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A Deadly Art: European Crossbows, 1250–1850 (Paperback)

A Deadly Art: European Crossbows, 1250–1850 Cover Image
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Description


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.
 




Published by The Metropolitan Museum of Art/Distributed by Yale University Press

About the Author


Dirk Breiding is J. J. Medveckis Curator of Arms and Armor at the Philadelphia Museum of Art.

Product Details
ISBN: 9780300197044
ISBN-10: 0300197047
Publisher: Metropolitan Museum of Art
Publication Date: January 28th, 2014
Pages: 160
Language: English