In a world where even toy guns are reviled by pacifistic parents there exists the extraordinary Eyewitness Book Arms & Armor. Studying weaponry is an unusual, fascinating angle on human history, as people have always used weapons to hunt, defend themselves, or attack. This intriguing photo essay examines the design, construction, and use of hand weapons and armor--from the Stone Age axe to the revolvers and rifles of the Wild West.

In the tradition of the Eyewitness series, Arms & Armor begins with a short introduction to prehistoric weapons, accompanied by a photograph-rich spread with fascinating, history-packed, fun-fact-loaded captions. The Los Angeles Times Book Review says the Eyewitness Books are "like a mini-museum between the covers of a book," and they are right! From crude Paleolithic hand axes, we progress to missile weapons; the first warriors (and the effect of the discovery of copper and bronze on tools and weapons); the weapons of the armies of ancient times; weapons from the Dark Ages; European swords; crossbows versus longbows; axes, daggers, and knives; plate and mail armor; Indian warriors; Japanese samurais; early firearms; flintlock firearms; dueling swords; dueling pistols ("Although illegal, for centuries dueling was a popular way for 'gentlemen' and army officers to settle their quarrels," the section begins); bizarre, extraordinary, seemingly impractical hand weapons; grenadiers and cavalry; pistols; "Guns that won the West"; North American Indian weapons; and, believe it or not, more. This book is sure to find an audience with youngsters obsessed with knights and times medieval, art-history buffs, amateur historians, or anyone with a penchant for pistols. (Ages 9 to 12) --Karin Snelson


From Publishers Weekly
Stunning photography characterizes these Eyewitness Books, each of which brings museum-like collections right into readers' laps. The large format and glossy pages guarantee that no details are lost: the stripes of a banded claystone from East Africa are sharp and clear in Rocks; each diamond and ruby in the jade-inlaid handle of a Persian dagger is delineated in Arms; the intricate bone structure of a porpoise's paddle is perfectly discernible in Skeletons; and each bit of fluff and string in the "medley of materials" that makes up a nest is in focus in Bird. Illustrations and inset photographs accompany each spread of objects, which are set on a pristine white background. The unfussy design gives these books a sophisticated look, and each one is an odyssey for readers of any age. Ages 10-up. Copyright 1988 Reed Business Information, Inc.

ANNOTATION

A photo essay examining the design, construction, and uses of hand weapons and armor from a Stone Age axe to the revolvers and rifles of the Wild West.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

Be an eyewitness to awesome and bloody weapons such as swords, knuckledusters, and pistols -- and the equipment used to deflect deadly slashes, blows, and bullets. See a ceremonial knife from Sudan. Find out how far a crossbow could fire an arrow. Discover why powder flasks were made of cow horn.

FROM THE CRITICS

Publishers Weekly