Weapons: A Pictorial History

by Edwin Tunis

Weapons is the rich and exciting story of arms through the ages―from the first tied stone thrown by prehistoric hunters to the super bombs of today. Illustrated with the unusually detailed and astonishingly realistic drawings of Edwin Tunis, it is a weapon-by-weapon account of human ingenuity in the invention and improvement of arms for defense and offense. The detailed and engaging text is filled with useful information and anecdotes that bring history to life. Tunis begins with the Stone Age, describing its slings and spears, its axes and bows and arrows, and follows developments through to the Copper and Bronze Ages when chariots, swords, and daggers were first produced. He chronicles the advances of the Iron Age, with its stronger swords, helmets, and complicated siege weapons and describes the changing notions of war throughout the ages. From the highly fortified castles of the Normans to the thermonuclear weapons of today, this remarkable history weapons and the warriors who used them is a treasure trove of lore and information.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Reference, Military History

152 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1954

Reviews

[Edward Prida · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cool book that facilitated my newfound love for projectile weapons, something I always found somewhat boring. Great indepth explanation of the history of innovation between the simple stone and the hydrogen bomb. Last paragraph is a warning against the profound effectiveness of the atom bom and leads into a full 2 page illustration of a mushroom cloud. 4 stars only bc I would have loved more details on melee weaponry.

[Muzzlehatch · Rating 4 out of 5]

I probably first picked this book up in the library at the age of 10 or so; like a lot of boys, I was fascinated with guns, war, weapons of all kinds in adolescence. In my case the fascination never led to wanting to hunt or go into the military, but I have maintained a certain interest in the "manly arts" in fiction, at any rate. Tunis' book was first published in the 50s I think; he was a Maryland writer and artist who wrote and drew a dozen or so books on historical and mechanical subjects for young readers in the third quarter of the last century. All are characterized by beautiful draughstmanship -- all black and white line drawings -- and pretty solid scholarship, at least for kid's books. I haven't gotten completely through his volume on "Indians" but it looks to be much less prejudiced than most American texts of the time. "Weapons" will always be my favorite though, a solid chronological essay on the development of destructive devices from the sling through the hydrogen bomb. The sections on the middle ages through the 18th century or so are probably my favorites.

[Luca]

It really has good detail. My thinking is that the stupidest thing that they have done is put a heated ball into a mortar.

[Vaani · Rating 3 out of 5]

the book is nice

[David Bird · Rating 5 out of 5]

A source of endless fascination in my childhood.