"[A] menacingly illustrated book . . . nerdily gushes over the design and use of 130+ historical instruments of combat." —Thrillist One day a prehistoric guy picked up a rock and threw it at something. And the history of weapons began. Comedy writer and weapon nerd John O'Bryan relays the freaky highlights of man's centuries-old obsession with weaponry. He hilariously explains the mace, the morning star, and the man catcher, while conveying factual...

William Weir, author of 50 Battles That Changed the World, takes another look at the history of warfare by focusing on the hardware that served those famous battles. In this text, you'll uncover: Crew-served weapons-from battering rams to Big Bertha; weapons carriers, such as tanks and bombers; and unmanned weapons-punji stakes, Bouncing Betty landmines, trap guns, and more. 50 Weapons That Changed Warfare analyzes the most memorable tools known to...

Looks at the development of weapons throughout history, from stone and copper axheads to chemical and biological tools, and includes features on firearm producers and the weapons used in the Crusades, the Civil War, and other conflicts.

On battlefields throughout history, devastating engines of war have helped armies clinch victories and preserve empires. Read about massive engines of war wreaking havoc against the enemy, including battering rams, trebuchets and torpedos.

How did the First World War start? Who were the main players? Where did the fighting begin? And why were there so many casualties? If the 100-year anniversary of this war to end all wars has left you feeling a little under-informed, Five Minute History is the perfect way to read up on this major conflict in short bursts and without pages of intricate detail. A perfect overview for the uninitiated, each book will inform and educate you of the ups and...

This title examines the major weapons used during World War II, focusing on their development, strategy and tactics, and their effect on the course of the war. Compelling narrative text and well-chosen historical photographs and primary sources make this book perfect for report writing.

"Describes the uniforms, gear, and weapons used by U.S. and British forces during the American Revolution"--Provided by publisher.

"The Rifle is an inspirational story and hero's journey of a 28-year-old U.S. Marine, Andrew Biggio, who returned home from combat in Afghanistan and Iraq, full of questions about the price of war. He found answers from those who survived the costliest war of all -- WWII veterans. It began when Biggio bought a 1945 M1 Garand Rifle, the most common rifle used in WWII, to honor his great uncle, a U.S. Army soldier who died on the hills of the Italian...

In this highly anticipated follow-up to “The Rifle”, Andrew Biggio brings to light more untold stories from the quickly vanishing ranks of the veterans of World War II. Biggio's discovery of the astonishing effect his 1945 M1 Garand rifle had on the old warriors who held it sparked a unique personal mission to put it in the hands of as many veterans as possible and document the wartime memories it evoked. In this second volume, he recounts more...

This book describes infantry weapons like bayonets and hand grenades and heavy artillery such as howitzers and machine guns used in battles during World War I.