
Firearms
The Life Story of a Technology
Roger Pauly(Author)
Johns Hopkins University Press
Published on 23. June 2008
Book
Paperback/Softback
208 pages
978-0-8018-8836-6 (ISBN)
Description
Guns have existed in various forms for hundreds of years, and few objects have had such an immense impact on world history. Firearms traces their evolution-from the hand-held weapons of ancient humans to the medieval guns of China to modern assault rifles and hunting tools. This rich and surprising story uncovers centuries of trial and error and shows how the gun changed as new technological innovation focused on accuracy, power, speed, and ease of use. With graphic prints, photographs, a timeline, and a glossary, this engaging and insightful technography sheds light on one of the most important inventions in the history of the human race.
Reviews / Votes
This handy volume is definitely a worthwhile addition to any shooter's reference library. -- Larry S. Sterett Gun Week 2008More details
Language
English
Place of publication
Baltimore, MD
United States
Product notice
Paperback (trade)
Illustrations
23 s/w Photographien bzw. Rasterbilder
23 Halftones, black and white
Dimensions
Height: 235 mm
Width: 152 mm
Thickness: 13 mm
Weight
318 gr
ISBN-13
978-0-8018-8836-6 (9780801888366)
DOI
10.56021/9780801888366
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Person
Roger Pauly teaches history at the University of Central Arkansas.
Content
Preface
Introduction: Pandora's Barrel
Timeline
1. Ancestors: The Ancient Origins of Firearms Technology
2. Childhood: The Rise and Development of Matchlock Firearms
3. Between a Rock and a Hard Place: The Rise of Flintlock
4. Rifling: A New Twist on an Old Idea
5. Old Metal Heads: The Self-Contained Metallic Cartridge
6. Technological Takeoff: The Supremacy of Rapid Fire
7. Apogee and Equilibrium: Automation
8. Conclusion: The Limits of Lethality
Glossary
Bibliography
Index
Introduction: Pandora's Barrel
Timeline
1. Ancestors: The Ancient Origins of Firearms Technology
2. Childhood: The Rise and Development of Matchlock Firearms
3. Between a Rock and a Hard Place: The Rise of Flintlock
4. Rifling: A New Twist on an Old Idea
5. Old Metal Heads: The Self-Contained Metallic Cartridge
6. Technological Takeoff: The Supremacy of Rapid Fire
7. Apogee and Equilibrium: Automation
8. Conclusion: The Limits of Lethality
Glossary
Bibliography
Index