Artillery Through the Ages: a History of the Development and Use of Cannons, Mortars, Rockets & Projectiles from Earliest Times to the Nineteenth Century

by Albert Manucy

From thrown rock to artillery shell Albert Manucy's book examines the history of artillery from the earliest times to the late nineteenth century and describes how missiles were employed in conflicts prior to the Great War period. Every type of projectile throwing machine is considered from the earliest Ballista and Trebuchet to sophisticated ship-board naval guns and those designed for the fortified emplacements of coastal defences which were employed well into the twentieth century. Manucy not only describes the weapons but gives interesting insights into their performance and capabilities. He goes on to examine the use of gunpowder from its development to its employment in weaponry and describes many solid shot weapons and their respective specifications. The development of projectiles themselves is discussed-and their many varieties are detailed, including early rockets-as well as the tools employed by the gunners who fired the guns and employed the ammunition. This most engrossing book concludes with instruction on the practise of gunnery with explanations of the process of firing various weapons and includes many diagrams, charts of weapons and projectiles and line illustrations of gun crews demonstrating the sequence of firing. An excellent overview of the subject.
Leonaur editions are newly typeset and are not facsimiles; each title is available in softcover and hardback with dustjacket.

Genres: History, Military Fiction, Military History

124 pages, Hardcover

First published August 15, 1985

Reviews

[Ken Angle · Rating 4 out of 5]

After seeing El Moro and El Cristabol in viejo San Juan; reading this book gives dimension and reality to historical events.

[Fredrick Danysh · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting little history on the development of artillery and its munitions through tome. It is beautifully illustrated and even has some ballistics tables.

[Vincent Bellissimo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very informative

This book did a good job of explaining how gunnery evolved over the centuries. His historical descriptions are very detailed

[Henry Davis IV · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just like its subtitle implies, "A Short Illustrated History of Cannon, Emphasizing Types Used in America," this work could be called either a short book or pamphlet with equal correctness. But, for anyone with an interest in the historical employment or development of artillery, this book is a gem which covers a broad swath of time in a manner that conveys the essential elements of technological and tactical development taking place. Ranging from the early 15th to the mid-19th Century, Manucy's book presents an overview of artillery types used in North America during this time. Where this book falls short is on the tactical use of artillery. The flaw is not that artillery's tactical use is omitted; rather it is very narrow in scope and is not clearly tied to tactical and strategic trends that were shaping military tactics during these eras. This could be easily remedied with a few additional paragraphs and a slightly expanded bibliography. Still, this book is a must for Red Legs (active or alumni) and anyone trying to understand the historical progression of warfare in North America.

[David · Rating 2 out of 5]

Useful and productive manual on the history of Cannon. Not for the novice--advanced history students only.

[Mikayla]

Informative but dry.

[James · Rating 3 out of 5]

Informative but no plot

[Roger Guimond · Rating 3 out of 5]

Average

As an avid historian I didn't learn much at all from what I learned in college or high school, it was ok