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The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Weapons of World War II: A Comprehensive Guide to Weapon Systems, Including Tanks, Small Arms, Warplanes, Artillery, Ships and Submarines
What was the armament and crew of the German Tiger tank and its Soviet equivalent, the T-34? What was the calibre and effective range of the Lee-Enfield bolt-action rifle? World War II spawned a massive variety of weapons systems, many complex, all fascinating and exciting.The Encyclopedia of Weapons of World War II is an easy-to-read illustrated compendium of the military hardware - from air, sea or land - which was used in engagements around the globe from 1939 to 1945. It includes more than 1500 pieces of equipment from handguns to aircraft carriers. Each weapon system is illustrated with a detailed profile artwork and a photograph showing the weapons system in service. Accompanying the illustrative material is detailed text that lists each weapon's service history, the numbers built, and its variants, as well as full specifications.When did the Hawker Hurricane make its maiden flight? What role did Japanese light cruisers play? The Encyclopedia of Weapons of World War II answers these questions and many more. A fund of World War II weapons information, this is a must for military historians and anyone with a keen interest in the history of World War II.
608 pages, Paperback
Published May 1, 2016
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
December 13, 2021
The number one encyclopedia of weapons systems used during the Second world war.
Contains lots of good colour pictures and diagrams, and It has everything from pistols to B-52 bombers.
Kind modelling enthusiasts could find this book helpful along with anybody interested in the weapons used by all sides during WW2.
A great edition to my ever-expanding, military history, bookshelf at home (over 600).
Contains lots of good colour pictures and diagrams, and It has everything from pistols to B-52 bombers.
Kind modelling enthusiasts could find this book helpful along with anybody interested in the weapons used by all sides during WW2.
A great edition to my ever-expanding, military history, bookshelf at home (over 600).
December 19, 2020
For a long time, this was probably a 4-star reference book but dropped a bit towards the end. I'm doing a bit of a different format for this review because I feel it facilitates it better.
The Good: Excellent breadth of coverage, many varied categories, and some that a majority of people wouldn't think of. Includes in-depth on less well-known weapons and countries (Swedish guns, a chapter dedicated to landing craft, scout aircraft, or armored merchants, etc.). Excellent diagrams, drawings, and pictures with good captions to help you get the preliminary reference for the particular item. Excellent depth on naming conventions and models, especially stating what the Germans did with the large amount of captured equipment which is something I did not know about before reading this.
The Neutral: Information is good but can be repetitive within each category. Some of the highlighted (or rather somewhat glossed over) equipment choices were peculiar.
The Bad: The editing and actual print quality leave something to be desired. Plenty of occasions where the bottom line of text was cut off completely. Not particularly readable as some of these style books can be. I would read a chapter or so a day for about a week in between regular books (I also misplaced it for a year which is why it took so long to finish technically).
Overall this is a great general reference book. Not as readable as some books of this nature but if you are researching or looking for a 'quick look-up guide' type book this can be a great resource. Also has more variety in chapters which could make this research easier and will give you a lay of the land in terms of each category.
The Good: Excellent breadth of coverage, many varied categories, and some that a majority of people wouldn't think of. Includes in-depth on less well-known weapons and countries (Swedish guns, a chapter dedicated to landing craft, scout aircraft, or armored merchants, etc.). Excellent diagrams, drawings, and pictures with good captions to help you get the preliminary reference for the particular item. Excellent depth on naming conventions and models, especially stating what the Germans did with the large amount of captured equipment which is something I did not know about before reading this.
The Neutral: Information is good but can be repetitive within each category. Some of the highlighted (or rather somewhat glossed over) equipment choices were peculiar.
The Bad: The editing and actual print quality leave something to be desired. Plenty of occasions where the bottom line of text was cut off completely. Not particularly readable as some of these style books can be. I would read a chapter or so a day for about a week in between regular books (I also misplaced it for a year which is why it took so long to finish technically).
Overall this is a great general reference book. Not as readable as some books of this nature but if you are researching or looking for a 'quick look-up guide' type book this can be a great resource. Also has more variety in chapters which could make this research easier and will give you a lay of the land in terms of each category.
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews