Of Arms and Men : A History of War Weapons and Aggression

A History of War, Weapons, and Aggression

Nonfiction, Home & Garden, Antiques & Collectibles, Firearms & Weapons, Social & Cultural Studies, Political Science, Politics, Arms Control, History, Military, Weapons
Cover of the book Of Arms and Men : A History of War Weapons and Aggression by Robert L. O'Connell, Oxford University Press, USA
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Robert L. O'Connell ISBN: 9780199878901
Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA Publication: March 16, 1989
Imprint: Oxford University Press, USA Language: English
Author: Robert L. O'Connell
ISBN: 9780199878901
Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA
Publication: March 16, 1989
Imprint: Oxford University Press, USA
Language: English

The appearance of the crossbow on the European battle field in A.D. 1100 as the weapon of choice for shooting down knights threatened the status quo of medieval chivalric fighting techniques. By 1139 the Church had intervened outlawing the use of the crossbow among Christians. With this edict arms control was born. As Robert L. O'Connell reveals in this vividly written history of weapons in Western culture that first attempt at an arms control measure characterizes the complex and often paradoxical relationship between men and arms throughout the centuries. In a sweeping narrative that ranges from prehistoric times to the nuclear age O'Connell demonstrates how social and economic conditions determine the types of weapons and the tactics used in warfare and how in turn innovations in weapons technology often undercut social values. He describes for instance how the invention of the gun required a redefinition of courage from aggressive ferocity to calmness under fire; and how the machine gun in World War I so overthrew traditional notions of combat that Lord Kitchener exclaimed "This isn't war!" The technology unleashed during the Great War radically altered our perceptions of ourselves as these new weapons made human qualities almost irrelevant in combat. With the invention of the atomic bomb humanity itself became subservient to the weapons it had produced. Of Arms and Men brilliantly integrates the evolution of politics weapons strategy and tactics into a coherent narrative one spiced with striking portraits of men in combat and penetrating insights into why men go to war.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

The appearance of the crossbow on the European battle field in A.D. 1100 as the weapon of choice for shooting down knights threatened the status quo of medieval chivalric fighting techniques. By 1139 the Church had intervened outlawing the use of the crossbow among Christians. With this edict arms control was born. As Robert L. O'Connell reveals in this vividly written history of weapons in Western culture that first attempt at an arms control measure characterizes the complex and often paradoxical relationship between men and arms throughout the centuries. In a sweeping narrative that ranges from prehistoric times to the nuclear age O'Connell demonstrates how social and economic conditions determine the types of weapons and the tactics used in warfare and how in turn innovations in weapons technology often undercut social values. He describes for instance how the invention of the gun required a redefinition of courage from aggressive ferocity to calmness under fire; and how the machine gun in World War I so overthrew traditional notions of combat that Lord Kitchener exclaimed "This isn't war!" The technology unleashed during the Great War radically altered our perceptions of ourselves as these new weapons made human qualities almost irrelevant in combat. With the invention of the atomic bomb humanity itself became subservient to the weapons it had produced. Of Arms and Men brilliantly integrates the evolution of politics weapons strategy and tactics into a coherent narrative one spiced with striking portraits of men in combat and penetrating insights into why men go to war.

More books from Oxford University Press, USA

Cover of the book The Blues:A Very Short Introduction by Robert L. O'Connell
Cover of the book Buried In Treasures : Help For Compulsive Acquiring, Saving, And Hoarding by Robert L. O'Connell
Cover of the book Freedom's Orator : Mario Savio And The Radical Legacy Of The 1960s by Robert L. O'Connell
Cover of the book Rhythms of the Brain by Robert L. O'Connell
Cover of the book Why America Fights : Patriotism And War Propaganda From The Philippines To Iraq by Robert L. O'Connell
Cover of the book The Prince of Medicine: Galen in the Roman Empire by Robert L. O'Connell
Cover of the book Beyond Talent : Creating a Successful Career in Music by Robert L. O'Connell
Cover of the book Dom Casmurro by Robert L. O'Connell
Cover of the book The Art of Teaching Art : A Guide for Teaching and Learning the Foundations of Drawing-Based Art by Robert L. O'Connell
Cover of the book China in the 21st Century:What Everyone Needs to Know by Robert L. O'Connell
Cover of the book Red Families V. Blue Families : Legal Polarization And The Creation Of Culture by Robert L. O'Connell
Cover of the book The Tibetan Book of the Great Liberation : Or the Method of Realizing Nirvana through Knowing the Mind by Robert L. O'Connell
Cover of the book The Arab Uprisings:What Everyone Needs to Know by Robert L. O'Connell
Cover of the book Faith and Power:Religion and Politics in the Middle East by Robert L. O'Connell
Cover of the book Lone Star Lawmen : The Second Century of the Texas Rangers by Robert L. O'Connell
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy