50 Weapons That Changed Warfare - Hardcover

The book describes the effects of these weapons, and how and why they changed warfare. Taking them roughly in chronological order, Weir covers battle from the bloody carnage produced by hand weapons to the silent threat of the never-used but universally feared fusion bomb, the sole purpose of which is to destroy millions of people while leaving buildings intact. Each weapon is not only described but also illustrated to give a clear picture of its uses and effects. Also included are devices that, strictly speaking, are weapons carriers (tanks, bombers, missiles), but have had an enormous impact on warfare.

From the tip of the sword to the tip of the ICBM, 50 Weapons that Changed Warfare tells both a story of war and a story of human society in its most terrifying aspect.

William Weir, a combat correspondent with the 25th Infantry Division during the Korean War, is now a freelance writer specializing in military history and true crime. His other books include Soldiers in the Shadows and 50 Battles that Changed the World.