For nearly 600 years, from battles of the early 14th century to the dropping of the atomic bomb at Hiroshima, firearms derived from gunpowder and other chemicals defined the frightful extent of war. In this classic work, first published in 1960, distinguished historian James Riddick Partington provides a worldwide survey of the evolution of incendiary devices, Greek fire, and gunpowder. 21 illustrations.

Over 220,000 entries representing some 56,000 Library of Congress subject headings. Covers all disciplines of science and technology, e.g., engineering, agriculture, and domestic arts. Also contains at least 5000 titles published before 1876. Has many applications in libraries, information centers, and other organizations concerned with scientific and technological literature. Subject index contains main listing of entries. Each entry gives cataloging as prepared by the Library of Congress. Author/title indexes.

Om udviklingen af krudt gennem 600 år fra 1346 og til 1945, men med vægt på forskningsresultater vedrørende middelalderen og de ældre stadier i udviklingen. Mange oplysninger om bøger om krudtfremstilling fra antikken og til middelalderen, om bøgernes forfattere og ofte med ordrette latinske citater fra bøgerne.