Tools of Violence: Guns, Tanks and Dirty Bombs

This book is a good introduction to modern warfare and equipment. It covers small arms, explosives, armour, artillery, aviation, naval weapons and WMD, all in a span of 40 - 50 pages each. While the uses and technical capabilities of each particular piece of machinery is discussed, the authors never fail to remember the human aspects of using the various tools of violence, and the limitations placed upon them by their operators. Yet this is not a book praising mankind's ability to create machines of death, but rather an insightful look at how the weapons are used, and in what sort of environments they are used, while never forgetting the operator. The sections do vary in quality, however. The small arms and battle tank sections are absolutely exceptional, and present arguments from many points of view on the uses and reliability of those various weapons. The naval section was alright, but was lacking information on naval intelligence warfare. The reason that this book gets 4 stars is due to the absence of information and intelligence warfare, which if Russia and China are any indication, is becoming extremely important to modern combat. Intelligence and electronic warfare are extremely important, but were neglected in the naval section. While these weapons have yet to see actual use, they nonetheless still exist and form an important part of the arsenal. This book is well written, and has a good section of colour plates. It is an excellent introduction to the equipment and uses of it in modern warfare. It looks at weapon systems from around the world as well, not just concentrating on American and British arms, and never forgets the human element of weaponry.

TOOLS OF VIOLENCE: GUNS, TANKS AND DIRTY BOMBS surveys weapons commonly misunderstood, offering chapters of facts and dispelling myths of modern weaponry. From weapons and their effects to the realities of delivery systems, TOOLS OF VIOLENCE packs in analysis of physical, political and psychological effects of weaponry, backing up analysis with interviews with those engaged in weapons technology, from soldiers and police to researchers, weapons specialists and more. Any military library needs this unique coverage.