War Bows: Longbow, crossbow, composite bow and Japanese yumi

War bows, including the composite bow, longbow, crossbow, and yumi, have dominated battlefields for centuries, allowing trained archers to take down targets from great distances. This book explores their history, technology, and tactics, with modern ballistics testing and action recreations.

\n Format: Hardback
\n Length: 312 pages
\n Publication date: 21 February 2019
\n Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC
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War bows have been a dominant force on battlefields worldwide for centuries, allowing skilled archers to strike down even heavily armored targets from long distances. These bows took various forms and played pivotal roles in some of the most renowned conflicts in human history. One of the most iconic weapons was the composite bow, which was used by cultures as diverse as the Hittites, Romans, Mongols, and Ottoman Turks for over a thousand years. The composite bow was versatile and highly effective, whether wielded on foot, from chariots, or on horseback. It was a staple weapon in various military campaigns and played a significant role in shaping the course of history.

During the Middle Ages, a clash between the longbow and the crossbow emerged, particularly during the Hundred Years War. The longbow, known for its immense power and accuracy, remained a formidable weapon until the crossbow gained technological advancements. The crossbow, with its faster firing speed and greater range, proved to be a more effective weapon in certain situations.

In Japan, the samurai utilized the yumi, a longbow-like weapon, with deadly effect. The samurai would ride their galloping steeds and unleash bursts of arrows from their yumi, striking down their enemies with precision and swiftness. The yumi was a symbol of the samurai's skill and bravery and played a crucial role in Japanese military history.

Historical weapons expert Mike Loades has written a comprehensive book that delves into the full history of these four iconic weapons. The book includes modern ballistics testing to analyze the power and effectiveness of each bow. It also features action recreations of firing each bow, providing a firsthand experience of the weapons' capabilities. Additionally, the book offers a critical analysis of the technology and tactics associated with each bow, shedding light on their impact on warfare.

For anyone interested in ancient arms, "War Bows: The Four Iconic Weapons That Changed the Nature of Warfare" is a must-have book. It provides a detailed and engaging account of the development and usage of these weapons throughout history, and offers valuable insights into the strategies and tactics employed by different military cultures. Whether you are a history enthusiast, a military enthusiast, or simply someone curious about the evolution of weapons, this book is an invaluable resource.

\n Weight: 1888g\n
Dimension: 248 x 287 x 29 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9781472825537\n \n