The History of Weapons of the American Revolution

I will make this short since the previous reviewer have done justice to the book. Since going over this book, I have to say that everything the previous reviewer have to say is pretty close to the mark. This book is one of the most complete reference coverage of weapons used during the American Revolution. I would give it five stars but one element, there is nothing on the Indian weaponry in this book. Considering how many pages are devoted to bladed weaponry in this book, you might think that the author could add a tomahawk or two from various Indian tribes who also fought in this war. The previous reviewer missed that one as well and considering how important Indians were in that war and the role they played, missing out on their weaponry proves to be a major oversight. Otherwise, this book is fantastic addition to anyone interested in the American Revolution. But like the previous reviewer wrote, its more of a reference guide then a history lesson. More you know about the time period, greater the understanding you will get from the book.

George C. Neumann's book, The History of Weapons of the American Revolution, may well be one of the best books of its kind. Although the book may be a bit technical for the recreational history buff, its in-depth explanations and excellent photographs of weapons of the colonial period are invaluable to collectors and researching historians alike. Neumann begins by explaining the history of weapons for the previous 150 years leading up to the Revolutionary War. This gives the reader some foundation on which to build his or her knowledge of the weapons of the period. For example, Neumann helps the reader understand the origin of the bayonet, one of the primary weapons used throughout the war, by writing on the previous importance of polearms, pikes, and spears in the military of previous years. This, coupled with explanations of post-war weapon advances, gives the reader a better understanding of the nature of the weapons of the era. This book would be an excellent acquisition for any collector of pre-nineteenth century weapons or American military weapons. It goes into great detail to give descriptions and illustrations of almost any production weapon imaginable from this period, such as pikes, polearms, pistols, muskets, and rifles, including manufactures' symbols, stamps, or identifying marks. Thusly the book could prove to be a gold mine to collectors who need a source of identification for their weapons. The weapons photographed come from many different sources including museum displays, personal possessions, and the author's own huge collection. The historian could find this book valuable for many reasons. For one, this Company of Military Historians endorsed book is one of a rare breed. While many books have been published dealing with weapons from the Cold War, WWI, and II, and the Civil War, relatively few have been published dealing with the War for Independence. Also, of the small number that have been published, it appears that Neumann could have the most well-rounded of them all. It combines well its many photographs and illustrations with its explanations of the weapons and what is going on to influence the manufacture of the weapons at this time. While other good books on the same topic, such as Weapons of the American Revolution ... and accoutrements by Warren Morris and The book of the Continental soldier; being a compleat account of the uniforms, weapons, and equipment with which he lived and fought by Harold Leslie Peterson, tend to specialize more in illustrations or in giving an account of the weapons used in the war, Neumann's book has more of a balance between the two. For this reason, a reader who wants a more elaborate picture of weaponry of the eighteenth century should read The History of Weapons of the American Revolution. Although, in my opinion this is probably one of the best books of its kind, it its not without its flaws. The average reader may grow weary of page