- Paperback: 396 pages
- Publisher: Merlin Unwin Books (6 Jun 2007)
- Language English
- ISBN-10: 1873674074
- ISBN-13: 978-1873674079
- Product Dimensions: 23 x 18.6 x 3 cm
- Amazon Bestsellers Rank: 612,828 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
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Review
Comprehensively illustrated with original drawings and selections from historical manuscripts, this is an essential reference book for the historian, weapon connoisseur or crossbowman. --Gunmart
The author of this remarkable book, who died 90 years ago, wrote regularly in The Field and was a man of rare character and eccentricity. It is scholarly, charmingly written, profusely illustrated and chock-full of the most fascinating historical detail. --The Field
An eccentric expert in all things projectile, Sir Ralph Payne-Gallwey is a hero to the shooting community. This insight into the workings and history of a more combustible nature, this insight into the workings and history of a more rudimentary weapon is fascinating. --Shooting Times & Country Magazine
The author of this remarkable book, who died 90 years ago, wrote regularly in The Field and was a man of rare character and eccentricity. It is scholarly, charmingly written, profusely illustrated and chock-full of the most fascinating historical detail. --The Field
An eccentric expert in all things projectile, Sir Ralph Payne-Gallwey is a hero to the shooting community. This insight into the workings and history of a more combustible nature, this insight into the workings and history of a more rudimentary weapon is fascinating. --Shooting Times & Country Magazine
Product Description
The Crossbow was probably introduced to England by the Normans in 1066 and nearly a thousand years later, the fascination for this intruiging and barbaric weapon remains. It has over the centuries defended many a Briton, and is still used today in many countries as a hunting weapon. Here the crossbow is celebrated in Sir Ralph Payne-Gallwey's classic study. No stone is left unturned as this fanatical Victorian enthusiast looks at: * crossbow contstruction * bullet-shooting and bolt-shooting * crossbows * unusual models such as the popinjay the Chinese repeating crossbow the ballista and other siege engines Comprehensively illustrated with original drawings and selections from historical manuscripts, this is an essential reference book for the historia, weapon connoisseur, or crossbowman.
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7 reviews
7 of 7 people found the following review helpful
The place to start research on crossbows
12 Jan 2009
Format:Paperback
Any work on crossbows, or any work on the history of arms that includes crossbows will have this book in the bibliography. So if you're studying crossbows, the impact of crossbows on history and society, seige weapons, the evolution of projectile weapons, or any related topic, start here.
Section I, history; Arguably the weakest section of the book, as new manuscripts have turned up and reconstructive work has been done. Still, it is a solid foundation to the military and civil (and uncivil in the case of poaching) history of crossbows. There is also a discussion of the first firearms. Note also that most modern reconstructions cite original crossbows in museums and private collections, and this book.
Section II, construction and management of crossbows through the sixteenth century; wherein several crossbows from the eleventh century through the sixteenth century. Payne-Gallway meticulously details construction of the stock, lockwork, prod, string, and accessories. And he then gets into how to use the crossbows. This is an exhaustive discussion of all aspects of making and using the discussed crossbows, and provides more than enough detail to do this at home (although it lacks the caveats about "Don't do this at home, you'll put an eye out"). No kidding. Follow Payne-Gallway's directions, and you will have a serious crossbow, that could put a quarrel through an engine block.
Section III, construction and management of crossbows nineteenth and early twentieth century (and some odds and ends); This section gets into sporting crossbows as made and used prior to the development of fiberglass and composites. The odds and ends are the best part. A Chinese repeating crossbow, bullet shooting crossbows, and arrow throwing are some of the best parts of the book.
Section IV, seige engines; Heavy ordnance! Trebuchets, and catapults, and ballistas, oh my! These would make excellent directions for a model builder or someone with a grander vision.
In the addenda, there are more seige engines and a discussion of Turkish bows.
This is an inspirational book. Payne-Gallway details all manner of awesome toys for responsible adults, and provides a robust foundation for reseach into a wide range of topics.
This book is, however, not for people who are inclined to say "Watch this!", or can't be trusted to handle lethal impliments. Do not launch automobiles from a trebuchet without a safe impact area and emptying the gas tank. Crossbows were tools of war, and can kill. Kids; don't do this at home.
I loved this book. I've used it extensively in historical research and projects, and personally find it very engaging.
E.M. Van Court
Section I, history; Arguably the weakest section of the book, as new manuscripts have turned up and reconstructive work has been done. Still, it is a solid foundation to the military and civil (and uncivil in the case of poaching) history of crossbows. There is also a discussion of the first firearms. Note also that most modern reconstructions cite original crossbows in museums and private collections, and this book.
Section II, construction and management of crossbows through the sixteenth century; wherein several crossbows from the eleventh century through the sixteenth century. Payne-Gallway meticulously details construction of the stock, lockwork, prod, string, and accessories. And he then gets into how to use the crossbows. This is an exhaustive discussion of all aspects of making and using the discussed crossbows, and provides more than enough detail to do this at home (although it lacks the caveats about "Don't do this at home, you'll put an eye out"). No kidding. Follow Payne-Gallway's directions, and you will have a serious crossbow, that could put a quarrel through an engine block.
Section III, construction and management of crossbows nineteenth and early twentieth century (and some odds and ends); This section gets into sporting crossbows as made and used prior to the development of fiberglass and composites. The odds and ends are the best part. A Chinese repeating crossbow, bullet shooting crossbows, and arrow throwing are some of the best parts of the book.
Section IV, seige engines; Heavy ordnance! Trebuchets, and catapults, and ballistas, oh my! These would make excellent directions for a model builder or someone with a grander vision.
In the addenda, there are more seige engines and a discussion of Turkish bows.
This is an inspirational book. Payne-Gallway details all manner of awesome toys for responsible adults, and provides a robust foundation for reseach into a wide range of topics.
This book is, however, not for people who are inclined to say "Watch this!", or can't be trusted to handle lethal impliments. Do not launch automobiles from a trebuchet without a safe impact area and emptying the gas tank. Crossbows were tools of war, and can kill. Kids; don't do this at home.
I loved this book. I've used it extensively in historical research and projects, and personally find it very engaging.
E.M. Van Court
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful
Magnificent!
12 Mar 2007
Format:Paperback
This is by far the most complete history of the crossbow I've found. I strongly recommend this to any military or sporting history buff. It's a great read, and the illustrations are fantastic!
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful
One of the best books on crossbows!
3 Sep 2009
Amazon Verified Purchase
Skip the other books and choose this one. This book will give you a solid understanding of the crossbow and it's history. This book can be a wee bit dry, but it's technical drawings and solid information more than make up for that. If you have an interest in crossbows and/or in the the military history and applications of this fascinating weapon, well then this is the book for you!
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