Illustrated Encyclopedia Of Twentieth Century Weapons And Warfare Edited By Bernard Fitzsimons

Pre-owned. Excerpt from preface: There is no need to belabour the point that the waging of war has not abated during the history of mankind. This being true, it is somewhat astonishing that very little has been published on what might be referred to in the classic sense as the “engines of war.” The Illustrated Encyclopaedia of 20th Century Weapons and Warfare helps to fill this gap. Here are twenty-four volumes that will be of interest to the lay reader as well as the scholar and the historian. The set runs the gamut of 20th century weapons from A to Z. Included are World Wars and I and the two other major conflicts, namely, Korea and Vietnam. Although the encyclopaedia is restricted to the 20th century, in more general terms it may also lead one to the realisation that what occurred in 20th century military technology had its derivation in the past. Submarine warfare, made practicable during World War I, had its origins before and during the American Revolution. Aerial warfare, also a 20th century phenomenon, can look back to the observation balloon, a part of 19th century military equipment. And it might be claimed that germ warfare of a sort was practiced during siege operations against fortified towns in antiquity. As a consequence, the line drawings and other detailed illustrations of aircraft, ships, and vehicles appearing in these volumes brings to mind an earlier work on this subject by that 15th century artistic, and inventive Renaissance genius, Leonardo da Vinci. His numerous sketches and detailed drawings set forth new methods of improving the weapons of that creative and turbulent period.

While providing the reader with technical information on a myriad of weapons, the encyclopaedia should also stimulate further inquiry into A variety of topics whether they be listed under the heading “Paris Gun” (of World War – fame) or “Manhattan project” (recalling the most awesome technological and scientific achievements of this century that ushered in the Atomic Age), The names of individuals such as Maxim, Fokker, Garrand, Norden or von Braun, whose technical and scientific achievements either greatly
improved existing weapons or helped alter the strategy of warfare, are also included. In addition to individuals, such names as the U.S.S. Enterprise, HIMS Royal Oak, and the Bismarck should rekindle memories of heroic military operations of World War I. In this respect, to all veterans of past wars, this encyclopedia should evoke A most personal response.

For centuries, salt has merely been a common household item. Now it is also the acronym for strategic arms limitations or the attempts to limit by treaty the proliferation of nuclear weapons such as ABM’s, anti-ballistic missiles, or MIRV’s, multiple independently targeted re-entry vehicles. These and other exotic forms of weaponry in the current family of weapons are not only the object of discussions between nations on the subject of arms limitations, but also arms sales among nations. It is, therefore, important that their design and effectiveness be made known.

One might conclude any thoughts on the history of warfare with the reflection that with all the time, effort, ingenuity, and expenditure of money devoted to the continual improvement of the destructive power of weapons, it is indeed heartening to note that a number of these devices, although conceived for war, have been converted to more peaceful pursuits.

Being sold in separate lots – please click “Choose Your Lot” for details. Book covers are in very good condition. There is some foxing, particularly to end-papers – please see images. Some light creasing. Volumes 17, 22 and 23 are missing. Published by Purnell & Sons NY USA 1979