From the first clubs and spears of early humanity to the "smart" bombs and laser technology of today, the history of mankind has been inextricably bound up with the twin stories of war and the weaponry used to wage it. To explore the history of weaponry is to explore a central aspect of human history.
With its in-depth look at the development of weaponry from prehistory to the present day, The Historical Atlas of Weaponry is an invaluable reference source for anyone interested in the evolution of empires, large and small, and covers all the significant landmarks in weaponry development.
The book is organized chronologically, starting with a chapter examining the first weapons ever created by man and ending with a chapter looking at the high-tech killing machines of today. Between these start and end points, there are chapters covering the whole history of weaponry, including medieval developments, the age of gunpowder, and mobile warfare. There are also individual chapters looking at the weaponry developed and deployed in World War I and World War II. Written in an authoritative yet readable style, "The Historical Atlas of Weaponry" is a comprehensive guide to the tools of war and armed conflict.