Author(s): Rupert Matthews

History

This title contains special items that include: slide-reveal that turns a rusty archaeological artefact into a gleaming, freshly forged Roman dagger; lift-up flap that reveals the gruesome slash mark of a long sword on a soldier's skull; a mini-guide showing different types of medieval polearms; a booklet featuring medieval fencing tactics; a fold-out blueprint of a medieval catapult; and, a flap revealing a musket ball embedded in a soldier's skull. "Weapons of War" is a bloody and fascinating journey through the past, told through the stories of some of the most famous types of weapon. This fact-packed book looks at 13 legendary weapon categories, from the earliest spears, swords, bows and maces right up to the first guns and cannons. It explains how each weapon developed, who used it and the battles that were won with it - from the conquests of Ancient Rome's sword-wielding legionaries to the devastating victories of 14th-century English longbowmen. Packed with illustrations, photographs and artwork reconstructions, the book immerses the young reader in the reality of warfare in centuries past.