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Used it for a class on weapons, good reference book.
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Soul of the Sword: An Illustrated History of Weaponry and Warfare from Prehistory to the Present
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A sweeping history of weapons -- their origins and impact on warfare and society -- from prehistory to the present, including "The Halberd"
In the 13th century, Swiss confederates relied on lightweight breastplates, halberd lances, and a democratic style of phalanx warfare that succeeded by agility and speed but ultimately failed against powerful cannons and firearms.
"The First Hand Cannon"
In the 15th century in France and the Low Countries, arms makers first shrunk down cannons by using bronze, allowing for new mobility. Hand cannons were transported on two-wheeled horsedrawn carriages and could be positioned and fired within minutes. No fortified city in Europe was immune to the threat.
"The WheeL Lock Pistol"
In one of the serendipitous technological borrowings that helped the West dominate in gun development, arms and clock-makers in Germany in the 16th century developed a new firing mechanism, using a serrated wheel to strike iron pyrite. When the fuse was eliminated, guns could suddenly be carried, shot, and reloaded by fast-moving cavalry.
"The Pariskanone"
First fired by Germany in March 1918, this cannon shelled Paris from a distance of 80 miles, firing shot as high as 24 miles in the air. Although it killed fewer than 260 citizens, the Pariskanone prefigured the constant terror of intercontinental ballistic missiles.
In the 13th century, Swiss confederates relied on lightweight breastplates, halberd lances, and a democratic style of phalanx warfare that succeeded by agility and speed but ultimately failed against powerful cannons and firearms.
"The First Hand Cannon"
In the 15th century in France and the Low Countries, arms makers first shrunk down cannons by using bronze, allowing for new mobility. Hand cannons were transported on two-wheeled horsedrawn carriages and could be positioned and fired within minutes. No fortified city in Europe was immune to the threat.
"The WheeL Lock Pistol"
In one of the serendipitous technological borrowings that helped the West dominate in gun development, arms and clock-makers in Germany in the 16th century developed a new firing mechanism, using a serrated wheel to strike iron pyrite. When the fuse was eliminated, guns could suddenly be carried, shot, and reloaded by fast-moving cavalry.
"The Pariskanone"
First fired by Germany in March 1918, this cannon shelled Paris from a distance of 80 miles, firing shot as high as 24 miles in the air. Although it killed fewer than 260 citizens, the Pariskanone prefigured the constant terror of intercontinental ballistic missiles.
400 pages, Hardcover
First published August 27,2002
This edition
- Format
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400 pages, Hardcover
- Published
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August 27, 2002 by Free Press
- ISBN
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9780684844077
- ASIN
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0684844079
- Language
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English
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At first glance, this is the kind of book you find in the Barnes & Noble discount section by the dozens. I picked it up at a used book shop in San Francisco. There was a 50/50 chance I'd ever read it. At first I would glance ever now and then through a section. I was struck by how interesting O'Connell's analysis was and resolved to read the whole book.
My expectations were well met. O'Connell's brief analysis of this seemingly endless topic was masterfully concise. And, not only did he approach the subject from a technological level, but a sociological one as well. This efficient account of the evolution of technology and society was just enough to paint a vivid picture of history without getting stuck in the details AND keep the reader hungry for more information.
Well done sir.
My expectations were well met. O'Connell's brief analysis of this seemingly endless topic was masterfully concise. And, not only did he approach the subject from a technological level, but a sociological one as well. This efficient account of the evolution of technology and society was just enough to paint a vivid picture of history without getting stuck in the details AND keep the reader hungry for more information.
Well done sir.
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Good read
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Both the title ”Soul of the sword” and the subtitle ”Illustrated history of weaponry and warfare” are misleading; there is very little about swords, a history of weaponry it is not so much (many famous ones are missing and the technological view is underused), illustrated - almost not at all. But a history of warfare it is, and an excellent one, explaining the mechanisms by which war appeared and evolved, and especially the societal ”why?”s for every era.
Even better, the book finds the golden spot between too much and too little science, offering the perfect amount of history, sociology and psychology to be both captivating and educational.
Highly recommended (for readers well aquainted with history).
Even better, the book finds the golden spot between too much and too little science, offering the perfect amount of history, sociology and psychology to be both captivating and educational.
Highly recommended (for readers well aquainted with history).
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Not really a history of weapons, which is what I expected... and what the title suggests it will be.
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