A summary of the history, construction and effects in warfare of the projectile-throwing engines of the ancients, with a treatise on the structure, power and management of Turkish and other Oriental bows of mediæval and later times

Chapter 3: PREFACE

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About This Book

A concise survey of ancient projectile engines and oriental composite bows that combines historical summary, technical description, and practical assessment. Classical and medieval sources are compared to reconstruct the form, dimensions, and mechanical principles of catapults, balistae, and trebuchets and to evaluate their performance and tactical roles in siege warfare. The appended treatise details the structure, materials, power, and handling of Turkish and other Oriental bows, with observations on construction methods and archery practice. Throughout, the author critiques source reliability and outlines the technological development and operational effects of these weapons.

PREFACE

Since my recent book on mediæval archery and ancient weapons was issued,1 I have obtained a considerable amount of information concerning the projectile engines of the Greeks and Romans. I now print a concise account of the history, construction and effects in warfare of these engines.

In this summary the additional notes I have acquired are included.

I also append a treatise fully describing that remarkable weapon the Turkish composite bow, which I only cursorily dealt with in the work referred to.

R. P. G.

Thirkleby Park,
Thirsk:
Dec. 1906.

1 The Crossbow, Mediæval and Modern, Military and Sporting: its Construction, History, and Management. With a Treatise on the Balista and Catapult of the Ancients. 220 illustrations. Messrs. Longmans & Co., 39 Paternoster Row, London.