Combat bows were the foundation of weaponry around the world from ancient times until the 16th century, when firearms began to dominate; however, even then, in some cultures, bows continued to be used by elite warriors. Bows allowed fighters to engage at a distance and played a crucial role in the outcomes of several of the most famous battles in history. In his fascinating study, Mike Loades explores the four most famous types of combat bows in the world: medieval longbows, crossbows with their mechanical components, Eastern composite bows with their diverse shapes, and the asymmetrical yumi of the samurai. As an expert on historical weaponry and a practicing archer, the author describes not only the technologies used in the creation of bows but also shooting techniques, battle tactics, offers modern reconstructions of shooting, and provides a detailed assessment of the role of this weapon in combat. This publication is intended for all those interested in historical weaponry.
«I wanted to place the bows discussed in this book within the broad context of their prehistoric origins. The connection between humans and the bow is very ancient: humanity has used bows and arrows for at least 64,000 years. Along with the sling and the atl-atl, the bow allowed humans to surpass the limits of their anatomy— to strike further than you can throw. This was crucial for our development. (Mike Loades)
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