Artillery Through the Ages A Short Illustrated History of Cannon, Emphasizing Types Used in America

Step into the thunderous world of artillery, where ancient catapults and medieval trebuchets first learned to hurl massive stones, and watch the evolution of firepower through centuries of innovation. This concise guide traces the transformation from Roman ballistae to the sleek rifled guns that reshaped battlefields, all narrated with clear explanations of how each piece works.

Richly illustrated with the author’s own drawings, the booklet highlights the cannon types most often seen in America’s national parks, from the 12‑pound French field guns of the 1700s to the massive Civil War siege artillery. Listeners will gain an appreciation for the engineering behind smoothbores, howitzers, mortars and early rockets, and the role of gunpowder in powering them.

Beyond the technical details, the narrative connects each weapon to the people who operated them, revealing why the art of gunnery mattered to the outcomes of wars and the shaping of the nation. A handy glossary and concise explanations of terms make the material accessible, turning complex history into an engaging listening experience.