The Crossbow: Its Military and Sporting History, Construction and Use

This Unique Exploration of a weapon used for centuries will fascinate historians and enthusiasts alike. This crossbow, probably forst introduced to England by the Norman invaders in 1066, was once considered so barbarous that it was prohibited as a "weapon hateful to God and unfit for Christians." Tey it successfully defended many an early Briton and its present-day corollaries are used by sportsmen everywhere. Here you will find a comparison of military and sporting crossbow and their dimensions, components, and ranges; hard-to-find information on crossbow construction; details about modern crossbows, such as the popinjay; and the Chinese repeating crossbow. Also carefully considered are the weapons from which the crossbow is thought to have been adapted, including the ballista and similar siege engines. Comprehensively illustrated with original drawings and selections from historical manuscripts, this is an essential reference for the historian, weapon connoisseur, or crossbowman.