Large Book In Dust Jacket, First Published in 1991 Reprinted 1994, Colour and Black and White Photographs, illustrations, paintings, 224 Pages, Published By Studio Editions London. A Near Fine Copy. 'With over 300 illustrations in colour and black-and-white. Ever since early battles were fought between naked warriors hurling stones from slings, warfare has reflected and, in many cases, determined the pace of human technical achievement. The development of metal weapons called for a corresponding growth in protective mail. Then, as firearms replaced the sword and arrow, heavy defensive armour was abandoned in favour of light armour intended to identify the wearer. Yet the history of arms and armour is much more than a catalogue of technical improvement. In this authoritative guide, Stephen bull describes portable arms and armour from the time of the Greeks and Romans to the early nineteenth century. Five chronological chapters, each covering one major period of history, are followed by two thematic chapters, on oriental armour- from the invention of gunpowder in medieval China to the weapons of the Ottoman Empire- and on to sporting armour as used for hunting or the tournament. Fully illustrated with over 300 colour and black and white illustrations. The book provides an essential one-volume reference work for everyone with an interest in military history and the weaponry of the world''