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

By Ralph Payne-Gallwey and Sir Ralph Payne-Gallwey

Book Overview

This unique exploration of a weapon used for centuries will fascinate historians and enthusiasts alike. The crossbow, probably 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." Sir Ralph Payne-Gallwey, an accomplished engineer, here describes military and sporting crossbows and their dimensions, components, and ranges; provides hard-to-find information on crossbow construction; gives details about modern crossbows such as bullet-shooting crossbows and bolt-shooting crossbows; and peeks at unusual crossbows like the Chinese repeating crossbow. Comprehensively illustrated with original drawings and selections from historical manuscripts, this is a necessary reference book for anyone who hunts with a crossbow or collects or studies weapons of the past.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 160239010X
• ISBN13: 9781602390102
• Release Date: April 2007
• Publisher: Skyhorse Publishing
• Length: 328 Pages
• Weight: 1.55 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.1" x 7.3" x 9.3"

Customer Reviews

One of the best books on crossbows!

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!

Just got the book and... OMG WOW!

Within the 5 mins of browsing through the book I was hooked! I couldn't put this bad boy down even to go to the restroom! This IS a COMPLETED WORK! GET IT! ask yourself this Do I want to learn anything about crossbows? or everything? If you answered yes to either of those, then this is the perfect book.

The place to start research on crossbows

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

This book was so informative

This book has everything you would want to ever possibly know about the crossbow: history, construction, evolution, the modern use of. The illustrations really help to show how the crossbow has changed over the centuries. This is a great look into the past and present.

Magnificent!

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!