Book of Weapons: Tools of War Through the Ages, The

 Author's Summary

The Book of Weapons is a sequel to the award-winning The Book of War. It covers the history of weaponry from the earliest most primitive instruments of destruction up to the technologically advanced weapons wielded today. Following in the profusely illustrated format of The Book of War, this history is organized chronologically, and is a fascinating survey that reveals the incredible array of arms, animals, methods, and concepts that were forged, fashioned, manipulated, subverted, and even seduced, into becoming the means to bring defeat and destruction to an enemy.

MWSA Review

Award winning author Dwight Jon Zimmerman continues his production of excellent reference works with The Book of Weapons: Tools of War Through the Ages. From ancient times to the modern era, Zimmerman provides easy to understand background on the most important weapons systems to shape warfare. 

I particularly enjoyed the presentation format of this book. Each system or topic is presented in the same manner; a one-page text write-up on the left side of the book and a relevant illustration on the right. From the rock to weapons of mass destruction, each subject is discussed in terms of history, technical capability, and contribution to warfare. The language is easy to understand, and both military professionals and layman can follow and learn from this book. Zimmerman also provides coverage of some topics that one might not expect to find here, such as biographies of famous designers and arms dealers, histories of significant defense contractors, and non-lethal weapons. This serves to paint a much more complete picture than many other books with similar content.

Military history and weapon enthusiasts will enjoy this book, as will anyone looking to expand their knowledge of the impact weapons have had on history. It was an easy and enjoyable read, and makes a great general reference book on the topic as well.

Reviewed by: Rob Ballister (2010)