The Practical Guide to Man-Powered Weapons and Ammunition: Experiments with Catapults, Musketballs, Stonebows, Blowpipes, Big Airguns, and Bullet Bows

An excellent informative book, full of useful information.Great for the ancient weapons buff or anyone interested in this topic.

I have learned something from this book, easy read and funny in some way; worth to buy it (at last to me).

Very well-written - if the author does descend deep into the depths of basic physics at times. This is balanced by a light-hearted writing style which is simultaneously entertaining and educational. Richard Middleton is obviously one of those people who you wished you'd had as a teacher at school - many, many years ago...! This is one of those books that will be read once, not completely understood at the time, but put away in one's library until required for direct reference - i.e., when building one of the devices described within. When this occurs, a swift re-read will make everything crystal clear and the book will then become a permanent part of your reference resources. My only (minor), complaint is that it doesn't appear to be available in hardback format - though if dear Richard cares to contact me and contradict that opinion, I'd be more than happy to buy a more substantial version...!

A great series of accounts of unconventional contrivances from catapults to home-made air weapons. Rich with warnings about experimentation, crossbows and Compressed Air, but with a marvellously accessible account, almost as asides, that explain projectile mechanics and even how a English Longbow, in wood, Yew, works! A unique work.

This well written book is good to read and has lots of usefull information . The Author has obviously researched the contents of his book in great detail and describes his experience in a humorfull way. Anybody who is interested in shooting arrows or bullets, will find all the information needed for thier homebrew projects in this book.I can realy recomend this book as very usefull and good value for Money .