Author: Henry Charles Angelo
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 98

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Author: Bill Harriman
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing
ISBN: 1472845374
Category : History
Languages : en
Pages : 81

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Although muskets delivered devastating projectiles at comparatively long ranges, their slow rate of fire left the soldier very vulnerable while reloading, and early muskets were useless for close-quarter fighting. Consequently, European infantry regiments of the 17th century were composed of both musketeers and pikemen, who protected the musketeers while loading but also formed the shock component for close-quarter combat. The development of the flintlock musket produced a much less cumbersome and faster-firing firearm. When a short knife was stuck into its muzzle, every soldier could be armed with a missile weapon as well as one that could be used for close combat. The only disadvantage was that the musket could not be loaded or fired while the plug bayonet was in place. The socket bayonet solved this problem and the musket/bayonet combination became the universal infantry weapon from c.1700 to c.1870. The advent of shorter rifled firearms saw the attachment of short swords to rifle barrels. Their longer blades still gave the infantryman the 'reach' that contemporaries believed he needed to fend off cavalry attacks. The perfection of the small-bore magazine rifle in the 1890s saw the bayonet lose its tactical importance, becoming smaller and more knife-like, a trend that continued in the world wars. When assault rifles predominated from the 1950s onwards, the bayonet became a weapon of last resort. Its potential usefulness continued to be recognized, but its blade was often combined with an item with some additional function, most notably a wire-cutter. Ultimately, for all its fearsome reputation as a visceral, close-quarter fighting weapon, the bayonet's greatest impact was actually as a psychological weapon. Featuring full-colour artwork as well as archive and close-up photographs, this is the absorbing story of the complementary weapon to every soldier's firearm from the army of Louis XIV to modern-day forces in all global theatres of conflict.

Author: Wm McLeod Moore
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 50

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Author: Royal United Service Institution (Great Britain). Library
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category : Military art and science
Languages : en
Pages : 856

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Author: Nick Evangelista
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing USA
ISBN: 0313369739
Category : Sports & Recreation
Languages : en
Pages : 716

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From the gruff, sword-toting swashbucklers of the Middle Ages to modern adventure epics like The Princess Bride, the aura surrounding the sword is one that is both romantic and pragmatic. Thoughts of this weapon bring to mind images of the Knights of the Round Table, Zorro, the Three Musketeers—the things daydreams are made of. Historically, the fate of the empires revolved around the sword; nations rose and fell based on the power of their swordsmen. For centuries it was the weapon of choice in settling personal disputes. Today, the art of sword fighting has been incarnated as the dynamic, chess-like sport of fencing. It has also played an important part in the history of theatre and film, and it has been part of literature for as long as there have been books. In its varied guises, the sword has for centuries figured in the world's varied cultures, myths, and politics. Yet, there has never been a comprehensive volume on the subject of the sword until the publication of this encyclopedia. For the first time, in a single volume one can locate information on the history of sword types and styles around the world; techniques of combat sword use; techniques and styles of modern sport fencing; names and descriptions of various fencing implements and weapon types; swashbuckler films and the fencing masters who influenced the genre; significant individuals who have taught sword use; the sword at the Olympics; the literature in which the rapier, foil, or broadsword has figured; and much, much more. Essential reading for fencing and military history enthusiasts.

Author: William Dawes Malton
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category : Drill and minor tactics
Languages : en
Pages : 392

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Author:
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category : Genealogy
Languages : en
Pages : 326

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Author: Arthur Wise
Publisher: Courier Corporation
ISBN: 0486492818
Category : History
Languages : en
Pages : 292

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A comprehensive, illustrated history of classical and historical swordsmanship, this volume details uses of the broadsword, two-hander, and rapier as well as the dagger, bayonet, and halberd.

Author: Thomas Robbins (Captain.)
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category : Cavalry drill and tactics
Languages : en
Pages : 228

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Author: Aubrey William O. Saunders (Lieutenant.)
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 170

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