Firearms

The Life Story of a Technology
Erscheinungsjahr 2008
ISBN: 978-0-8018-8836-6
Verlag: Johns Hopkins University Press

Buch, Englisch, 208 Seiten, Format (B × H): 152 mm x 232 mm, Gewicht: 347 g

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.

Autoren/Hrsg.

Pauly, Roger

Fachgebiete

• Technische Wissenschaften Technik Allgemein Technikgeschichte
• Geisteswissenschaften Geschichtswissenschaft Geschichtliche Themen Militärgeschichte
• Technische Wissenschaften Sonstige Technologien | Angewandte Technik Militär- und Verteidigungstechnik

Inhaltsverzeichnis

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

Über Autor(innen)

Pauly, Roger
Roger Pauly teaches history at the University of Central Arkansas.