Discover the origin, design, range, and function of arms including stone axes, swords, machine-guns, and sniper rifles, and meet the warriors who wielded them.An epic, 4,000-year illustrated volume, Weapon: A Visual History of Arms and Armor traces the evolution of the entire spectrum of weaponry through stunning photography and authoritative coverage. All the major arms through the ages including edged weapons, clubs, projectiles, and firearms can be found in the guide. This comprehensive book covers ancient Egyptian axes, bows, and spears of early societies in Africa, Oceania, and the Americas, and guns and missiles of modern infantry forces. Richly detailed catalogs showcase many weapons at their actual size, outlining the timeframe, weight, size, and country of origin to create comprehensive fact files.Also profiled are the world’s top fighting forces, from the ancient Greek hoplites to today's US Navy Seals. Created in association with the Smithsonian Institution, this weapon encyclopedia presents in vivid detail the tools that have been at the cutting edge of history, helping determine the rise of kingdoms and the fall of empires. Read more

In this new, fully updated edition, expert author Francis Crosby traces the development of fighters from World War I to the present day, and highlights actions in which fighters played a crucial role. The A–Z sections form an illustrated guide to over 170 fighter aircraft. The first covers aircraft from the pioneering days of air fighting in World War I through to the early jets at the end of World War II, and the second focuses on the remarkable advances of post-World War II, mainly jet, aircraft from 1945 to the present day. Specification boxes for each aircraft provide information about the plane’s country of origin, first flight, power, armament, size, weight and performance. Also included is a glossary explaining aviation terms. Illustrated with 600 photographs, this is a key reference book for all aircraft enthusiasts.Aircraft designed to attack and destroy other aircraft have existed almost as long as military aviation. With the outbreak of World War I in 1914, aircraft designed specifically as fighters appeared. This book of fighter aircraft traces the development of fighters from World War I to the present day, and highlights actions in which fighters played a crucial role.The first section covers aircraft from the pioneering days of air fighting in World War I through to the early jets in action at the end of World War II. This section is brimming with information and often rare photographs of truly classic fighter aircraft including the Bristol Fighter, Spit re and P-51 Mustang. The second section of the book focuses on the remarkable advances of post-World War II, mainly jet aircraft from 1945 to the present day, and includes the MiG-15, Hunter, Harrier and F-15 Eagle. Detailed specification boxes are featured for every aircraft listed. These contain up-to-date information, including country of origin, first flight, power, armament, size, weights and performance.This splendidly illustrated book, with many previously unpublished pictures from the Imperial War Museum Photograph Archive, is a must-have reference book for everyone interested in the aircraft that have helped make history. Read more

This book is a reprinting of the original manuscript and cover of the 1944 declassified manual.Created by the United States Office of Strategic Services (the predecessor to the CIA) during World War II, this manual is a clandestine guide outlining tactics for individuals to subtly disrupt enemy operations. Focused on simple, everyday acts, the manual provides instructions on how to undermine organizations from within, emphasizing the power of small, inconspicuous actions to create chaos and hinder productivity. While historically significant, its reprinted versions continue to offer insights into the art of covert warfare and unconventional strategies for disrupting adversaries. Read more

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An illustrated history of battleships, their origins and evolution, this meticulously researched book begins with a history of the battleship, from the first ironclad wooden-hulled ships of the 19th century to the revolutionary Dreadnoughts of World War I and the mighty battleships and battle cruisers of World War II. It includes a country-by-country directory of battleships, with details about each vessel’s history, construction, appearance and function. Featuring more than 150 ships – including Dreadnought, Hood, New Jersey, Bismarck and Nagato – specification boxes provide at-a-glance information about each ship’s country of origin, launch date, size, weight, armament, power, performance and complement, and includes facts and anecdotes about the famous battles and naval operations in which these ships played a role. Featuring over 550 photographs from naval and military sources worldwide, many rarely seen before, this is a must-have reference book for everyone interested in the battleships that have helped to make history. Read more

An expert guide to the uniforms of the American militiasand Continental Army, the armies and navies of GreatBritain and France, German and Spanish units, andAmerican Indian allies, with over 450 color illustrations.The uniforms of the fighting men of the American Warof Independence are a vivid illustration of the difficultiesand complexities of the conflict, and this book bringstogether for the first time a sweeping survey of whatthey should have worn, what they really wore, how theywere armed, and what they carried with them. As wellas illustrations of the soldiers, equipment and kit –with over 450 in total and an unrivalled level of detailin the depiction of the uniforms – the campaigns andbattles are explained with specially commissionedmaps and plans, and plates and fine-art paintingsof the period.Contains an unprecedented wealth of illustrative detail, with over 450 illustrations of uniforms, battle plans, technical drawings and campaign maps. Gives a concise, authoritative record of America s fight to become independent of its colonial founders, with detailed analysis of the decisive encounters and landmark engagements of the conflict. Read more

CHEMICAL, BIOLOGICAL, RADIOLOGICAL, AND NUCLEAR OPERATIONS FM 3-11 April 2025As the United States Army operates in potential chemical, biological, radiological, or nuclear (CBRN) environments in the 21st century, we must account for new and emerging CBRN threats. Many peer, near-peer, and even sub-peer adversaries make operating in a CBRN environment inherent to conducting operations. Compounding this challenge is 20 years of CBRN skills atrophy created by support to counterinsurgency operations that lacked large-scale CBRN threat. Additionally, the Army's approach to countering CBRN threats and hazards capabilities is outdated - avoid by detecting hazards using equipment that cannot detect all hazards and which require personnel to manually place into operation, protect with burdensome and cumbersome equipment which reduces combat effectiveness, and decontaminate employing old resource intensive equipment.The proliferation of weapons of mass destruction (WMD) and the inability of the international community to deter, attribute, and impose costs for their use indicate that CBRN threats will likely continue to increase. In the past ten years, the Syrian, Russian and North Korean governments have approved and employed WMD.The Syrian government used WMD on its own population while Russia and North Korea employed WMD for small scale assassinations in England and Malaysia respectively. In contravention of international treaties, these and other state actors continue to maintain formidable stockpiles and the ability to rapidly increase production of CBRN capabilities. Ever improving technologies make it easier to develop and manufacture WMD or transition dual-use facilities which do not violate treaty requirements. Also, nonstate actors continue to pursue proliferation agendas, making WMD a global challenge. Recent experimentation focused on 2040 depicts a more transparent future battlefield for both friendly and enemy forces—if you can be seen you can be hit. We can also expect a hyperactive tactical area making situational understanding critical for commanders and leaders at every echelon. The ability to make proactive risk-based decisions before entering a potential hazard area will prove critically important to ensure both Soldier survivability and mission success. Read more

Using rare and previously unpublished images from around the world, The Elite: The A-Z of Modern Special Operations Forces is the ultimate guide to the secretive world of modern special operations forces.This book sends the reader back in time to operations such as Eagle Claw in Iran and the recapture of the Iranian Embassy in London and then forward to recent operations against al-Shabaab and Islamic State. Entries also detail units ranging from the New Zealand SAS Group to the Polish GROM, and key individuals from Iraq counter-terrorism strategist General Stanley McChrystal to Victoria Cross recipient SASR Corporal Mark Donaldson. Answering questions such as how much the latest four-tube night vision goggles worn by the SEALs in Zero Dark Thirty cost, which pistol is most widely employed by special operators around the world and why, and if SOF still use HALO jumps, this book is the definitive single-source guide to the world's elite special forces. Read more

This authoritative sourcebook offers comprehensive information on Knights Templar history, symbols, key figures, unanswered questions, and more.   Who were the Knights Templar? And how did they become the wealthiest multinational corporation in the medieval West? These powerful crusaders of the late Middle Ages remain a source of fascination for their mysterious ways and their far-reaching influence. The knights of the Order of the Temple were not only warriors, but also diplomats, international banking experts, advisors to popes and kings, and much more.   Written by leading Templar authority and medieval historian Dr. Karen Ralls, Knights Templar Encyclopedia presents the history of the Order of the Temple in an accessible A-to-Z format. This authoritative sourcebook features a wealth of information on the key Templar people, places, events, symbols, organization, daily life, beliefs, economic empire, trial, and more. It includes photos and illustrations, an extensive bibliography, a historical timeline, and a list of major European Templar sites. Read more

Witness our incredible human story unfold and chart the world’s most significant battles through these bold and beautiful  bold maps – now available in a beautifully packaged box set. SI History Map by Map Collection combines three visually stunning titles (History of the World, Battles, and World War II) in one exquisite slipcase that journeys through global history. Each book contains over 100 specially created maps, offering a window into the key events that crafted our global society, the decisive battles that shaped military history, and the major theatres of war that decided Allied victory over the Axis powers. Prepare to bring history to life as you uncover: - Maps that combines beautiful illustrations with satellite relief data for unrivalled accuracy and detail.- Maps are overlaid with infographic text panels for a deeper understanding of each episode.- Feature pages offer a closer look at key people, developments, and turning points. - Timelines show the chronology of events to enhance the reader's understanding. - Narrative overviews at key points in the story provide a cohesive picture of events.- Photo feature spreads explore topics beyond key moments. - Stunning historic images and easy-to-read text bring history to life on the page.History of the WorldHistory of the World investigates how elements of civilization, such as writing and tool-making, came into being and spread from one country to the next. It chronicles the rise of the world’s great religions, and of human endeavour such as the voyages of early explorers. It retells stories of adversity such as the abolition of slavery, and shows how people have always migrated for a better life, from the very first humans moving across Africa, to millions of 19th-century Europeans crossing the Atlantic in search of the American dream.BattlesBattles hones in on the decisive conflicts that characterized battlefields from the ancient world to the bomb-scarred landscapes of modern warfare and beyond. Engrossing maps unpack history’s most famous battles, displayed in fascinating detail alongside brand new, in-depth expert analysis to explain how legendary military milestones were won and lost. Historic maps, paintings, photographs, and objects take you to the heart of the action; famous commanders and military leaders are profiled, and the impact of groundbreaking weapons and battlefield innovations is revealed. World War IIWorld War II magnifies in greater detail the key developments that led to the most destructive war on record, combining unprecedented visual detail with specially created and historical maps illustrating all major theatres of war. Layers of information show how the conflict raged around the globe on land, air, and sea, while timelines provide a comprehensive chronology of events. Archival photographs, contemporary artefacts, and profiles of famous leaders reveal the full story of the war that shaped the modern world. Authenticated by The Smithsonian Institution, this box set is an unmissable visual guide to ancient, medieval, and modern history in all corners of the world, ideal for map lovers and history enthusiasts everywhere. Read more

A renowned military historian and frequent television commenter brings to life the generalship of the North during the Civil War in sparkling, information-filled vignettes. For both the Civil War completist and the general reader! Anyone acquainted with the American Civil War will readily recognize the names of the Union's most prominent generals. Ulysses S. Grant. William Tecumseh Sherman. George McClennan. These men have long been lionized as fearless commanders and genius tacticians. Yet few have heard of the hundreds of generals who led under and alongside them. Men whose battlefield resolve spurred the Union through four years of the bloodiest combat Americans have ever faced. In The Encyclopedia of Union Generals, veteran Civil War historian, Samuel W. Mitcham, documents the lives of every Union general from birth to death, highlighting their unique contributions to the battlefield and bringing their personal triumphs and tragedies to life. Packed with photos and historical briefings, The Encyclopedia of Union Generals belongs on the shelf of every Civil War historian, and preserves in words the legacies once carved in stone.   Read more

Updated to cover the Iran-Iraq war, the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan, and the wars in Lebanon and the Falkland Islands Read more

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Focuses on a great watershed event The First World War was one of the great watershed events of the 20th century, not only costing millions of live but also disrupting existing social order, precipitating dramatic changes in the methods of waging warfare, and teaching victors new lessons about the treatment of vanquished foes. Provides valuable perspective Now a new reference work helps to put this momentous historical milestone in perspective. Designed as a companion to Garland's The United States in the First World War, this new encyclopedia concentrates on non-U.S. aspects of the conflict. Its more than 600 alphabetically arranged, detailed entries offer information and insights on such topics as the perceived and underlying causes of war, diplomatic efforts to stop the slaughter, the shortsighted and ultimately disastrous peace terms, and a host of other subjects vital to a full understanding of the events. The Encyclopedia covers all major campaigns and battles, surveys weapons and devices of war, and examines the roles played in the events by statesmen, politicians, religious and military leaders, and prominent citizens. Covers key participants and concerns Also included are biographies of individuals profoundly affected by the war who played major roles in history, such as De Gaule, Hitler, appraisals of military medicine, infantry tactics, the use of artillery, naval blockades, and other subjects; and surveys of such diverse topics as art, literature, and music in the war, camouflage, censorship, propaganda, the creation of Yugoslavia, the Jewish Legion, codebreaking, women in the war, and much more. Each entry is followed by a bibliography for pursuing inquires in depth and a subject index provides easy access. Read more

A renown military historian and frequent television commenter brings to life the generalship of the South during the Civil War in sparkling, information-filled vignettes. For both the Civil War completist and the general reader!Anyone acquainted with the American Civil War will readily recognize the names of the Confederacy’s most prominent generals. Robert E. Lee. Stonewall Jackson. James Longstreet. These men have long been lionized as fearless commanders and genius tacticians. Yet few have heard of the hundreds of generals who led under and alongside them. Men whose battlefield resolve spurred the Confederacy through four years of the bloodiest combat Americans have ever faced.In The Encyclopedia of Confederate Generals, veteran Civil War historian, Samuel W. Mitcham, documents the lives of every Confederate general from birth to death, highlighting their unique contributions to the battlefield and bringing their personal triumphs and tragedies to life.Packed with photos and historical briefings, The Encyclopedia of Confederate Generals belongs on the shelf of every Civil War historian, and preserves in words the legacies once carved in stone. Read more

Descriptions of every significant battle fought by the Roman Republic between 480 and 31 BC—and most of the minor ones too: “Amazing” (Books Monthly).   The information in each entry of this remarkable book is drawn exclusively from ancient texts in order to offer a brief description of each battle based solely on the information provided by the earliest surviving sources that chronicle the event.   This approach provides the reader a concise foundation of information to which they can then confidently apply later scholarly interpretation presented in secondary sources, achieving a more accurate understanding of the most likely battlefield scenario. In writing the battle descriptions, the author has not sought to analyze the evidence contained in the surviving accounts, nor embellish them beyond that which was necessary to provide clarity to the modern reader. He allows the original writers to speak for themselves, presenting the reader with a succinct version of what the ancient chroniclers tell us of these dramatic events. It is an excellent first-stop reference to the many battles of the Roman Republic.   “An indispensable reference guide for any student of the Roman military.” —The NYMAS Review Read more

An encyclopedia of articles examining guerrilla warfare throughout the world, focusing on military tactics utilized by minority groups within a state or indigenous population to oppose the ruling government or foreign occupying forces. Read more

3,500+ full-color illus. and photos. 10 x 13. Read more

Discover the key battles, tactics, technologies and turning points of the Second World War - the epic conflict that shaped the modern world.The World War II Book explores the causes, key events, and lasting consequences of the Second World War, combining exciting text with bold explanatory graphics. Using the original, graphic-led approach of the series, entries profile more than 90 of the key ideas and events during and surrounding the conflict - from the rise of Hitler and Fascism in the 1930s to Pearl Harbor, the D-Day landings, and the bombing of Hiroshima to the founding of the State of Israel in 1948. Offering a uniquely compelling, accessible, and immediate history of the war, The World War II Book shows how key battles, political and economic forces, individual leaders, and technological advances influenced the course of the conflict. This brilliant book abour war aims to profile the most important milestones of the Second World War, with thought-provoking graphics and flow-charts that demystify the key tactics and technologies, and place them in the context of the wider, global conflict.With power to every page, you can journey into the past to discover:- Insightful and inspiring quotes from famous military leaders, politicians, and historians - from Winston Churchill and Franklin D. Roosevelt to Eric Fromm and Mahatma Gandhi- Fully international, featuring all theatres of the conflict, from the Normandy Beaches to the jungles of Burma and the islands of the Pacific, and entries on the experience of war - from rationing to Kindertransport- Combines creative typography, graphics, and clear text to explore the key events in World War II, and the people behind them, in a unique way-Includes a directory section for easy localizationThe World War II Book is a must-have volume for general readers interested in history and military history, politics and history students, whether as a gift or self-purchase, and is an ideal book for families, schools and libraries alike!At DK, we believe in the power of discovery. So why stop there? This exciting book is a powerful addition to DK's best-selling Big Ideas series, which boasts worldwise sales of over 6.5 million copies across 88 countries and in 29 languages. Travel back in time with The History Book, discover awe-inspiring artwork with The Art Book, and marvel at the magnificence of ancient and modern medicine with The Medicine Book. Read more