This book charts the rise of the 14th century new weapon that used black powder to shoot projectiles ... Military weapons collections will welcome this survey!

The Midwest Book Review

The best historical account on the development of gunpowder that I've yet encountered.

Dick Salzer, Arms Heritage Magazine

One often wonders about the origin of hand held gunpowder weapons and thanks to this book, author Sean McLachlan carries us back to the early 14th century to tell us the story of those early projectile weapons ... another superb title in Osprey's new Weapons series.

Scott Van Aken, Modeling Madness (October 2010)

... this book reveals the true history of what may be the most revolutionary weapon in history. The author uses the latest scientific and historical research to expose the accuracy and the penetrative power of the medieval handgonne. He includes firsthand accounts of battle experiences and a discussion on the impact the handgonnes had upon tactics and the use of armor during the medieval and later periods.

www.mataka.org (November 2010)