A History of Firearms: From Earliest Times to 1914

by W. Y. Carman

Overview

Amply illustrated with pen & ink drawings, and including a glossary of key terms, this volume, originally published in 1955, traces the history of firearms and the pioneers who made that history, step by step, to the fringe of a complex modern science.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781138923379
Publisher:	Taylor & Francis
Publication date:	09/30/2015
Series:	Routledge Library Editions: Military and Naval History , #7
Pages:	248
Product dimensions:	6.12(w) x 9.19(h) x (d)

Table of Contents

1. The Use of Fire in War 2. The Development of Cannon 3. Variations of Cannon 4. Machine Guns 5. Handguns, Muskets and Rifles 6. Carbines 7. Pistols and Revolvers 8. Experiments 9. Ammunition 10. Grenades and Fireships 11. Rockets

Introduction

This thorough, far-ranging survey traces the history of firearms and introduces pioneers who helped shape that history. Coverage extends from the times of the ancient Assyrians and Greeks to the dawn of the century and the fringe of modern science. Written by an expert in the field-the former Deputy Director of the Imperial War Museum in London-this essential guide covers a wide array of topics, among them the ancient use of firearms in wartime and the development and variations of cannon, mines, handguns, muskets, and riffles; as well as experiments with arms, ammunition, grenades, and rockets. A glossary identifies several weapons-related terms, including such less-familiar designations as bombardelle, coign, and mangonel. Indispensable as a reference for students and scholars, A History of Firearms will also serve as an important sourcebook for collectors and hobbyists.

Editorial Reviews

Carman, the former deputy director of London's Imperial War Museum, released this illustrated volume in 1955. He covers the earliest incarnations of single-shot cannons and the development of semi- and full-automatic weapons around World War I, along with rockets and grenades. Copyright 2004 Reed Business Information.

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