, Military History, Medieval

80 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2018

Reviews

[Ron · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interesting and useful reference for reenactors, wargamers, writers, and roleplay gamers. Some very recent research helps debunk a lot of long-standing myths and old wives’ tales. Crossbows were far more prevalent in European armies than popular media would indicate. Development in Chinese, Greek, and Roman cultures is covered in some detail, including use on horseback and great crossbows. Interesting facts on construction, power, range, quarrels, spanning equipment, etc. A good companion volume to Osprey's titles on the longbow and composite bow.