In this fascinating book, the bestselling author of The Pocket Book of Patriotism charts the rise and fall of the weapons that helped change the course of our country's history. Here is the gripping story of the Saxon Sea Axe; the Longbow; the Claymore; the Brown Bess; the Maxim Gun; the Tiger Moth; the Tank (including Hobart's Funnies); the Spitfire; the Lancaster Bomber; the Kukri and many more. Fully illustrated in colour, the author places each one in historical context and outlines its construction, use, prevalence and effectiveness. Alongside the history of the weapons themselves come tales of the breathtaking courage of some of the men and women who fought to preserve our ancient freedoms. Important battles, commanders, armies and defences are all included. It adds up to a magnificent volume, serving to remind us that weapons not only had a profound impact on our national story but on our very identity.