The Book of the Crossbow

One of the most devastating weapons of the Middle Ages, the crossbow fired a 12-inch bolt capable of piercing all but the strongest armor. This fascinating illustrated study traces its use in both medieval and modern times as a military and sporting weapon. It also covers related weapons, including balistas, catapults, and the Turkish bow. Over 240 illustrations.

crossbow enthusiasts;warfare weaponry;history of crossbows;studying crossbows;building your own crossbow;crossbow use in medieval times;crossbow use in modern times;construction of crossbows;crossbow as military weapon;crossbow as sporting weapon;weapons of of the middle ages;medieval weapons;siege weapons;evolution of projectile weapons;tools of war;balistas;catapults;turkish bow;impact of crossbows on history and society;siege engines;battles;war and battles; medieval warfare;pre-world-war-i;armourer;arquebus;ballista;trebuchet;fiberglass;repeater;uncivil;longbow;crossbows;composites;engineering;reconstructions;ballistic;seige;catapults;archery;1907;1903;bows;sporting;engines;turkish;maintenance;mechanisms;enthusiast;museums;siege;appendix;management;shooting