The Crossbow: Its Military and Sporting History, Construction and Use [Paperback]

Ralph Payne-Gallwey (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 1, 2007

This unique exploration of a weapon used for centuries will fascinate historians and enthusiasts alike. The crossbow, probably introduced to England by the Norman invaders in 1066, was once considered so barbarous that it was prohibited as a “weapon hateful to God and unfit for Christians.” Sir Ralph Payne-Gallwey, an accomplished engineer, here describes military and sporting crossbows and their dimensions, components, and ranges; provides hard-to-find information on crossbow construction; gives details about modern crossbows such as bullet-shooting crossbows and bolt-shooting crossbows; and peeks at unusual crossbows like the Chinese repeating crossbow. Comprehensively illustrated with original drawings and selections from historical manuscripts, this is a necessary reference book for anyone who hunts with a crossbow or collects or studies weapons of the past.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Sir Ralph Payne-Gallwey was an accomplished engineer, historian, ballistics expert, and artist. He authored several books on military and sporting history, theory, and practice.

Product Details

• Paperback: 400 pages
• Publisher: Skyhorse Publishing (April 1, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 160239010X
• ISBN-13: 978-1602390102
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 7.3 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #619,134 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The place to start research on crossbows, January 11, 2009

By 

E. M. Van Court "Van, emvc (at) lycos.com" (Honolulu, Hawai'i, USA) - See all my reviews
(TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: The Crossbow: Its Military and Sporting History, Construction and Use (Paperback)

Any work on crossbows, or any work on the history of arms that includes crossbows will have this book in the bibliography. So if you're studying crossbows, the impact of crossbows on history and society, seige weapons, the evolution of projectile weapons, or any related topic, start here.

Section I, history; Arguably the weakest section of the book, as new manuscripts have turned up and reconstructive work has been done. Still, it is a solid foundation to the military and civil (and uncivil in the case of poaching) history of crossbows. There is also a discussion of the first firearms. Note also that most modern reconstructions cite original crossbows in museums and private collections, and this book.

Section II, construction and management of crossbows through the sixteenth century; wherein several crossbows from the eleventh century through the sixteenth century. Payne-Gallway meticulously details construction of the stock, lockwork, prod, string, and accessories. And he then gets into how to use the crossbows. This is an exhaustive discussion of all aspects of making and using the discussed crossbows, and provides more than enough detail to do this at home (although it lacks the caveats about "Don't do this at home, you'll put an eye out"). No kidding. Follow Payne-Gallway's directions, and you will have a serious crossbow, that could put a quarrel through an engine block.

Section III, construction and management of crossbows nineteenth and early twentieth century (and some odds and ends); This section gets into sporting crossbows as made and used prior to the development of fiberglass and composites. The odds and ends are the best part. A Chinese repeating crossbow, bullet shooting crossbows, and arrow throwing are some of the best parts of the book.

Section IV, seige engines; Heavy ordnance! Trebuchets, and catapults, and ballistas, oh my! These would make excellent directions for a model builder or someone with a grander vision.

In the addenda, there are more seige engines and a discussion of Turkish bows.

This is an inspirational book. Payne-Gallway details all manner of awesome toys for responsible adults, and provides a robust foundation for reseach into a wide range of topics.

This book is, however, not for people who are inclined to say "Watch this!", or can't be trusted to handle lethal impliments. Do not launch automobiles from a trebuchet without a safe impact area and emptying the gas tank. Crossbows were tools of war, and can kill. Kids; don't do this at home.

I loved this book. I've used it extensively in historical research and projects, and personally find it very engaging.

E.M. Van Court

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Magnificent!, March 12, 2007

By 

Bob Fitzsimmons (New York City) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Crossbow: Its Military and Sporting History, Construction and Use (Paperback)

This is by far the most complete history of the crossbow I've found. I strongly recommend this to any military or sporting history buff. It's a great read, and the illustrations are fantastic!

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars One of the best books on crossbows!, September 3, 2009

By 

Matt Menefee "Eclectic Information Enthusiast" (Texas, most of the time.) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Crossbow: Its Military and Sporting History, Construction and Use (Paperback)

Skip the other books and choose this one. This book will give you a solid understanding of the crossbow and it's history. This book can be a wee bit dry, but it's technical drawings and solid information more than make up for that. If you have an interest in crossbows and/or in the the military history and applications of this fascinating weapon, well then this is the book for you!