Continuing in the traditions of DK's Eye Witness series, Weapon provides an enlightening inventory of the tools that have helped shape world history
With an atlas-worthy hardcover binding that begs to be lain flat and glossy, image-bedecked pages that make doing so entirely worth it, Weapon is a photographic foray through the armories of history’s most influential warrior-classes and military organizations. Beginning with the first stone-wrought tools raised in anger and concluding with cutting-edge weaponry born of the coldest scientific processes, this is a tome sure to satisfy, with a melding of academic fact-finding and artistic presentation.
Weapons in Mass Depiction
By far, the most potent feature in this book’s arsenal is its imagery, and although obviously intended for an audience with an appreciation for martial implements, this is no mere gun-porn compilation. Indeed, referring to it as such would be akin to placing a biology textbook image of the naked body or a Renaissance nude in the same category as a Penthouse foldout.
The photography in Weapon is on par with what one would expect from a visual encyclopedia, and given the intricate detail and, often enough, artistic craftsmanship of the equipment photographed, only those with a truly militant opposition to the means and methods of war would prove unable to appreciate this eye-catching collection. With one- or even two-page spreads a common feature, the long hours of focus and skill that went into shaping the first edged stone knives are as clear as the technological understanding and precision embodied in a modern assault rifle.
Shots of spears and flintlocks are not the only treats for the photo fans however, as a wide variety of historical military depictions are interspersed throughout, ranging from stone carvings of Roman legionaries on the march, to Renaissance paintings of Napoleonic conflict and photographs of Word War II battlefields. Of particular interest to those with a mind for art and illustration are the double-page images used to represent each respective military era. The chapter on Medieval combat features an elaborate tapestry of the 16th century Battle of Pavia, while a later section on modern armament includes a photograph of a deployed SWAT team that is so stark and detailed that the dents in a riot shield can be discerned.
More than a Pretty Picture
While it is the visual learners who will take the most enjoyment from this book, Weapon is not shy on text. Succinct paragraphs are arranged among pictures in DK’s trademark Eye Witness style, and are segmented in a way that allows the reader to transfer attention easily from words to adjacent images and back without worry of losing their spot.
Particularly informative are Weapon’s “Great Warriors” sections, which can be found scattered throughout its pages in accordance with the chronological era-by-era procession. These two-page profiles act as micro-biographies for some particularly prominent breeds of soldiers, such as the Greek hoplite, Zulu warrior, Roman legionary, Japanese Samurai, British Redcoat and U.S. Navy SEAL. Aside from providing further enlightenment, these components also act as anchoring points, putting the weapons and equipment used by each unique combatant into historical context, and thus saving Weapon from coming across as one described implement after another and reverting into little more than a glorified Sears' catalogue for mercenaries.
With top-notch photography, informative content provided by a stable of military scholars and presentation of the highest quality, this is a book that can be enjoyed and appreciated by even those not normally inclined toward martial topics. Whether you’re in the market for a research aid, possessed of an avid interest in military history or simply looking for a coffee table occupant that doesn’t feature the mansions of the royal family or kittens at play, adding Weapon to your repertoire will leave you satisfied with your purchase and well-armed with information.
