A summary of the history, construction and effects in warfare of the projectile-throwing engines of the ancients, with a treatise on the structure, power and management of Turkish and other Oriental bows of mediæval and later times

The volume opens with a concise survey of the great siege machines that powered ancient warfare. Drawing on the writings of Heron, Philo, Vitruvius and other classical authors, the author pieces together fragmentary plans to show how Greek and Roman engineers built balistas, catapults and early torsion engines. Detailed explanations of wood, metal and rope components are paired with clear, labeled illustrations that let listeners picture each device in action. The narrative also notes the gaps and transcription errors that have long clouded our understanding, highlighting the detective work involved in reconstructing these forgotten tools.

Turning to the medieval era, the work shifts to the evolution of the crossbow and the celebrated Turkish composite bow. It explores the mechanics of tension, limb design and arrow dynamics, while also describing how these weapons were managed on the battlefield and adapted for sport. Richly illustrated with over two hundred figures, the book offers a vivid, hands‑on look at the craft and power of archery from antiquity through the early modern period.