William Reid (2) (1926–2014)

This is a chronological set of entries on the different types of weapons used throughout history. I found it a bit dry. Much better is O'Connell's "Of Arms and Men."

Nicely illustrated, but covers too much to be of any true help in any one field, good for the new researcher and a handy book to have on hand for the obvious details.

The Lore of Arms chronicles the evolution of weaponry from Neolithic times through World War II. The authoritative text, the result of over 20 years of research in the war museums of Europe and the United States, focuses on those weapons that significantly changed the nature of warfare, including crossbows, catapults, flint and steel-trigger muskets, breech-loading guns and, from the modern age, field artillery, tanks and automatic weaons.

The painstakingly researched text and exquisitely show more detailed line and colour drawings make the book not only an unrivaled one-volume reference but a pleasure to browse through as well.

The Lore of Arms represents a major effort by a world-renowned military historian to draw together the intricate strands that make up the history of weaponry. No one interested in the technology or history of armaments should be without this exceptionally readable volume.

Wililan Reid is director of the National Army Museum in London. He is the author of Arms Through the Ages and numerous articles on military subjects.

Contents

Chapter 1-21 show less

An extremely details history of Britian famous barr and Stroud Optical company and the Binoculars they provided for the Royal navy.
The author details all B&S sets , Naval and Civilian charting the history of the Company and its optical products. Excellent, a fantastic read and important optical reference guide.
Published by National Museums of Scotland it is now out of print .