Contains 1,250 illustrations and accompanying text arranged alphabetically by subject.

This is the most complete book available on the weaponry of the Roman army, from its Republican origins right down to the late republic.

"The advent of the crossbow more than 2,500 years ago effected dramatic changes for hunters and warriors. For centuries, it was among the most powerful and widely used handheld weapons, and its popularity endures to this day. A Deadly Art presents a lively, accessible survey of the crossbow's "golden age," along with detailed descriptions of twenty-four remarkable examples. Beginning in the middle ages, the European aristocracy's enthusiasm for the crossbow heralded shooting competitions and pageants that featured elaborately decorated weapons bearing elegant embellishments of rare materials and prized artistry. In addition to being highly functional, these weapons were magnificent works of art. A Deadly Art includes fascinating descriptions of crossbows used by Margaret of Savoy and Holy Roman Emperors Maximilian I and Charles V, among others."--Publisher's description.

This highly illustrated volume draws on the collection of the Royal Army Museum in Delft, the biggest and most important collection of medieval and renaissance arms and armor in the Netherlands, to offer a detailed account of the weapons and armor of fighting men of the period. Full of color images of the weapons and armor in the collection, and rich in detailed description, the book presents a unique picture of the outfitting of knights and soldiers in medieval and renaissance warfare.