The History of Landmines [Hardcover]

Mike Croll (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 1998

The history and current state of mine warfare, recent international efforts to ban their use, and how they are most likely to be used in the future.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 224 pages
• Publisher: Pen and Sword (November 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0850526280
• ISBN-13: 978-0850526288
• Product Dimensions: 9.6 x 6.4 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #714,715 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Landmine History, February 8, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: The History of Landmines (Hardcover)

This book is an excellent primer for the anyone interested in the niche landmines have filled throughout history. The author displays extensive experience with landmines and demining, and has conducted extensive research into the history of theses devices. He traces the lineage from Hannibal to the impact of the international campaign to ban landmines, providing an informative account without emotional sensationalism. This text is worthy of inclusion in any course detailing warfare through the ages.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Work on Landmines, September 30, 2008

By 

Bomb Man58 - See all my reviews

This review is from: The History of Landmines (Hardcover)

Ex-Royal Engineer Bomb Disposal Officer Mike Croll has produced a thoroughly researched and very well written work on one of the most devastating weapons employed on a battlefield-the landmine. Landmines come in many shapes and sizes and their effects remain long after conflicts cease. Mines placed in the ground over 60 years ago could eventually outlive those who laid them and still wreak their terrible carnage on people around the world.

Mike traces the history of the landmine back to 52BC, when the idea was simply a sharpened spike in a hole. He then covers the landmine's development through the ages up to the present day; where mines continue to maim and kill many people world wide, many of them innocent children and women. It is estimated one person will step on one of these devices at least once a day; even more frequently, somewhere in the world where mines have been used. Landmine use in the First and Second World Wars, Vietnam, the Gulf War and lastly during intra-state conflicts are covered together with the humanitarian perspective of clearance and methods used to clear landmines in affected countries. Anyone wishing to know more about this insidious weapon should obtain a copy or at least, read it.

In summary, a very well written and researched book, with a sturdy cover that survives travelling, numerous references for further research and reading and highly accurate in its content. My one lament is the book is now 10 years old and I'd love Mike to revisit it for an updated second edition. Well done, Mike Croll!

4.0 out of 5 stars Good for your reference shelf!, September 24, 2001

By 

Shawn Hughes "still prefers paper to pdf" (near Oak Ridge, Tenn.) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The History of Landmines (Hardcover)

This book is a great concise history of the use and defeat of landmines from early history to today. Various angles, from the military who sows them, to the deminers who defang them, and ultimately, the unfortunate who encounter them are highlighted.
My only gripe is I would've liked more. More landmine photos, render-safe procedures, equipment.
Otherwise, still a good read.